Coolant Distribution System with Pressure Equalization Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolant routing systems for vehicles require significant installation space due to the need for multiple coolant reservoirs to compensate for volume changes in coolant circuits, which also increases the complexity and cost of the system.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a connecting channel that allows pressure equalization between separate coolant circuits, eliminating the need for multiple reservoirs and reducing installation space. This connecting channel has a small flow cross-section relative to the coolant circuits, ensuring that flow resistance is high enough to prevent interference between coolant circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple coolant reservoirs are provided to compensate for volume changes in coolant circuits, then the coolant volume changes can be compensated, but the installation space and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple coolant reservoirs into a single common reservoir that serves all coolant circuits. The connecting channels allow pressure equalization between circuits, enabling one reservoir to compensate for volume changes in multiple circuits simultaneously, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The common reservoir serves as a universal compensation device for all coolant circuits. The connecting channels enable the reservoir to function for multiple circuits at once, making the system more space-efficient while the small flow cross-section ensures circuits remain independently controllable
2Reliability
If multiple coolant reservoirs and actuator devices are provided for volume compensation, then coolant flow control is maintained, but the number of moving components and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reservoir functions into a single common reservoir, directly reducing the number of moving components. The connecting channels with small flow cross-sections enable pressure equalization without requiring additional actuators, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining flow control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of volume compensation from multiple distributed reservoirs and concentrates it in a single common reservoir. This extraction eliminates redundant moving components while preserving the coolant flow control function through the connecting channel design
3Reliability
If connecting channels with large flow cross-sections are used between coolant circuits, then pressure equalization is effective, but the flows within coolant circuits influence each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing connecting channels with specifically small flow cross-sections at critical locations. This localized constraint allows pressure equalization to occur while preventing significant flow exchange between circuits, thereby maintaining both pressure balance and independent circuit operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow resistance parameter of the connecting channels by reducing their flow cross-section. This parameter change enables the channels to function as pressure equalization pathways while blocking significant flow exchange, thus maintaining independent circuit operation while achieving pressure balance
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
This solution reduces the necessary installation space, decreases the number of moving components, and lowers the overall cost and complexity of the coolant routing system while maintaining reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The coolant circuits are connected by at least one connecting channel, so that at least one pressure fraction between the coolant circuits caused by changes in the volume of the coolant can be equalized
Implementation Method 2
A flow cross-section within the connecting channel is particularly preferably small in relation to a flow cross-section within the coolant circuits. Advantageously, this results in the flow resistance of the connecting channel being at least significantly greater than the flow resistance of the coolant circuit
Implementation Method 3
The coolant in the coolant circuit changes its volume as a function of the temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A coolant routing system for vehicles for supplying at least two devices to be cooled with at least one coolant, comprising at least one coolant distribution unit. At least one housing body with at least one housing wall and at least one channel unit, which is at least partly formed by the housing wall, are also provided. The channel unit forms two separate and separately operable coolant circuits. At least a plurality of connections for connection to the devices to be cooled and at least a plurality of electric actuator devices for controlling a flow within the separate coolant circuits are provided. The two coolant circuits are connected by a connecting channel so that at least one pressure fraction caused by changes in the volume of the coolant can be equalized between the coolant circuits. Furthermore, a method of manufacturing is also provided.