Vehicle A/C Pipe Bracket Assembly for Heat Pump Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air conditioner systems for vehicles require separate brackets with different shapes for heat pump and non-heat pump applications, leading to increased complexity and reduced productivity due to the need for distinct connection structures and assembly directions.
Innovation Solution
A universal bracket design that includes a body and extending parts with fastening members, allowing the same bracket to be used for both heat pump and non-heat pump systems by adjusting the assembly direction of the fastening member based on the application, thereby simplifying the connection of pipes to components like the condenser, expansion valve, and refrigerant switching valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate brackets with different shapes are used for heat pump and non-heat pump applications, then the connection structure can be optimized for each specific application, but the device complexity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single bracket structure that can serve both heat pump and non-heat pump applications. The bracket includes a body with multiple extending parts and fastening members that can accommodate different pipe connection configurations. By making the bracket multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate bracket designs for different applications, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining optimized connection capabilities for both application types.
2Reliability
If separate brackets with different shapes are used for heat pump and non-heat pump applications, then the connection structure can be optimized for each specific application, but productivity decreases due to increased manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The universal bracket design allows the same component to be used across different application types, significantly improving productivity. Instead of manufacturing and managing inventory of multiple bracket variants, the single multi-functional bracket can be produced in larger volumes with standardized processes. The bracket's design with multiple extending parts and adjustable fastening members enables it to adapt to different connection requirements without requiring separate tooling or assembly procedures for different application types.
3Productivity
If a universal bracket design is used for both heat pump and non-heat pump applications, then the number of parts is reduced and productivity increases, but the adaptability to different connection configurations must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into a body and multiple extending parts, each serving specific connection functions. The extending parts can be positioned and oriented to accommodate different pipe connection configurations required by heat pump and non-heat pump applications. This segmentation allows the universal bracket to maintain adaptability to various connection arrangements while being produced as a single standardized component, thus preserving both productivity benefits and configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket incorporates adjustable fastening members that can be positioned at different locations and orientations to accommodate different connection configurations. This dynamic capability allows the same bracket structure to adapt to varying connection requirements of different applications, maintaining versatility while benefiting from standardized manufacturing and assembly processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention may provide an air conditioner for a vehicle, which includes components of a compressor, a heat exchanger, and an expansion valve that are connected by pipes, including a bracket configured to fix the pipes to the components, wherein the bracket includes a body and a part extending from the body, a fastening part to which the component and pipe are fixed is formed on the part, and the fastening part includes a fastening member inserted into an assembly part of the pipe.