Clutched Rotary Distributor Drive for Multi-Fluid Circuit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid management systems in vehicles are complex, require expensive and heavy connections, and lack a simple, versatile device for controlling and distributing various fluids, such as water, oil, dielectric fluid, hydrogen, and air, in thermal management systems.
Innovation Solution
A rotary drive device with a gear wheel, actuator, guide means, and clutch mechanism, utilizing electromagnetic actuators, allows for the independent control of fluid distribution through a single motor, reducing complexity and weight by integrating multiple actuators into a single system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple motorised actuators and On/Off valves are used to control fluid flow, then the control capability is improved, but the system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single rotary actuator that controls a gear wheel with multiple gear wheels mounted on its shaft. This single actuator replaces what would traditionally require multiple motorised actuators, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to control multiple fluid distribution paths independently through the engagement/disengagement of different gear wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary actuator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it rotates the gear wheel to control different distributors, and through the clutch mechanism, it can selectively engage different gear wheels mounted on its shaft. This multi-functional design allows one actuator to perform the work of multiple actuators, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple independent actuators are used for each distributor, then the control precision is improved, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple actuator functions into a single rotary actuator that controls multiple distributors through a gear wheel mechanism. Different gear wheels can be mounted on the same shaft, allowing one actuator to control multiple distributors independently when engaged, thereby reducing the total weight compared to using separate actuators for each distributor.
3Ease of operation
If complex pipe connections are used to connect control systems, then the control functionality is improved, but the cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the control mechanism directly with the distributors through a gear wheel and clutch assembly. The gear wheels are mounted on the actuator shaft and directly engage with the distributors, eliminating the need for complex external pipe connections between separate control systems and distributors. This integration reduces both the weight and cost of connecting components.
4Reliability
If multiple actuators are used for each distributor, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single rotary actuator with a clutch mechanism that can selectively engage different gear wheels. This integration reduces device complexity compared to having multiple independent actuators, while maintaining reliability through the ability to selectively engage appropriate gear wheels for different distributors.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the single rotary actuator and multiple gear wheels. It enables selective engagement of different gear wheels based on control signals, providing a simplified yet reliable control architecture that avoids the complexity of multiple independent actuators while maintaining system reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, simplified distribution of fluids in thermal management systems by reducing the need for multiple actuators and complex connections, allowing a single motor to control multiple distributors, thereby enhancing system simplicity and reducing weight.
Implementation Method 1
Said actuator is for example of the electromagnetic actuator type, comprising a coil and a plunger that interacts with the field generated by the coil when a current flows through the latter, in order to compress the return means.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the distribution of fluids in a fluid circuit, comprises a motor; a plurality of d rotary distributors of the fluid; and a plurality of d gear trains, each train transmitting the movement from the motor to one of the rotary distributors. Each gear train comprises actuators for engaging or disengaging a gear of this train, or the associated rotary distributor, relative to the gear train. The actuators comprise a rotary drive device for a rotary member equipped with an output shaft. The drive device comprises a gear wheel, rotating about a rotation shaft aligned with the output shaft; an actuator for actuating the rotation shaft of the gear wheel towards the output shaft of the rotary member; a guide of the gear wheel to guide the translation movement thereof along the rotation shaft; and a clutch of the rotation shaft and of the output shaft.