Vehicle Coolant Degassing Tank With Centrifugal Bypass Separation
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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 take to separate air, leading to inefficiencies and increased size.
Innovation Solution
A degassing device with a separator compartment that centrifugates the coolant flow, separating gas from coolant using centrifugal forces, allowing a primary degassed flow to bypass a labyrinth, reducing the need for a lengthy convoluted path and incorporating centrifugation within the tank itself.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coolant flows through a convoluted path with numerous baffles to separate air, then air separation effectiveness is improved, but the expansion tank becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion tank is divided into distinct functional zones: a separator compartment with centrifugal separation elements, a storage compartment for air/gas, and a controlled flow path with baffles. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the need for a uniformly large convoluted path throughout the entire tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional purely gravitational/baffle-based separation mechanism with a centrifugal separation system. The separator compartment uses centrifugal force generated by the coolant flow to separate air from coolant, providing more effective separation in a compact volume compared to conventional baffle systems.
2Reliability
If coolant flows through a long convoluted path for degassing, then air separation is improved, but the degassing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator compartment performs preliminary air separation from the coolant flow before the coolant enters the main storage and return path. By removing a significant portion of air early in the process through centrifugal separation, the subsequent baffle sections require less length and time to complete the degassing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The degassing process is segmented into multiple stages: rapid initial separation in the centrifugal separator compartment, followed by finer separation through controlled baffle sections. This multi-stage approach reduces total degassing time compared to a single long convoluted path.
3Reliability
If the expansion tank is designed with numerous baffles for air separation, then air removal effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex air separation function is segmented between the centrifugal separator compartment and the baffle system. The separator compartment handles the bulk of air removal through centrifugal force, while simpler baffle sections complete the process, reducing overall structural complexity compared to a fully baffle-based system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes a portion of the complex baffle system with a centrifugal separation mechanism. This replacement reduces the number and complexity of baffles required while maintaining or improving air removal effectiveness through the centrifugal separation process.
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, enhances efficiency, and decreases degassing time, leading to lower power requirements and improved fuel economy, while maintaining effectiveness on slopes.
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
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
AI summary
A degassing device, comprising a degassing tank comprising a bypass, a labyrinth, a degassed coolant outlet and a separator compartment, for extracting a primary degassed coolant flow, led to the bypass, and a residual coolant flow, led to the labyrinth, by centrifugation of an engassed coolant flow; wherein a secondary degassed coolant flow is extracted from the residual coolant flow by flowing of the residual coolant flow through the labyrinth; wherein the primary degassed coolant flow flows from the bypass to the degassed coolant outlet, without flowing through the labyrinth; wherein the secondary degassed coolant flow flows from the labyrinth to the degassed coolant outlet, without flowing through the bypass.