Coolant Degassing Tank with Centrifugal Bypass and Labyrinth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolant expansion tanks in large vehicles like trucks and construction equipment are bulky due to the convoluted paths coolant must follow to separate air, leading to inefficiencies and increased size.
Innovation Solution
A degassing device with a centrifugation compartment that separates coolant into primary and residual flows using centrifugal forces, reducing the need for a convoluted path and incorporating a labyrinth for further gas separation, resulting in a more compact and efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coolant flows through a convoluted path in the expansion tank to separate air, then air separation efficiency is improved, but the tank size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion tank is divided into multiple functional zones: a first zone with a convoluted path for initial air separation, a second zone with centrifugal separation elements for further separation, and a third zone for final settling. This segmentation allows each zone to perform a specific separation function, achieving high overall efficiency while keeping the total volume compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional single-dimension convoluted paths to multi-dimensional separation by incorporating vertical centrifugal forces through rotating elements and inclined surfaces. Coolant is separated not only horizontally through winding paths but also vertically through centrifugal action,充分利用 three-dimensional space to reduce overall tank footprint.
2Volume of stationary object
If the expansion tank is made compact, then vehicle space utilization is improved, but air separation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compact tank is segmented into three functional zones that work in sequence: the first zone provides initial air removal through a condensed convoluted path, the second zone uses centrifugal separation for rapid air-water separation, and the third zone allows final settling. This multi-stage approach maintains high separation efficiency while minimizing total volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the separation mechanism from purely gravitational (traditional baffles) to a combination of gravitational and centrifugal forces. By introducing rotating elements and inclined surfaces that generate centrifugal acceleration, the separation efficiency per unit volume is dramatically increased, allowing compact dimensions without sacrificing performance.
3Stress or pressure
If coolant flow path is shortened, then pressure drop is reduced, but air separation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into three zones with different functions: the first zone has a longer convoluted path for gentle air separation, the second zone uses short centrifugal paths for rapid separation under higher velocity, and the third zone provides a short settling path. This segmentation allows the overall path to be shorter than traditional single-zone designs while maintaining separation efficiency through the progressive nature of the zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow velocity and separation mechanism across different zones. The first zone operates at lower velocity with gravitational separation, the second zone increases velocity to generate centrifugal forces for rapid separation, and the third zone allows settling at moderate velocity. This parameter variation enables shorter overall path length while maintaining high separation efficiency.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional baffle design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but device bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple separation mechanisms (convoluted path separation, centrifugal separation, and gravitational settling) into a single integrated tank structure. The dividing walls and centrifugal elements are formed as integral parts of the tank, eliminating the need for separate external separation devices and reducing overall bulk while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard fabrication techniques.
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 device reduces bulk by approximately 20%, decreases degassing time, and lowers pressure drop, enhancing fuel economy and operational efficiency, especially in vehicles with inclinations up to 30 degrees.
Implementation Method 1
a separator compartment, configured for extracting a primary degassed coolant flow and a residual coolant flow from the engassed coolant flow by a centrifugation of the engassed coolant flow inside the separator compartment
Implementation Method 2
the separator compartment is designed so that the incoming coolant flow traces a helical trajectory due to the shape of the separator compartment, thereby submitting the engassed coolant flow to centrifugal forces, i.e. the centrifugation
Implementation Method 3
a labyrinth, bordering with the separator compartment, wherein the separator compartment leads to the labyrinth so that the residual coolant flow flows from the separator compartment to the labyrinth, wherein the labyrinth is configured so that a secondary degassed coolant flow is extracted from the residual coolant flow by flowing of the residual coolant flow through the labyrinth
Data Source
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AI summary
A degassing device (10), comprising a degassing tank (11) comprising a bypass (13), a labyrinth (14), a degassed coolant outlet (20) and a separator compartment (12), for extracting a primary degassed coolant flow (F2), led to the bypass (13), and a residual coolant flow (F3), led to the labyrinth (14), by centrifugation of an engassed coolant flow (F1); wherein a secondary degassed coolant flow (F4) is extracted from the residual coolant flow (F3) by flowing of the residual coolant flow (F3) through the labyrinth (14); wherein the primary degassed coolant flow (F2) flows from the bypass (13) to the degassed coolant outlet (20), without flowing through the labyrinth (14); wherein the secondary degassed coolant flow (F4) flows from the labyrinth (14) to the degassed coolant outlet (20), without flowing through the bypass (13).