Integrated thermostat housing

Abstract

The present application relates to integrated thermostat housings. A thermostat housing component for a powertrain assembly includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion includes a first engagement portion, and the second end portion is disposed opposite the first end portion. The second end portion includes a second engagement portion and a third engagement portion. The thermostat housing component further includes a contoured portion extending between the second engagement portion and the third engagement portion, and a housing portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The housing portion includes at least one recess, wherein the at least one recess is configured to house a thermostat. The contoured portion includes at least one of an integrated support bracket or an integrated bypass conduit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a thermostat housing having an integrated bypass pipe and / or a thermostat housing support bracket. Background Technology

[0002] Optimizing the coolant flow through the thermostat housing can have a significant impact on water pump parasitic effects and coolant temperature control. More specifically, some known engines may have cooling system designs characterized by highly restrictive coolant bypass loops and poor temperature control. For example, typical designs separate the thermostat housing and bracket, which increases the complexity of the manufacturing process and assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a thermostat housing component for a powertrain assembly. The thermostat housing component includes a first end portion having a first engagement portion. The thermostat housing component also includes a second end portion opposite the first end portion, wherein the second end portion includes a second engagement portion and a third engagement portion. The thermostat housing component also includes a contoured portion extending between the second engagement portion and the third engagement portion, and a housing portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The housing portion includes at least one recess, wherein the at least one recess is configured to receive a thermostat. The contoured portion includes at least one of an integrated support bracket or an integrated bypass conduit.

[0004] In various embodiments, the contour portion includes an integrated support bracket. In some embodiments, the contour portion includes an integrated bypass conduit fluidly coupled to at least one recess. In other embodiments, the contour portion includes both an integrated support bracket and an integrated bypass conduit. In various embodiments, a second and a third joint are configured to be coupled to an air conditioning unit. In some embodiments, the curvature of the contour portion corresponds to the curvature of the air conditioning unit. In other embodiments, the thickness of the contour portion corresponds to the space between multiple components within the powertrain assembly. In still other embodiments, the thermostat housing component further includes an outlet conduit fluidly coupled to the housing portion, and wherein the outlet conduit is integrally formed with the contour portion.

[0005] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a thermostat housing assembly for a powertrain component. The thermostat housing assembly includes an upper part and a lower part, the lower part being configured to be coupled to the upper part. The lower part includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the first end includes a first engagement portion, and wherein the second end includes a second engagement portion and a third engagement portion. The lower part also includes a housing portion disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein the housing portion has at least one recess, and wherein the at least one recess is configured to receive a thermostat. The lower part includes at least one of an integrated support bracket or an integrated bypass conduit.

[0006] In various embodiments, the lower component includes a contoured portion defined between the second and third joints. In some embodiments, at least one of an integrated support bracket or an integrated bypass conduit is formed within the contoured portion. In other embodiments, at least one of the outward-facing surface of the contoured portion or the surface opposite to the outward-facing surface is configured to abut a component disposed adjacent to a thermostat housing assembly within the powertrain assembly. In still other embodiments, the second and third joints are configured to connect to an air conditioning unit within the powertrain assembly. In various embodiments, the upper component includes an inlet conduit fluidly connected to a housing portion of the lower component.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a powertrain assembly. The powertrain assembly includes an engine, a thermostat housing assembly coupled to the engine, and at least one air flow control component disposed adjacent to the thermostat housing assembly. The thermostat housing assembly includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being configured to be coupled to the upper portion. The lower portion includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a housing portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The housing portion includes two recesses, each of which receives a thermostat. At least one of the first end or the second end is configured to be coupled to at least one air flow control component.

[0008] In various embodiments, the first end includes a first engagement, and the second end includes a second engagement and a third engagement, wherein the second and third engagements are configured to be coupled to at least one airflow control component. In some embodiments, the lower component includes a profile portion extending between the second and third engagements, wherein the profile portion is configured to at least partially surround or abut a portion of at least one airflow control component. In other embodiments, the profile portion includes an integrally formed bypass conduit, wherein the bypass conduit is fluidly coupled to a housing portion and extends along the length of the profile portion. In still other embodiments, the outlet of the bypass conduit is disposed adjacent to the third engagement. In various embodiments, the thermostat is at least one of a bellows-type thermostat or a wax-type thermostat.

[0009] This overview is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the apparatus or process described herein will become apparent in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar elements. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 It is an illustrative representation of a means of transportation according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 Is it possible? Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary powertrain assembly used in a vehicle, the powertrain assembly having a separate thermostat housing, bypass duct, and air conditioning support bracket.

[0012] Figure 3 Is it possible? Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary powertrain assembly used in a vehicle, the powertrain assembly having a thermostat assembly with an integrated thermostat housing, a bypass duct, and an air conditioning support bracket.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the powertrain assembly, which is located near the thermostat assembly.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Thermostat assembly along Figure 4 The perspective cross-section view taken from line 5-5.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 A perspective view of a portion of the thermostat assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The following is a more detailed description of various concepts and embodiments related to methods, apparatuses, and systems for improving the structure of thermostat housings integrated with air conditioner brackets and bypass pipes. Before turning to the accompanying drawings, which detail certain exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the details or methodologies set forth in the specification or illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0017] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, a system and method are provided for improving the structure of a thermostat housing integrated with an air conditioner bracket and a bypass pipe. The integration of the thermostat housing, bypass pipe, and air conditioner bracket provides a simpler layout and assembly, thereby saving costs, manufacturing time, and assembly time.

[0018] Now for reference Figure 1 An exemplary vehicle 100 is shown as generally including a powertrain system 110, a turbocharger (“turbo”) 120, an operator input / output (I / O) device, and a controller 140, wherein the controller 140 is communicatively coupled to each of the aforementioned components.

[0019] Powertrain system 110 facilitates the transmission of power from engine 101 and / or motor generator 106 to drive and / or propel vehicle 100. Powertrain system 110 includes engine 101 and at least one motor generator 106 operatively coupled to transmission 102. The powertrain system may also include a clutch or torque converter configured to transmit rotational power from engine 101 and / or motor generator 106 to transmission 102. Transmission 102 is operatively coupled to drive shaft (DS) 103, which is operatively coupled to differential 104, wherein differential 104 transmits power output from engine 101 and / or motor generator 106 to final drive units (depicted as wheels 105) to propel vehicle 100. Therefore, powertrain system 110 can be configured as an electrified powertrain. Typically, engine 101 can receive chemical energy input (e.g., fuel such as gasoline or diesel), which is burned to generate mechanical energy (e.g., in the form of rotating crankshaft).

[0020] An engine 101, connected to an electric generator 106 and further connected to a power electronic device (PE) 108, supplies power to a battery 107. The battery 107 can transfer energy to the electric generator 106 via the power electronic device 108. The electric generator 106 can be configured to receive energy from an energy source (i.e., the battery 107), wherein the electric generator 106 outputs the received energy in the form of available work or energy to propel the vehicle 100 alone or in conjunction with the engine 101.

[0021] In various embodiments, vehicle 100 may be a hybrid vehicle (with a hybrid series drive configuration) in which engine 101 can operate independently of speed / load conditions at the final drive unit (i.e., wheels 105). By operating independently, engine 101 can operate for extended periods within a narrow speed / torque band that is likely optimal for braking thermal efficiency (BTE). This efficiency may include peak (or near-peak) open-cycle efficiency, allowing turbocharger 120 to also operate at near-peak system efficiency.

[0022] although Figure 1 A specific arrangement for vehicle 100 is depicted, but it should be understood that other configurations of vehicle 100 are contemplated within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. In various embodiments, vehicle 100 may include multiple electric generators (each electric generator being similar to or equivalent to an electric motor 106), and these multiple electric generators may be arranged in various configurations (e.g., parallel configuration, series-parallel configuration, etc.). For example, in a parallel configuration, both the electric motor and the internal combustion engine are operatively connected to the transmission / gearbox to simultaneously propel the vehicle. Furthermore, in a series-parallel configuration, the engine and the electric motor may provide power independently or simultaneously. In a series-parallel configuration, the powertrain system may include two electric generators and a clutch located between the two electric generators. Furthermore, the clutch may be located in… Figure 1 Between the engine 101 and the electric generator 106.

[0023] Engine 101 can be configured as any internal combustion engine (e.g., compression-ignition or spark-ignition internal combustion engine) such that it can be powered by any type of fuel (e.g., diesel, ethanol, gasoline, etc.). Engine 101 includes one or more cylinders and associated pistons. Air from the atmosphere combines with fuel and burns to power engine 101. Combustion of fuel and air in the compression chamber of engine 101 produces exhaust gases operablely discharged to an exhaust manifold. As described above, engine 101 is coupled to turbocharger 120. Turbocharger 120 includes a compressor impeller coupled via a connector shaft to an exhaust gas turbine impeller, wherein hot exhaust gases rotate the turbine impeller, thereby rotating the shaft and compressor to draw in air. By compressing the air, turbocharger 120 allows more air to enter the cylinders (or combustion chambers) to burn more fuel and increase power and efficiency. Turbocharger 120 may include a heat exchanger to cool the compressed air before it enters the cylinders. Engine 101 can also be connected to timer 112 (e.g., turbo timer), which is configured to control the operating time of engine 101 (e.g., for a predetermined period of time until a threshold temperature is reached, etc.).

[0024] Although referred to throughout this disclosure as "electric generator" 106, implying its ability to operate as both a motor and a generator, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, electric generator 106 or an electric generator component may be an electric generator separate from the electric motor of the vehicle or hybrid vehicle 100. Electric generator 106 may include torque assist features, regenerative braking energy capture capabilities, power generation capabilities, and any other features of an electric generator used in a hybrid vehicle. Therefore, electric generator 106 may be any conventional electric generator capable of generating electricity to produce power output and drive transmission 102. Electric generator 106 may include power conditioning devices (e.g., an inverter and a motor controller), wherein the motor controller may be operatively and communicatively coupled to controller 140.

[0025] Battery 107 can be configured as any type of rechargeable (i.e., primary) battery and has any size. In various embodiments, battery 107 can be configured as any type of energy storage and supply device, such as one or more capacitors (e.g., supercapacitors, etc.) and / or one or more batteries commonly used or suitable for hybrid vehicles (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lead-acid batteries, etc.). Battery 107 can be operatively and communicatively coupled to controller 140 to provide data indicative of one or more operating conditions or characteristics of battery 107. The data may include, but is not limited to, the temperature of battery 107, the current flowing into or out of battery 107, the number of charge-discharge cycles, battery voltage, etc. In various embodiments, battery 107 may include one or more sensors coupled to battery 107, one or more of which are configured to sense data associated with battery 107. In various embodiments, the sensors may include, but are not limited to, voltage sensors, current sensors, temperature sensors, etc.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, engine 101 is coupled to thermostat assembly 130, which is configured to facilitate temperature regulation of engine 101 and / or its associated components. Thermostat assembly 130 includes at least one thermostat in fluid communication with engine coolant flowing to a radiator within vehicle 100. In various embodiments, engine coolant may exit thermostat assembly 130 via an outlet connection located within the housing. Engine coolant bypassed and / or returned to a water pump inlet within engine 101 may exit thermostat assembly 130 via one or more conduits fluidly connected to it.

[0027] Figure 2A perspective view of an example powertrain assembly 200 is shown, which may be similar to or equivalent to the powertrain system 110 described above. As shown, the powertrain assembly 200 includes a thermostat housing 205, or the powertrain assembly 200 is coupled to a thermostat housing 205, which is configured to house at least one thermostat. The thermostat housing 205 may be coupled to a separate bypass duct 215 located downstream of the thermostat housing 205. The powertrain assembly 200 also includes a bracket 210 configured to support one or more airflow control components (e.g., air conditioning units) within the powertrain assembly 200. As shown, each of the thermostat housing 205, bypass duct 215, and bracket 210 may be located at different positions within the powertrain assembly 200, and each requires individual manufacture and installation.

[0028] In various embodiments, the powertrain assembly can be arranged such that the thermostat housing, bypass duct, and / or bracket (i.e., for supporting one or more airflow control components) are constructed as a single component. This arrangement can reduce manufacturing and assembly costs because it reduces the amount of material used (i.e., fewer parts) and reduces the time and complexity of the associated processing. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a powertrain assembly 300, which includes a thermostat assembly 305 (“thermostat housing assembly”) having an integrated thermostat housing, bypass conduit, and / or bracket. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the thermostat assembly 305 is disposed adjacent to the airflow control assembly (e.g., air conditioner assembly) 310.

[0029] Figure 5 It shows along Figure 4 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the thermostat assembly 305 taken by line 5-5. The thermostat assembly 305 may include an upper part 320 and a lower part 325. The upper part 320 is configured to be received within a first portion 327 disposed near the top region of the lower part 325.

[0030] As shown in the figure, the upper component 320 includes a first conduit 340 disposed within the uppermost portion of the upper component 320. The first conduit 340 may be an inlet pipe or other conduit configured to receive fluid (e.g., from a radiator within the powertrain assembly 300). The first conduit 340 may be coupled to or integrally formed with a cover portion 329, which engages with the top surface of the lower component 325. In various embodiments, the cover portion 329 may be contoured to facilitate the distribution of fluid received from the first conduit 340 to at least one thermostat disposed within the thermostat assembly 305.

[0031] The lower component 325 includes at least one recess configured to accommodate at least one thermostat. Figure 5 As shown, the lower component 325 may include a first recess 334 and a second recess 336, which are respectively configured to receive and accommodate a first thermostat 333 and a second thermostat 335. In various embodiments, at least one of the first thermostat 333 or the second thermostat 335 may be a wax-type thermostat, a bellows-type thermostat, or any other suitable thermostat type known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, both the first thermostat 333 and the second thermostat 335 may be wax-type thermostats. In other embodiments, both the first thermostat 333 and the second thermostat 335 may be bellows-type thermostats. In still other embodiments, one of the first thermostat 333 and the second thermostat 335 may be a wax-type thermostat, while the other of the first thermostat 333 and the second thermostat 335 may be a bellows-type thermostat.

[0032] As shown in the figure, the first recess 334 and the second recess 336 (and therefore the first thermostat 333 and the second thermostat 335) are in fluid communication with the first conduit 340 (i.e., when the upper component 320 is connected to the lower component 325). Therefore, fluid received through the first conduit 340 can flow through the first recess 334 and the second recess 336 and can be received within the second conduit 345, which is located downstream of the first thermostat 333 and the second thermostat 335. The second conduit 345 may be an inlet pipe or other conduit configured to receive fluid flowing out from the first recess 334 and / or the second recess 336.

[0033] As shown, the lower component 325 includes a profiled portion or a second portion 370 extending downward from the first portion 327. The second portion 370 may be generally convex in shape, such that the outward-facing surface 373 of the second portion 370 curves inward toward the central vertical axis of the lower component 325. In various embodiments, the degree of curvature of the second portion 370 may be based on the corresponding profiles of one or more components disposed adjacent to the thermostat assembly 305 within the powertrain assembly 300. Thus, the second portion 370 may be configured to fit between one or more components within the powertrain assembly 300. In various embodiments, the thickness of the second portion 370 may correspond to the space between multiple components within the powertrain assembly 300. In other embodiments, the second portion 370 may be profiled such that it has a shape generally complementary to the profiles of adjacent components, wherein the second portion 370 may be configured to at least partially surround or abut a portion of an adjacent component (i.e., along surface 373, or along a surface opposite to surface 373).

[0034] In some embodiments, the second portion 370 may be configured to provide structural support to one or more components within the powertrain assembly 300. For example, a thermostat assembly 305 may be disposed within the powertrain assembly 300 such that the surface 373 of the second portion 370 is positioned adjacent to one or more airflow control components (e.g., air conditioning units), wherein the second portion 370 of the lower portion 325 mechanically supports one or more airflow control components. In this way, the lower portion 325, and therefore the thermostat assembly 305 as a whole, can serve as an integrated support bracket within the powertrain assembly 300. In various embodiments, a second conduit 345 may be integrally formed with the second portion 370 such that the profile of the second conduit 345 is substantially the same as the profile of the second portion 370.

[0035] like Figure 6 As shown, the lower component 325 includes a first end portion 350 and a second end portion 355, the second end portion 355 being disposed opposite to the first end portion 350. In various embodiments, the lower component 325 is configured to be coupled to one or more airflow control components (e.g., air conditioning units) within the powertrain system 300. Each of the first end portion 350 and the second end portion 355 of the lower component 325 may include a joint portion, each of which is configured to be coupled to an adjacent component (e.g., an air conditioning unit) within the powertrain assembly 300.

[0036] As shown, the first end portion 350 includes a first engagement portion 360 and a second engagement portion 363. The first engagement portion 360 is disposed within the first portion 327, and the second engagement portion 363 is disposed at or near the end of the second portion 370, such that the second portion 370 extends from the first engagement portion 360 to the second engagement portion 363. In various embodiments, each of the first engagement portion 360 and the second engagement portion 363 includes at least two holes, each hole being configured to receive a fastener for coupling the lower component 325 to an adjacent component (e.g., an air conditioning unit) within the powertrain assembly 300. As shown, the first engagement portion 360 may include two holes 394, each hole 394 being configured to receive a fastener (e.g., a screw, bolt, etc.), which allows the first engagement portion 360 to be coupled to another component within the powertrain assembly 300. Similarly, the second engagement 363 may include two holes 395, each configured to receive a fastener (e.g., a screw, bolt, etc.), which allows the second engagement 363 to be connected to another component within the powertrain assembly 300.

[0037] The second end 355 of the lower component 325 may also have at least one engagement portion 365. The engagement portion 365 may include at least two holes 393, each hole 393 being configured to receive a fastener (e.g., a screw, bolt, etc.), which allows the engagement portion 365 to be coupled to another component within the powertrain assembly 300.

[0038] Between the first end 350 and the second end 355, the lower component 325 includes a housing portion 385, within which a first recess 334 and a second recess 336 are disposed. The housing portion 385 may include one or more holes 387 disposed near its outer edge. The one or more holes 387 may be configured to facilitate connection of the lower component 325 to the upper component 320 by means of one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts) inserted through the one or more holes 387.

[0039] The unique configuration of the thermostat assembly 305, and in particular the unique configuration of the upper part 320 and the lower part 325, enables the thermostat assembly 305 to be implemented not only as a housing for one or more thermostats (e.g., thermostats 333 and 335), but also as an integrated support bracket within the powertrain assembly 300.

[0040] In various embodiments, the thermostat assembly 305 can be coupled to the powertrain assembly 300 by connecting the junction 365 to a first powertrain component or structure within the powertrain assembly 300 (i.e., by fasteners inserted through holes 393), and by connecting the first junction 360 and the second junction 363 to one or more second powertrain components or structures within the powertrain assembly 300 (i.e., by fasteners inserted through holes 394 and 395). When coupled to the powertrain assembly 300, the housing portion 385 accommodates thermostats 333 and 335, facilitating fluid flow through the thermostat assembly 305 via corresponding recesses 334 and 336, which are fluidly connected to both the first conduit 340 and the second conduit 345.

[0041] Furthermore, once the lower component 325 is connected at one or both of the first end 350 and the second end 355, it can provide structural support to adjacent components within the powertrain assembly 300. For example, if the lower component 325 (i.e., via the first end 350 and the second end 355) is connected to an air conditioning unit (or other airflow control system) within the powertrain assembly 300, the lower component 325 can structurally support the air conditioning unit via the first portion 327 and the second portion 370. In this way, the thermostat assembly 305 may include an integrated support bracket.

[0042] Additionally or optionally, the thermostat assembly 305 may include an integrated bypass conduit 347, such as Figure 6 As shown. In various embodiments, the lower component 325 may be configured such that the housing portion 385 is fluidly connected (e.g., via the first recess 334 and / or the second recess 336) to the bypass conduit 347. Figure 6 As shown, the bypass conduit 347 may be configured to extend along the second portion 370 (i.e., the bypass conduit 347 may extend along the length of the second portion 370). The outlet of the bypass conduit 347, which may be located at or near the junction 363 (e.g., adjacent to the junction 363), may be configured to connect to one or more fluid conduits 380. One or more fluid conduits 380 may direct fluid flow away from the thermostat assembly 305 (e.g., to a water pump). In some embodiments, the fluid conduit 380 may be integrally formed with the second portion 370 of the lower component 325. In various embodiments, the fluid conduit 380 may include one or more seals 383 disposed at the end of the conduit 380 remote from the second junction 363.

[0043] In various embodiments, the thermostat assembly 305 may be configured to include an integrated bypass conduit 347 and may also be configured to integrate a support bracket. In such embodiments, the thermostat assembly 305 is configured to allow fluid to flow through the bypass conduit 347, and the lower component 325 is configured to provide support to adjacent components within the powertrain assembly 300.

[0044] In various embodiments, at least one of the upper component 320 and the lower component 325 comprises aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the upper component 320 and / or the lower component 325 may comprise one or more non-metallic materials. In some embodiments, the upper component 320 may be manufactured using one or more casting processes. In other embodiments, the lower component 325 may be manufactured using one or more casting processes.

[0045] As used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted usage by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will understand that these terms are intended to allow for the description of certain features described and claimed, without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that non-substantial or irrelevant modifications or alterations to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0046] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and its variations used herein to describe various embodiments are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to mean that such embodiments must be special or excellent examples).

[0047] As used herein, the term "connection" and its variations refer to the direct or indirect linking of two components to each other. This connection can be static (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or detachable). Such a connection can be achieved by directly linking two components to each other, by linking two components to each other using one or more separate intermediate components, or by linking two components to each other using an intermediate component integrally formed with one of the two components as a single entity. If "connection" or its variations are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly linked), the general definition of "connection" provided above is modified by the literal meaning of the additional term (e.g., "directly linked" means a connection of two components without any separate intermediate components), resulting in a narrower definition than the general definition of "connection" provided above. This connection can be mechanical, electrical, or fluid. For example, circuit A being "connected" to circuit B can mean that circuit A is directly connected to circuit B (i.e., without an intermediary) or indirectly connected to circuit B (e.g., through one or more intermediaries).

[0048] Although the accompanying drawings and descriptions may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of these steps may differ from that depicted and described unless otherwise specified above. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified above, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially concurrently. For example, such variations may depend on the chosen software and hardware system and the designer's choices. All these variations are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0049] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of embodiments has been presented. This disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit it to the precise forms disclosed, and modifications and variations can be made in accordance with or derived from the foregoing teachings. These embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of this disclosure and its practical application, enabling those skilled in the art to utilize various embodiments and modifications suitable for particular intended uses. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0050] Therefore, this disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All modifications within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims should be included within their scope.

Claims

1. A thermostat housing component for a powertrain assembly, the thermostat housing component comprising: The first end portion includes a first joint portion and a second joint portion; The second end is opposite to the first end, and the second end includes a third joint portion; A contour portion, the contour portion extending between the first joint and the second joint; and A housing portion disposed between the first end and the second end, the housing portion including at least one recess configured to accommodate a thermostat; The outline portion includes an integrated bypass conduit.

2. The thermostat housing component according to claim 1, wherein, The outline portion also includes an integrated support bracket.

3. The thermostat housing component according to claim 1, wherein, The contoured portion includes the integrated bypass conduit, which is fluidly connected to the at least one recess.

4. The thermostat housing component according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The first joint and the second joint are configured to be connected to the air conditioning unit.

5. The thermostat housing component according to claim 4, wherein, The curvature of the contoured portion corresponds to the curvature of the air conditioning unit.

6. The thermostat housing component according to claim 4, wherein, The thickness of the contoured portion corresponds to the space between multiple components within the powertrain assembly.

7. The thermostat housing component according to any one of claims 1-3 and 5-6, further comprising an outlet conduit fluidly connected to the housing portion, the outlet conduit being integrally formed with the contour portion.

8. A thermostat housing assembly for a powertrain assembly, the thermostat housing assembly comprising: Upper component; and A lower component, configured to be connected to the upper component, the lower component comprising: The first end portion includes a first joint portion and a second joint portion; A second end portion, opposite to the first end portion, the second end portion including a third joint portion; and A housing portion disposed between the first end and the second end, the housing portion including at least one recess configured to accommodate a thermostat; The lower component includes an integrated bypass conduit.

9. The thermostat housing assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The lower component includes a contour portion defined between the first joint and the second joint.

10. The thermostat housing assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The integrated bypass conduit is formed within the contoured portion.

11. The thermostat housing assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, At least one of the outward-facing surface of the contour portion or the surface opposite to the outward-facing surface is configured to be adjacent to a component disposed within the powertrain assembly near the thermostat housing assembly.

12. The thermostat housing assembly according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein, The first joint and the second joint are configured to connect to an air conditioning unit within the powertrain assembly.

13. The thermostat housing assembly according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein, The upper component includes an inlet conduit that is fluidly connected to the housing portion of the lower component.

14. A powertrain assembly, comprising: engine; A thermostat housing assembly, the thermostat housing assembly being connected to the engine; as well as At least one airflow control component is disposed adjacent to the thermostat housing assembly; The thermostat housing assembly includes: Upper part; and A lower component, configured to be connected to the upper component, the lower component comprising: The first end portion includes a first joint portion and a second joint portion; The second end is opposite to the first end, and the second end includes a third joint portion; A contour portion, the contour portion extending between the first joint and the second joint; and The housing portion is disposed between the first end and the second end, and the housing portion includes two recesses, each of the two recesses accommodating a thermostat; The contoured portion includes an integrated bypass conduit, which is fluidly connected to the housing portion and extends along the length of the contoured portion. Wherein, at least one of the first end or the second end is configured to be connected to the at least one airflow control component.

15. The powertrain assembly according to claim 14, wherein, The outline portion is configured to at least partially surround or adjoin a portion of the at least one airflow control component.

16. The powertrain assembly according to claim 14, wherein, The outlet of the bypass conduit is located adjacent to the second junction.

17. The powertrain assembly according to any one of claims 14-16, wherein, Each thermostat is one of a bellows thermostat or a wax thermostat.

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