Concentric Compressor Cooling Unit for Compact Intake Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor/cooling units for internal combustion engines face challenges in compact packaging due to the series arrangement of components, leading to increased volume and limited cooling capacity within the restricted space of the front end region of vehicles, where multiple heat exchangers compete for space.
Innovation Solution
A combined compressor/cooling unit with an onion-like construction where the liquid cooling system is positioned between the compressor and the filter, allowing them to be arranged concentrically, reducing the overall packaging size and enhancing cooling efficiency while minimizing noise and airflow distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the compressor, cooling system, and filter are arranged in series, then the components can be installed separately, but the overall packaging volume increases and cooling capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the filter housing encases the cooling system, which in turn surrounds the compressor. The cooling system is positioned between the compressor and filter in an onion-like concentric construction, allowing all three components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes rather than sequential volumes, thereby reducing the overall packaging volume while maintaining adequate cooling capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional series arrangement to a three-dimensional concentric arrangement. By organizing components in radial layers around a central axis rather than in a linear sequence, the design utilizes spatial dimensions more efficiently, reducing the axial length and overall volume occupied by the assembly while preserving the functional sequence of air filtration, compression, and cooling
2Device complexity
If the components are arranged in series, then assembly is simplified, but the distance for airflow increases and noise emissions are amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The nested concentric arrangement places the cooling system and filter in surrounding positions relative to the compressor, creating a compact integrated assembly that reduces the total airflow path length. This shorter path minimizes the distance over which noise can propagate and amplify, while the integrated nature of the nested design actually simplifies assembly by reducing the number of separate mounting locations and connections required
3Temperature
If multiple heat exchangers are placed in the front end region, then cooling capacity is distributed, but space is limited and packaging is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compressor housing, cooling system, and filter into a single integrated assembly unit. By combining these previously separate components into one compact package with shared walls and common mounting structures, the design reduces the total space footprint while maintaining the cooling performance of the liquid cooling system, thereby alleviating packaging constraints in the front end region
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
The compact design reduces noise emissions and improves airflow efficiency, allowing for enhanced cooling performance and reduced packaging constraints, enabling more effective heat dissipation and increased air delivery capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid cooling system for cooling the air
Implementation Method 2
The cooler lowers the temperature and thus increases the density of the charge air
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are provided for a combined compressor-cooling unit for an intake system. In one example, the system includes a housing, with a compressor, a liquid cooling system, a filter, and an air intake arranged within the housing such that the filter encases the compressor at least in part.