Coolant Passage Connection Structure Tapered Water Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coolant passage connection structures in inverters are prone to damage and sealability issues due to water containing salt and/or sand accumulating around the face seal member, especially when the vehicle is in motion, which can lead to corrosion and reduced durability of the second casing.
Innovation Solution
A coolant passage connection structure with a first connection member featuring a tapered portion inclined away from the case surface, and a second connection member with a seal support portion and fastening portions, which prevents water from flowing into the periphery of the face seal member and enhances the durability and sealability of the second opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the second opening is provided below the first connection member in a vertical direction, then the structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but water containing salt and sand accumulates around the face seal member causing corrosion and sealability issues
Solution Approach 1:
A water preventing member (tapered portion) is introduced as an intermediary element between the first connection member and the second opening. This member redirects water flow away from the face seal member, preventing harmful substances from reaching the seal area while maintaining the simplified vertical arrangement of the second opening below the first connection member.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered portion of the water preventing member converts the harmful effect of gravity-driven water flow into a beneficial redirection mechanism. By designing the taper to slope away from the face seal member, the natural downward flow of water is harnessed to direct water away from the seal area, turning the harmful accumulation into a protective flow pattern.
2Ease of operation
If the second opening is provided below the first connection member, then the assembly process is simplified, but the sealability of the face seal member deteriorates due to water accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The water preventing member serves as a mediator that preserves sealability without complicating the assembly process. It is integrated into the first connection member structure and automatically guides water away from the face seal member during assembly and operation, maintaining the simplified vertical configuration while ensuring reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered portion is pre-configured in the first connection member during manufacturing, so that water flow redirection is established before the assembly is put into service. This preliminary arrangement ensures that water is diverted away from the face seal member from the moment of assembly, preventing seal degradation without requiring additional assembly steps.
3Device complexity
If water flows along the surface of the case toward the second opening, then the structure remains simple without additional protective features, but the face seal member and surrounding area suffer from corrosion and durability damage
Solution Approach 1:
The water preventing member acts as a protective intermediary that intercepts water flow before it can reach the face seal member and surrounding case area. By positioning the tapered portion to overlap with the case surface in the vertical direction, it creates a barrier that redirects water away from vulnerable areas without requiring complex protective systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered structure provides beforehand protection by redirecting water flow away from the face seal member before harmful substances can cause corrosion. This preventive measure is built into the geometry of the first connection member, cushioning the seal area against water accumulation and corrosion damage in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
A coolant passage connection structure includes: a first coolant passage attached to a case which houses a cooler and has a second opening, and extending from the cooler; a second coolant passage that communicates with the second opening; a first connection member connected to the first coolant passage, and having a first opening; a first face seal member; and a second connection member connected to the first opening and the second opening via the first face seal member. The second opening is provided in the case so as to be positioned below the first connection member in a vertical direction. The first connection member is positioned above the first face seal member in the vertical direction and includes a tapered portion that includes an inclined surface inclined further away from a surface of the case toward a lower side in the vertical direction.