Coolant Module Layout With Side Valve for Tighter Vehicle Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coolant modules in environmental-friendly vehicles face challenges in spatial utilization and working convenience due to limitations in layout space, increased height, and complex hose connections, which complicate the design and installation process.
Innovation Solution
An integrated coolant module with a vertically symmetric reservoir tank and lateral valve configuration, featuring separate chambers and direct connections to the valve, reduces space occupation and enhances installation ease by allowing for flexible design and simplified hose connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the valve is coupled to the lower portion of the reservoir tank, then the connection structure is simple, but the height of the coolant module increases and it occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is relocated from the lower portion (vertical dimension) to the lateral surface (horizontal dimension) of the reservoir tank. This dimensional shift allows the valve to be positioned at a height that optimizes spatial utilization while maintaining connection simplicity, thereby reducing the overall height and space occupation of the coolant module.
2Ease of manufacture
If the valve is coupled to the lower portion of the reservoir tank, then the connection structure is simple, but it becomes difficult to connect hoses when installed in the vehicle, degrading workability
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the valve from the lower portion to the lateral surface of the reservoir tank, the valve gains better accessibility from the side where hoses can be connected more easily during installation. This lateral positioning improves workability while keeping the connection structure simple.
3Ease of manufacture
If the reservoir tank has a symmetric structure with equal capacity chambers, then manufacturing is easier, but it is difficult to adapt to changed package space due to vehicle hood line
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir tank employs an asymmetric design where the partition wall is positioned off-center, creating chambers of unequal capacity. This asymmetric configuration allows the reservoir tank to adapt to varying package spaces defined by the vehicle hood line, while still maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the basic partitioned structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an integrated coolant module applied to a vehicle cooling system, and more particularly, to an integrated coolant module, in which a reservoir tank is formed to have a vertically symmetric structure, and a valve is coupled to a lateral surface of the reservoir tank, thereby improving spatial utilization and working convenience.