Combined heater and accumulator assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems with separate heater and accumulator sub-assemblies are costly and complex, requiring more time for assembly and installation due to their multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A combined heater and accumulator assembly is integrated into a single unit, featuring a flexible membrane or diaphragm that separates the accumulator and heater portions, allowing for efficient coolant flow and heat transfer while preventing fluid intermixing, and utilizing a pressurized fluid to equalize pressures and facilitate coolant discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate heater and accumulator sub-assemblies are used, then temperature control and volume change mitigation functions are provided, but system cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heater sub-assembly and accumulator sub-assembly into a single integrated heater/accumulator assembly. The heater portion with coolant flow chamber and the accumulator portion are merged into one unit, eliminating the need for separate installations while maintaining both temperature control and volume change mitigation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: the heater portion provides temperature control through coolant heating, the accumulator portion mitigates volume changes, and the flexible membrane separates while allowing pressure equalization. This multi-functional design reduces system complexity.
2Reliability
If separate heater and accumulator sub-assemblies are used, then temperature control and volume change mitigation functions are provided, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the heater and accumulator into a single pre-assembled unit, the installation process requires only one assembly operation rather than installing two separate sub-assemblies, directly reducing assembly time while maintaining both temperature control and volume compensation functions.
3Reliability
If flexible membrane separates accumulator and heater portions, then fluid intermixing is prevented, but pressure equalization is required
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane or diaphragm is used to separate the accumulator portion and heater portion, preventing fluid intermixing while allowing the membrane to flex and equalize pressure differences between the two portions during operation.
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
This integration reduces costs and simplifies installation by combining functions, enhancing efficiency and reducing assembly time while maintaining effective temperature control and pressure equalization.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible membrane or diaphragm is between the accumulator portion and the heater portion
Implementation Method 2
a heat source operable for supplying heat for heating the coolant within the interior of the second portion
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a pressurized fluid to equalize pressures and facilitate coolant discharge
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are provided of combined heater and accumulator assemblies. In an exemplary embodiment, an assembly generally includes an enclosure including a first portion, a second portion, and a divider between the first and second portions. The assembly also includes an inlet through which coolant may enter an interior of the second portion, and an outlet through which the coolant may exit the interior of the second portion. The assembly further includes a heat source operable for supplying heat for heating the coolant within the interior of the second portion.