Integrated Coolant Module With Constant-Diameter Tank-Pipe Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolant modules experience pressure loss due to differences in inner diameters of coolant passages and face challenges in spatially fixing components due to mold requirements, limiting the integration and modularization of coolant systems.
Innovation Solution
The integrated coolant module features a through-hole in the reservoir tank with a protrusion rib and a coolant pipe connected via a constant diameter design, sealed with O-rings and ring gaskets, and fixed using protrusion ribs and blocks, allowing for uniform passage width and improved assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pipe is formed on the reservoir tank side by injection molding, then the reservoir tank can be manufactured with integrated coolant passages, but a minimum space for forming the pipe is required which prevents the fixing member from being disposed close to the pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by inserting the coolant pipe into the protrusion rib formed on the reservoir tank. The protrusion rib acts as a housing that contains the coolant pipe, allowing the pipe to be nested within the tank structure rather than requiring separate mounting space. This resolves the spatial conflict between the pipe formation requirements and the fixing member placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coolant passage formation with the tank body structure by forming the protrusion rib directly on the reservoir tank during injection molding. This integration combines the tank structure and coolant passage support into a single component, eliminating the need for separate pipe mounting features and allowing the fixing member to be positioned closer to the connection point.
2Reliability
If the pipe at the reservoir tank side is inserted into the pipe at the valve side to form coolant communication, then coolant flow between components is established, but pressure loss occurs due to difference in inner diameters of the two pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the protrusion rib with a specific inner diameter that matches the coolant pipe's outer diameter. This localized dimensional matching at the connection point (protrusion rib interface) ensures smooth coolant flow transition without sudden diameter changes, thereby minimizing pressure loss while maintaining reliable coolant communication between the reservoir tank and valve.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fixing member is disposed away from the pipes due to mold required space, then the injection molding process can be performed, but the structural stability and compactness of the assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the protrusion rib on the reservoir tank during the injection molding process itself, before the assembly stage. This pre-formed structural feature is integrated into the tank during manufacturing, allowing the fixing member to be positioned optimally during assembly without compromising either the molding process or the structural stability of the final assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an integrated coolant module applied to a thermal management system of a vehicle and, more specifically, to a structure for coolant connection and fixation between a reservoir tank and a coolant control module. According to the present invention, a through-hole is formed through the side of the reservoir tank, a coolant pipe is formed on the side of the coolant control module, and a structure for connecting the through-hole and the coolant pipe is adopted, so that the width of a coolant passage is uniformly configured. Therefore, the present invention can solve a pressure loss problem due to a difference in the internal diameter of the coolant passage.