Thermal Coupling Assembly for Vehicle Climate-Controlled Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional climate-controlled cases for vehicles do not effectively couple with onboard heating or cooling devices, and they lack secure and easy alignment at the connection point between the case and the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly that includes a container with first ports in fluid communication with its interior, and second ports on the vehicle's compartment wall in communication with the vehicle's climate control system. The assembly features a connection mechanism with positioning and securing features, such as magnetic connections, protrusions, and indentations, to align and securely attach the container to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional climate controlled cases are used without a connection assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of fluid communication and secure attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: positioning features (protrusions and indentations) for alignment, and securing features (magnetic connections, lips, and ledges) for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly acts as an intermediary component between the container and the vehicle compartment wall. It mediates the interface by providing standardized positioning and securing mechanisms that ensure reliable fluid communication without requiring complex integration between the container and vehicle systems.
2Ease of operation
If manual alignment methods are used without positioning features, then the manufacturing precision is reduced, but the ease of operation is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning features utilize asymmetric geometry with specific protrusions and corresponding indentations that guide alignment in a single correct orientation. This asymmetric design ensures precise port alignment while being intuitive to operate, as the asymmetric shapes naturally guide the user to the correct positioning without requiring complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning features are pre-configured on the container and vehicle compartment wall during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when the container is installed, the ports are automatically aligned correctly without requiring additional adjustment or complex alignment procedures during operation.
3Strength
If simple attachment methods are used without securing features, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the strength of attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The securing features incorporate magnetic connections that replace traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, or adhesives). This substitution provides strong attachment forces while simplifying the manufacturing process, as magnetic components can be integrated into the structure without requiring complex assembly operations or additional fastening hardware.
4Reliability
If multiple securing mechanisms are implemented, then the reliability of secure attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple securing mechanisms (magnetic connections, lips, and ledges) are merged into a single integrated connection assembly structure. This merging provides redundant securing functions that enhance reliability while avoiding the complexity of separate, independent securing systems. The combined structure ensures that multiple securing actions occur simultaneously through a single attachment motion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The coupling assembly enables simple and effective fluid communication between the container and the vehicle's climate control system, ensuring efficient thermal management and secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The securing feature includes a magnetic connection having a ferromagnetic element disposed in the container and a magnet disposed in the wall
Implementation Method 2
the positioning feature includes an indentation formed on one of the wall and the container and a protrusion extending from another of the wall and the container and engaging the indentation
Implementation Method 3
the securing includes a lip extending outwardly from the protrusion and a ledge defining a groove formed on the wall, wherein the lip is configured to engage the groove
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly for a vehicle includes a container selectively coupled with a compartment of the vehicle. The container includes at least one first port in fluid communication with an interior of the container. At least one second port is disposed on a wall of the compartment and is in fluid communication with a climate control system in the vehicle. A connection assembly is between the container and the wall. The connection assembly includes a positioning feature configured to align the at least one first port with the at least one second port. The connection assembly further includes a securing feature configured to bias the container toward the wall when the container is coupled with the wall to maintain fluid communication between the interior and the climate control system.