Integrated intake manifold and heat exchanger

Abstract

Intake manifold for an internal combustion engine with a heat exchanger fastened to the intake manifold. An internal combustion engine characterized by a heat exchanger fastened to the intake manifold.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An assembly comprising: 
 an engine; and    a holding fixture coupled to the engine, the holding fixture having a surface for mounting a heat exchanger thereto.    
     
     
         2 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the mounting surface of the holding fixture has a C shape.  
     
     
         3 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the holding fixture is fitted with reinforcement fins.  
     
     
         4 . The assembly according to  claim 1  further comprising a pair of straps for securing the heat exchanger to the holding fixture.  
     
     
         5 . The assembly according to  claim 4  further comprising vibration dampening elements located between the heat exchanger and the straps.  
     
     
         6 . The assembly according to  claim 5  wherein the vibration dampening elements are rubber strips.  
     
     
         7 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the holding fixture is directly coupled to an input manifold of the engine.  
     
     
         8 . The assembly according to  claim 7  wherein the holding fixture is integral with the intake manifold.  
     
     
         9 . The assembly according to  claim 7  wherein the holding fixture is separate from the intake manifold.  
     
     
         10 . The assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the surface for mounting the heat exchanger is complementary to the shape of the heat exchanger.  
     
     
         11 . An assembly comprising: 
 a heat exchanger mounting bracket coupled to an engine, the heat exchanger mounting bracket comprising:    a seat section configured to accommodate an exterior surface of the heat exchanger, the seat section located on a side of the engine.    
     
     
         12 . The assembly according to  claim 11  wherein the seat section has a C shape.  
     
     
         13 . The assembly according to  claim 11  wherein the mounting bracket is fitted with reinforcement fins.  
     
     
         14 . The assembly according to  claim 13  further comprising a pair of straps for securing the heat exchanger to the mounting bracket.  
     
     
         15 . The assembly according to  claim 14  further comprising vibration dampening elements located between the heat exchanger and the straps.  
     
     
         16 . The assembly according to  claim 15  wherein the vibration dampening elements are rubber strips.  
     
     
         17 . The assembly according to  claim 11  wherein the mounting bracket is directly coupled to an input manifold of the engine.  
     
     
         18 . The according to  claim 17  wherein the mounting bracket is integral with the intake manifold.  
     
     
         19 . The assembly according to  claim 17  wherein the mounting bracket is separate from the intake manifold.  
     
     
         20 . The assembly according to  claim 11  wherein the surface for mounting the heat exchanger is complementary to the shape of the heat exchanger.  
     
     
         21 . A watercraft comprising: 
 a hull;    a deck located I the hull;    a propulsion device carried by the hull for propelling the watercraft;    an engine positioned within the hull, the engine driving the propulsion device; and    a heat exchanger mounting bracket coupled to the engine, the heat exchanger mounting bracket having a seat section configured to accommodate an exterior surface of the heat exchanger, the seat section located on a side of the engine.