Patent Publication Number: US-11656037-B2

Title: Support assembly for finned tube type heat exchangers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/256,119, filed Jan. 24, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth in the present application. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a support assembly used to attach heat exchangers to the frame or chassis of a machine. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a support assembly used to hold onto a finned tube type heat exchanger and attach the heat exchanger to the frame or chassis of earth moving, construction, and mining machine and the like. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Machines, such as those used in the earth moving, construction, and mining industries, use heat exchangers to cool engines or other heat producing devices. Support clips are often employed to attach the tube of a heat exchanger, such as a radiator, to a frame or chassis of the machine. The interface between the support clip and tube may experience play that may be caused by internal or external factors. Internal factors of this play may include erosion that occurs due to cavitation of the fluid flowing through the tube, leading to the tube wall deforming inwardly. External factors may include dimensional growth or contraction of the support clip due to changes in temperature or moisture or stack up tolerances. 
     Play between the support clip and the tube may lead to further issues with wear and/or an improper orientation of the heat exchanger relative to the flow of air meant to draw heat from the tube. In time, a hole may also develop in the tube, resulting in an undesirable loss of cooling fluid from the tube. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,862,693 to Tinker discloses a support clip for finned tubes in a finned tube heat exchanger. The clamping mechanism provided by the support clip is adjustable for ease of assembly and disassembly. A filler is provided between the fins that contacts the tube outer diameter and that is configured to contact an aperture of a frame member. However, as shown in FIGS. 1 thru 5 of Tinker, the disclosed apparatus in Tinker requires that two frame members are provided with apertures such that one aperture of one frame member provides support to the finned tube on only one side while the other aperture of the other frame member contacts the opposite side of the finned tube. 
     SUMMARY 
     A support assembly for attaching a heat exchanger to a frame of a machine, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, includes a clip configured to at least partially surround a perimeter of a tube member of the heat exchanger. The clip includes a first end portion and a second end portion configured to engage the first end portion to hold the support assembly around the tube member in a closed position. The first end portion includes a laterally-extending projection and a laterally facing surface spaced apart from the projection by a recessed area. The second end portion defines a recess configured to receive a portion of the projection. 
     A heat exchanger assembly for a machine having a frame, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, includes a tube member having an exterior surface and a support assembly attached to the frame and at least partially surrounding the tube member. The support assembly includes a first end portion having a laterally-extending projection and a laterally facing surface spaced apart from the projection by a recessed area, and a second end portion having a recess configured to receive a portion of the projection. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a front view of a heat exchanger assembly including a finned tube of a heat exchanger being supported by a support assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a sectional view of the finned tube and support assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a support member of the support assembly of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of the support member of the support assembly of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a support assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a sectional view of the support assembly of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of a first portion of a securing arrangement of the support assembly of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  8    is an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of a second portion of a securing arrangement of the support assembly of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  9    is an enlarged view of the first portion and the second portion of the securing portion in a closed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
     In some embodiments, a heat exchanger assembly that includes a heat exchanger and a clip that interfaces with a tube member of the heat exchanger to attach the heat exchanger to a frame of a machine may be provided. A support member may be disposed between the clip and the tube member to form a seal that prevents debris and other abrasive material from entering between the clip and the tube member. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a heat exchanger assembly  50  including a heat exchanger  100  and a support assembly  101  for attaching the heat exchanger  100  to the frame or chassis of a machine. The term “machine” may refer to any machine, such as a fixed or mobile machine, that performs some type of operation associated with an industry such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, or any other industry known in the art. For example, the machine may be an earth moving machine such as a track-type tractor, a motor grader, a backhoe, a loader, a material handler, or any other earth moving machine. 
     The heat exchanger  100  may include a tube member  102  having an exterior surface  104  and extending along a longitudinal axis  106 . As best seen in  FIG.  2   , the tube member  102  may include an annular configuration including a first straight side  116 , a second straight side  118  opposite the first straight side  116 , a first arcuate portion  120  connecting the first straight side  116  to the second straight side  118 , and a second arcuate portion  122  connecting the first straight side  116  to the second straight side  118 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first straight side  116  is parallel to the second straight side  118  and the first arcuate portion  120  is disposed diametrically opposite of the second arcuate portion  122 . Hence, the annular configuration may resemble an oval, oblong, or a “race track” shape. In other embodiments, however, the tube member  102  may be otherwise shaped. 
     The heat exchanger  100  may include a first undulating fin section  130  disposed adjacent the first straight side  116  of tube member  102 , a second undulating fin section  132  disposed adjacent the first straight side  116  of the tube member  102  and being spaced away axially from the first undulating fin section  130 , defining an axial gap  134 . The first undulating fin section  130  may be connected to the second undulating fin section  132  by a straight section (not shown) extending along the first straight side  116  of the tube member  102 , but that is optional. 
     The heat exchanger  100  may include a third undulating fin section  140  disposed adjacent the second straight side  118  of the tube member  102 , a fourth undulating fin section  142  disposed adjacent the second straight side  118  of the tube member  102  and being spaced away axially from the third undulating fin section  140 , also defining the axial gap  134 . The third undulating fin section  140  may be connected to the fourth undulating fin section  142  by a straight section (not shown) extending along the second straight side  118  of the tube member  102 , but that is optional. 
     Each of the undulating fin sections  130 ,  132 ,  140 ,  142  include one or more fin members  144  that include a heat transfer portion  146  extending from the exterior surface  118  of the tube member  102  along a direction  150  that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis  106 . In some embodiments, any fin member  144  may have fins that spiral about the exterior surface  104  of the tube member  102  with an axis coincident with the longitudinal axis  106  in lieu of or in addition to the undulations. Also, only one fin member  144  may be provided in other embodiments and the annular configuration of the tube member  102  may have other shapes including rectangular, circular, etc. It is to be further understood that a plurality of tube members with fin members and cross-members that connect tube members together may be provided in various embodiments of the heat exchanger  100 . 
     The tube member  102  and the undulating fin sections  130 ,  132 ,  140 ,  142  may be made from any suitable material or materials with suitably durable and thermal conductivity. In one exemplary embodiment, the tube member  102  and the undulating fin sections  130 ,  132 ,  140 ,  142  are made from aluminum or copper. In one exemplary embodiment, the tube member  102  and the undulating fin sections  130 ,  132 ,  140 ,  142  are made from the same material. 
     The undulating fin sections  130 ,  132 ,  140 ,  142  may be attached to the tube member  102 . The undulating fin sections  130 ,  132 ,  140 ,  142  may be attached to the tube member  102  in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the undulating fin sections  130 ,  132 ,  140 ,  142  may be brazed to the tube member  102 . 
     The support assembly  101  is disposed in the axial gap  134  and at least partially surrounds the exterior surface  104  of the tube member  102 . The support assembly  101  includes a clip  152  and a support member  154 . The clip  152  is configured to attach the heat exchanger  100  to the frame of a machine while the support member  154  is disposed between the clip  152  and the tube member  102 . 
     The support member  154  may be configured in a variety of ways. Any configuration that forms a snug fitting interface between the clip  152  and the tube member  102  may be used. Referring to  FIGS.  2 - 4   , in the illustrated embodiment, the support member  154  has a generally C-shaped body  156  having a height H, an interior surface  158  defining an aperture  160  and an exterior surface  162  generally parallel to the interior surface  158 . In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture  160  is generally shaped similar to the exterior surface  104  of the tube member  102 . The body  156  includes a first end portion  164  and a second end portion  166  opposite the first end portion  164  and a seam or channel  168  extending from the first end portion  164  to the second end portion  166 . 
     The first end portion  164  defines a first flange  170  having a thickness T 1 , a first end face  172 , and a first inward facing shoulder  174 . The second end portion  166  defines a second flange  180  having a thickness T 2 , a second end face  182  opposite the first end face  172 , and a second inward facing shoulder  184 . 
     The support member  154  may be made of any suitable material capable of forming a seal between the clip  152  and the tube member  102  and withstanding the temperatures associated with operation of the heat exchanger  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the support member  154  is made of a compressible material, such as, for example, any suitable rubber. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , the clip  152  may comprise a body  200  defining an exterior profile  202 , and an adjustably sized aperture  204  configured to receive the support member  154 . The exterior profile  202  may define at least one attachment feature  206  and the body  200  may include an interior surface  208  defining the adjustably sized aperture  204 . 
     In particular embodiments, the body  200  may define a living hinge  210  disposed adjacent the exterior profile  202  and forming a portion of the adjustably sized aperture  204 . The body  200  may further define a seam  212  connecting the exterior profile  202  to the interior surface  208 . The seam  212  may define an undercut  214  configured to keep the body  200  locked in a closed configuration to minimize the size of the adjustably sized aperture  204 . Once locked, the interior surface  208  of the clip  152  engages the exterior surface  162  of the support member  154  such that the clip  152  may hug or compress the support member  154 . 
     The at least one attachment feature  206  may take any suitable form including adhesive, fasteners, clips, threaded holes, etc. As shown in  FIG.  2   , the at least one attachment feature  206  may include at least one of the following: a tenon  218  and a mortise  220 . 
     The exterior profile  202  may take any suitable shape. As shown in  FIG.  2   , the exterior profile  202  may include a quadrilateral shape with four sides  222 . Any or each of the four sides  222  may include the at least one attachment feature  206 . 
     The clip  152  may be made from any suitable material including plastic, metal, etc. 
       FIGS.  5 - 6    illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a support assembly  501  includes a clip  502  and a support member  504 . The support assembly  501  of  FIGS.  5 - 6    is similar to the support assembly  101  of  FIGS.  1 - 4    including having the same features. In the support assembly  501 , however, the support member  504  is integrally formed with a clip  502 . 
     The clip  502  comprises a body  506  having a longitudinal axis  507  and defining an exterior profile  508  having at least one attachment feature  510  and an interior surface  512  configured to attach to or be formed integrally with the support member  504 . The body  506  may define a living hinge  514  opposite a seam  516  connecting the exterior profile  508  to the interior surface  512 . The seam  516  may be defined by an undercut securing arrangement  518  configured to keep the body  506  locked in a closed configuration. 
     The at least one attachment feature  510  may take any suitable form including adhesive, fasteners, clips, threaded holes, etc. As shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6   , the at least one attachment feature  510  may include at least one of the following: a tenon  520  and a mortise  522 . 
     The exterior profile  508  may take any suitable shape. As shown in  FIG.  6   , the exterior profile  508  may include a quadrilateral shape with four sides  524 . Any or each of the four sides  524  may include the at least one attachment feature  510 . The interior surface  512  may include one or more attachment features  526  to aid in attaching to the support member  504 . The one or more attachment features  526  may be configured in a variety of ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more attachment features  526  include a plurality of inward extending projections. 
     The clip  502  may be made from any suitable material including plastic, metal, etc. 
     The support member  504  may be configured in a variety of ways. Any configuration that can be attached or formed onto the interior surface  512  of the clip  502  and forms a snug fitting interface to the tube member  102  may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the support member  504  has a generally C-shaped body  530  having an interior surface  532  defining an aperture  534  and an exterior surface  536  generally parallel to the interior surface  532 . The exterior surface  536  may include one or more attachment features  538  to aid in attaching to the interior surface  512  of the clip  502 . The one or more attachment features  538  may be configured in a variety of ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more attachment features  538  include a plurality of recesses for receiving the projections on the interior surface  512  of the clip  502 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture  534  is generally shaped similar to the exterior surface  104  of the tube member  102 . The body  530  includes a first end portion  540  and a second end portion  542  opposite the first end portion  540  and a channel or seam  544  extending from the first end portion  540  to the second end portion  542 . The first end portion  540  may define an optional first flange  546  and the second end portion  542  may define an optional second flange  548 . 
     The support member  504  may be made of any suitable material capable of forming a seal with the tube member  102  and being formed with or attached to the interior surface  512  while withstanding the temperatures associated with operation of the heat exchanger  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the support member  504  is made of an elastic and compressible material, such as, for example, any suitable rubber. 
     The support member  504  may be attached to the interior surface  512  of the clip  502  in any suitable manner, such as molding onto, attached via adhesives, an interference or friction fit, fasteners, or other suitable forms of attachment. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates an enlarged view of the securing arrangement  518  of the clip  502 . The securing arrangement  518  is configured with a profile that provides generally uniform loading on the securing arrangement  518 . The securing arrangement  518  may be configured in a variety of ways. The securing arrangement  518  may be defined by structure positioned at a first end portion  600  of the clip  502  and structure positioned at a second end portion  602  of the clip  502  that is configured to engage with the structure positioned at the first end portion  600  to hold the clip  502  in a closed position. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the clip  502  includes an outer side  604  and an inner side  606 . The first end portion  600  includes a finger-like outer projection  608  extending laterally along the outer side  604 . The outer projection  608  includes a proximal end portion  610  where the outer projection  608  is integrally connected to the body  506  of the clip  502  and a distal end portion  612  opposite the proximal end portion  610 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outer projection  608  tapers inward slightly from the proximal end portion  610  to the distal end portion  612 . In other embodiments, however, the outer projection  608  may taper outward or may not be tapered. 
     The distal end portion  612  includes a distal tip  614  and an axially, inward extending protrusion  616  having a protrusion tip  618 . In the illustrated embodiment, distal tip  614  is rounded having a radius R 1 . In some embodiments, the distal tip radius R 1  may be in the range of 0.3 to 0.5 mm, or 0.4 mm. 
     The inward extending protrusion  616  may be configured in a variety of ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion  616  is formed by an outward surface  620  and an inward surface  622 . The outward surface  620  and the inward surface  622  taper inward to the protrusion tip  618  such that the protrusion  616  resembles a triangle. In the illustrated embodiment, the outward surface  620  and the inward surface  622  generally form an angle β therebetween and the protrusion tip  618  may be rounded having a radius R 2 . In the illustrated embodiment, the angle β is in the range of 55 degrees to 65 degrees, or 60 degrees, and the radius R 2  is in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 mm, or 0.3 mm. 
     The outer projection  608  includes an inner surface  624  connected to the inward surface  622  of the protrusion  616  by a corner  625  having a radius R 3 . In the illustrated embodiment, the radius R 3  is in the range of 0.3 to 0.5 mm, or 0.4 mm. 
     The first end portion  600  includes an engagement surface  626  adjacent the inner side  606 . In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement surface  626  is configured to engage a corresponding surface on the second end portion  602 . The engagement surface  626  may be laterally facing and extend from the inner side  606  generally parallel to the longitudinal axis  507 . In other embodiments, however, the engagement surface  626  may not extend parallel to the longitudinal axis  507  and may not be configured to contact the second end portion  602 . 
     The first end portion  600  further includes a recessed area  628  between the outer projection  608  and the engagement surface  626 . The recessed area  628  is an open space adjacent the outer projection  608  that is configured to allow the outer projection  608  to flex without undue stress when closing and maintaining the support assembly  501  in the closed position. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed area  628  is defined by the inner surface  624  of the outer projection  608 , an angled surface  630 , an inner corner  632  connecting the angled surface  630  to the inner surface  624  and having a radius R 4 , and an outer corner  636  having an outer radius R 5  connecting the angled surface  630  to the engagement surface  626 . The angled surface  630  extends at an angle α relative to the inner surface  624 . In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α is in the range of 35 degrees to 45 degrees, or 40 degrees. In other embodiments, however, the angle α may be larger than 45 degrees or smaller than 35 degrees. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the radius R 4  and the radius R 5  are in the range of 0.2-0.4, or 0.3. In other embodiments, however, either or both of the radius R 4  and the radius R 5  may be greater than 0.4 or less than 0.2. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed area  628  resembles a triangular area between the outer projection  608  and the engagement surface  626 . In other embodiments, however, the shape of the recessed area  628  may be other than resembling triangular. 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , the recessed area  628  has a width W along the seam line  516  measured from the lower extent of radius R 5  to the inner side  606  of the outer projection  608 . The recessed area  628  also has a depth D measured perpendicular from the seam line  516  to the innermost portion of the radius R 4 . In some exemplary embodiments, the width W is greater than or equal to the depth D. In other embodiments, however, the width W may be less than the depth. 
     The outer projection  608  has a first thickness T 1  measured along the seam line  516  from the outer side  604  to the inner surface  624 . The outer projection  608  has a second thickness T 2  at the protrusion tip  618  measured parallel to the seam line  516  from the outer side  604  to the outermost portion of the protrusion tip  618 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second thickness T 2  is greater than the first thickness T 1 . In some embodiments, the ratio of T 2 :T 1  is in the range of 1.6:1 to 2.1:1, such as for example 1.8:1. 
     The outer projection  608  has a length L measured from the innermost portion of the radius R 4  to the outermost portion of the distal tip  614 . In some exemplary embodiments, the ratio of projection length L to recessed area depth D is in the range of 3.5:1 to 4.0:1. 
     The second end portion  602  includes an inner projection  642  extending laterally along the inner side  602 . The inner projection  642  includes a proximal end portion  644  where the inner projection  642  is integrally connected to the body  506  of the clip  502  and a distal end portion  646  opposite the proximal end portion  644 . 
     The distal end portion  646  includes an engagement surface  648 , an axially, outward extending protrusion  650  having a protrusion tip  652 , and an inward extending recess  654 . In the illustrated embodiment, engagement surface  648  is configured to engage, or be adjacent, the engagement surface  626  of the first end portion  600  when the support assembly  504  is in a closed position. In some embodiments, the engagement surface  648  is arranged parallel with the engagement surface  626  of the first end portion  600  when the support assembly  504  is in a closed position. 
     The outward extending protrusion  650  may be configured in a variety of ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the outward extending protrusion  650  is formed by an outward surface  656  and an inward surface  658 . The outward surface  656  and the inward surface  658  taper inward to the protrusion tip  652 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outward surface  656  and the inward surface  658  generally form an angle μ therebetween and the protrusion tip  652  may be rounded having a radius R 6 . In the illustrated embodiment, the angle μ is in the range of 55 degrees to 65 degrees, or 60 degrees and the radius R 2  is in the range of 0.3 to 0.5 mm, or 0.4 mm. 
     The engagement surface  648  is connected to the outward surface  656  of the protrusion  650  by a corner  660  having a radius R 7 . In the illustrated embodiment, the radius R 7  is in the range of 0.7 to 0.9 mm, or 0.8 mm. 
     The recess  654  is defined by the inward surface  658 , an angled surface  662 , and an inner corner  664  connecting the inward surface  658  and the angled surface  662 . In the illustrated embodiment, the angled surface  662  and the inward surface  658  generally form an angle θ therebetween and the protrusion tip  652  may be rounded having a radius R 8 . In the illustrated embodiment, the angle θ is in the range of 35 degrees to 45 degrees, or 40 degrees and the radius R 8  is in the range of 0.3 to 0.5 mm, or 0.4 mm. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the angled surface  662  is connected to the outer side  604  by a rounded corner  666  having a radius R 9 . In the illustrated embodiment, the radius R 9  is in the range of 0.7 to 0.9, or 0.8. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The disclosed support assemblies  101 ,  201  may be used to support the heat exchanger  100  within an earth moving machine, such as, for example, a track-type tractor, a motor grader, a backhoe, a loader, a material handler, or any other earth moving machine. The clip and support member of the support assembly may wrap around the tube member of the heat exchanger and the clip may further attach to another portion of the machine, such as for example a frame portion, either directly or indirectly by connecting to another clip or other component. 
     In practice, the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger assembly, the support assembly, the clip, the support member, and/or the machine using any embodiment disclosed herein may be sold, bought, manufactured or otherwise obtained in an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or after-market context. In some cases, various components, of the heat exchanger, of the heat exchanger assembly, of the machine, of the support assembly, etc. may be provided as a kit, etc. 
     Using the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 4    as an example, in operation, the support assembly  101  may at least partially encompass a portion of the tube member  102  of a heat exchanger  100  to attach the heat exchanger to the frame of the machine. In particular, an exemplary embodiment of a method for supporting the heat exchanger  100  within the frame of a machine may include placing the support member  154  at least partially around the portion of the tube member  102  within the axial gap  134 . In some embodiments, the support member  154  surrounds the entire perimeter of the portion of the tube member  102  in the axial gap  134 . 
     Since the support member  154  may be made from an elastic material such as rubber, the support member  154  can be spread open to increase the size of the channel  168  such that the tube member  102  can slide through the channel  168  and be received within the aperture  160 . Once released, the support member  154  wraps around the tube member  102 . The aperture  160  may be sized to be slightly smaller than the perimeter of the exterior surface  118  of the tube member  102  such that the support member  154  is slightly compressed and forms a snug or tight fit around the exterior surface  118  of the tube member  102  to form a seal therebetween. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the height H of the support member  154  may be the same as or slightly larger than the axial gap  134 . Thus, the first end face  172  of the first flange  170  may abut one or both of the second and fourth undulating fin sections  132 ,  142  and the second end face  182  of the second flange  180  may abut one or both of the first and third undulating fin sections  130 ,  140 . Therefore, the support member  154  may be slightly axially compressed and captured between the undulating fin sections  130 ,  132 ,  140 ,  142  such that the position of the support member  154  is fixed relative to the tube member  102 . 
     In other embodiments, however, the support member  154  may have a height that is smaller than the axial gap  134  and is thus, not captured between the undulating fin sections  130 ,  132 ,  140 ,  142 . For example, in at least one embodiment of the support assembly  501  in which the support member is attached to the interior surface of the clip, the height of the support member is less than the axial gap  134 . 
     Once the support member  154  is on the tube member  102  such that the tube member  102  axially extends through the aperture  160 , the clip  152  can be attached to the support member  154  and the tube member  102 . To attach the clip  152  to the support member  154 , the clip  152  can be opened via the living hinge  210  to enlarge the adjustably sized aperture  204 . The opened clip  152  can be positioned adjacent to the support member  154  and closed onto the support member  154  between the first flange  170  and the second flange  180  such the interior surface  208  of the clip  152  engages the exterior surface  162  of the support member  154 . 
     In the closed configuration, the undercut  214  can be engaged to lock the clip  152  in a closed configuration. Further, in the closed configuration, the adjustably sized aperture  204  of the clip  152  may be slightly smaller than the perimeter of the exterior surface  162  of the support member  154  such that the clip  152  may compress the support member  154  to form a snug fit and seal therebetween. The compression of the support member  154  may result in the channel  168  closing such that the support member  154  completely encompasses the tube member  102 . 
     Further, in the closed position, the clip  152  is sandwiched between the first inward facing shoulder  174  and the second inward facing shoulder  184 . Thus, the position of the support member  154  is fixed relative to the clip  152 . 
     Once the clip  152  is secured onto the support member  154 , the at least one attachment feature  206  may be used to attach the clip  152  to an adjacent clip having a complementary attachment feature or to the frame. Since any or each of the four sides  222  may include at least one attachment feature  206 , the clip  152  may attach to adjacent clips or the frame on multiple sides  222   
     The support assembly  101 , once installed, attaches the heat exchanger  100  to the frame of the machine. The support member  154  is captured between the undulating fin sections  130 ,  132 ,  140 ,  142  of the heat exchanger  100  and the clip  152  is captured between the first and second inward facing shoulders  174 ,  184  of the support member  154 . Thus, the positions and orientations of the clip  152 , the support member  154 , and the tube member  102  of the heat exchanger  100  are fixed relative to each other. Further, the snug fit between the support member  154  and the tube member  102  provides a seal that prevents debris, such as dirt, sand or other abrasive material, and other material that could cause abrasive wear from entering between the support member  154  and the tube member  102   
       FIG.  9    illustrates the securing arrangement  518  of the exemplary support arrangement of  FIG.  6    in the closed configuration. Similar to the support member  154  and clip  152  described above, to attach the support assembly  501  to the tube member  102 , the support assembly  501  can be opened via the living hinge  514  to enlarge the adjustably sized aperture  534 . The opened support assembly  501  can be positioned to receive the tube member  102  within the aperture  534  and then closed around the tube member  102  such the interior surface  532  of the support member  504  engages the tube member  102 . 
     When the support assembly  501  is being closed around the tube member  102 , the outer projection  608  on the first end portion  600  flexes outward to allow the protrusion  616  on the outer projection  608  to pass the protrusion  650  on the second end portion  602 . In particular, while the support assembly  501  is closing around the tube member  102 , the outward surface  620  of the protrusion  616  on the first end portion  600  engages the outward surface  656  of the protrusion  650  on the second end portion  602 . With enough closing force, the outward surface  620  of the protrusion  616  will slide along the outward surface  656  of the protrusion  650  causing the outer projection  608  to bend or flex outward. Due to the shape and size of the recessed area  628  of the first end portion  600 , the moment arm of the outer projection  608  is larger and stress in the outer projection  608  is reduced as compared to a similar configuration without the disclosed recessed area  628 . 
     Once the protrusion tip  618  on the first end portion  600  gets past the protrusion tip  652  on the second end portion  602 , further closing of the support assembly  501  allows the outer projection  608  to return back toward an unflexed position as the outer projection  608  is received within the recess  654  on the second end portion  602 . In the closed position, the engagement surface  626  may engage the engagement surface  648 . Further, the inward surface  622  on the protrusion  616  of the first end portion  600  may engage the inward surface  658  on the protrusion  650  of the second end portion  602  to secure the support assembly  501  in the closed position and resist the support assembly  501  opening and releasing the tube member  102 . 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and methods of assembly as discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention(s). Other embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, some of the equipment may be constructed and function differently than what has been described herein and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in an order that is different than what has been specifically mentioned or in some cases performed simultaneously or in sub-steps. Furthermore, variations or modifications to certain aspects or features of various embodiments may be made to create further embodiments and features and aspects of various embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of other embodiments in order to provide still further embodiments. 
     Accordingly, it is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention(s) being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents. 
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Element List 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 Element Number 
                 Element Name 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 50 
                 heat exchanger assembly 
               
               
                 100 
                 heat exchanger 
               
               
                 101 
                 support assembly 
               
               
                 102 
                 tube member 
               
               
                 104 
                 exterior surface 
               
               
                 106 
                 longitudinal axis 
               
               
                 118 
                 exterior surface 
               
               
                 120 
                 first arcuate portion 
               
               
                 122 
                 second arcuate portion 
               
               
                 130 
                 first undulating fin section 
               
               
                 132 
                 second undulating fin section 
               
               
                 134 
                 axial gap 
               
               
                 140 
                 third undulating fin section 
               
               
                 142 
                 fourth undulating fin section 
               
               
                 144 
                 fin members 
               
               
                 146 
                 heat exchanger portion 
               
               
                 150 
                 direction 
               
               
                 152 
                 clip 
               
               
                 154 
                 support member 
               
               
                 156 
                 c-shaped body 
               
               
                 158 
                 interior surface 
               
               
                 160 
                 aperture 
               
               
                 162 
                 exterior surface 
               
               
                 164 
                 first end portion 
               
               
                 166 
                 second end portion 
               
               
                 168 
                 channel 
               
               
                 170 
                 first flange 
               
               
                 172 
                 first end face 
               
               
                 174 
                 first inward facing shoulder 
               
               
                 180 
                 second flange 
               
               
                 182 
                 second end face 
               
               
                 184 
                 second inward facing shoulder 
               
               
                 200 
                 body 
               
               
                 201 
                 disclosed support assemblies 
               
               
                 202 
                 exterior profile 
               
               
                 204 
                 adjustably sized aperture 
               
               
                 206 
                 attachment feature 
               
               
                 208 
                 interior surface 
               
               
                 210 
                 living hinge 
               
               
                 212 
                 seam 
               
               
                 214 
                 undercut 
               
               
                 218 
                 tenon 
               
               
                 220 
                 mortise 
               
               
                 222 
                 sides 
               
               
                 501 
                 support assembly 
               
               
                 502 
                 clip 
               
               
                 504 
                 support member 
               
               
                 506 
                 body 
               
               
                 508 
                 exterior profile 
               
               
                 510 
                 attachment feature 
               
               
                 512 
                 interior surface 
               
               
                 514 
                 living hinge 
               
               
                 516 
                 seam 
               
               
                 518 
                 undercut securing arrangement 
               
               
                 520 
                 tenon 
               
               
                 522 
                 mortise 
               
               
                 524 
                 side 
               
               
                 526 
                 attachment features 
               
               
                 530 
                 c-shaped body 
               
               
                 532 
                 interior surface 
               
               
                 534 
                 aperture 
               
               
                 536 
                 exterior surface 
               
               
                 538 
                 attachment features 
               
               
                 540 
                 first end portion 
               
               
                 542 
                 second end portion 
               
               
                 544 
                 seam 
               
               
                 546 
                 first flange 
               
               
                 548 
                 second flange 
               
               
                 600 
                 first end portion 
               
               
                 602 
                 second end portion 
               
               
                 604 
                 outer side 
               
               
                 606 
                 inner side 
               
               
                 608 
                 outer projection 
               
               
                 610 
                 proximal end portion 
               
               
                 612 
                 distal end portion 
               
               
                 614 
                 distal tip 
               
               
                 616 
                 protrusion 
               
               
                 618 
                 protrusion tip 
               
               
                 620 
                 outward surface 
               
               
                 622 
                 inward surface 
               
               
                 624 
                 inner surface 
               
               
                 625 
                 corner 
               
               
                 626 
                 engagement surface 
               
               
                 628 
                 recessed area 
               
               
                 630 
                 angled surface 
               
               
                 632 
                 inner corner 
               
               
                 636 
                 outer corner 
               
               
                 640 
                 line 
               
               
                 642 
                 inner projection 
               
               
                 644 
                 proximal end portion 
               
               
                 646 
                 distal end portion 
               
               
                 648 
                 engagement surface 
               
               
                 650 
                 protrusion 
               
               
                 652 
                 protrusion tip 
               
               
                 654 
                 recess 
               
               
                 656 
                 outward surface 
               
               
                 658 
                 inward surface 
               
               
                 660 
                 corner 
               
               
                 662 
                 angled surface 
               
               
                 664 
                 inner corner 
               
               
                 666 
                 rounded corner