Vehicle Thermal Frame Assembly With Opposed Heat Exchanger Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal systems for motor vehicles face challenges in efficiently mounting multiple heat exchangers on a single-piece frame while minimizing air leakage between them, leading to reduced thermal performance due to air leaks.
Innovation Solution
A monobloc frame design with opposing insertion directions for heat exchangers, incorporating snap-fit fastening means and integrated sealing walls to ensure precise positioning and minimize air leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If heat exchangers are mounted on a single-piece frame using traditional sealing solutions, then assembly is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but air leakage occurs between heat exchangers and frame reducing thermal performance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting heat exchangers from one side of the frame, the patent mounts them from opposite sides with opposing insertion directions. This inversion of the traditional mounting approach allows sealing walls to effectively block air leakage paths that would otherwise occur between heat exchangers and the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sealing walls that extend in a direction perpendicular to the frame surface, creating a three-dimensional sealing structure. This adds a new dimensional element (the sealing wall projection) to the traditional two-dimensional mounting surface, effectively blocking air leakage paths.
2Ease of operation
If multiple heat exchangers are stacked on the same side of the frame, then assembly is straightforward, but dimensional constraints increase and positioning precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the mounting arrangement by placing heat exchangers on opposite sides of the frame rather than stacking them on the same side. This eliminates the cumulative dimensional constraints and positioning errors that would result from stacking multiple exchangers sequentially on one side.
3Reliability
If heat exchangers are mounted with seals around their perimeter, then some air leakage is reduced, but air leakage between heat exchangers and frame after air passes through the first exchanger is not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal system into separate mounting zones on opposite sides of the frame. Each heat exchanger is independently mounted with its own sealing walls, creating discrete sealed compartments that prevent air leakage between exchangers and the frame in each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds sealing walls that project from the frame surface into the space between the heat exchanger and frame, creating a three-dimensional sealing barrier. This dimensional addition effectively blocks air leakage paths that two-dimensional perimeter seals cannot prevent.
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 solution allows for easy and reliable assembly of heat exchangers, reducing air leakage and enhancing thermal performance by maintaining optimal airflow through the system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one fastening means elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction and comprising a stop suitable for locking the transverse position of the corresponding heat exchanger on the frame
Implementation Method 2
The frame comprises at least one sealing wall projecting from a lateral and/or longitudinal wall of the frame, said sealing wall having at least one free end portion extending into a space provided transversely between the two heat exchangers
Implementation Method 3
The frame has an open face through which the exchangers are successively inserted. The first heat exchanger is inserted butted into the bottom of the frame, and the second heat exchanger overlaps the first by being attached to the frame and/or the first heat exchanger itself
Implementation Method 4
These thermal systems are designed to facilitate heat exchange between the airflow passing through them and various fluids circulating through heat exchangers
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject of the present invention is a thermal system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a one-piece frame (2) comprising a front face (20) and a rear face (22), wherein the frame comprises, on each of its two faces (20, 22), fastening means (29, 30) for at least one heat exchanger (8, 10), said fastening means being such that first fastening means (29) disposed on a front face (20) of the frame are configured for fastening a heat exchanger (8) in a first insertion direction (Ia) and second fastening means (30) disposed on a rear face (22) of the frame are configured for fastening a heat exchanger (10) in a second insertion direction (Ib) opposite to the first insertion direction.