Integrated Coolant Pump Module Thermostat Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional internal combustion engine cooling systems face challenges in maintaining consistent coolant flow temperature and reducing thermal shock, pressure cycling, and pressure drop due to the placement of thermostats downstream of the engine, which can lead to inefficiencies in heat exchange and pump cavitation risks.
Innovation Solution
A coolant pump module with an integrated thermostat positioned upstream of the pump inlet, allowing coolant from the radiator and engine to mix and maintain consistent temperature, reducing thermal shock and pressure drop, and incorporating separate passages for coolant and EGR gas flows, along with a mixing chamber to minimize turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the thermostat is positioned downstream of the engine, then the coolant can be cooled by the radiator, but the coolant flow temperature becomes inconsistent and causes thermal shock
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat is positioned upstream of the pump inlet to perform preliminary temperature regulation of the coolant before it enters the engine. This allows the coolant temperature to be controlled in advance, preventing thermal shock to the engine and ensuring consistent coolant flow temperature.
2Stress or pressure
If the thermostat is positioned downstream of the engine, then the coolant can be cooled, but pressure cycling and pressure drop increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat is positioned upstream of the pump inlet to perform preliminary pressure regulation. This placement allows the system to maintain more stable pressure conditions before the coolant enters the pump, reducing pressure cycling and minimizing the risk of pump cavitation.
3Productivity
If separate passages for coolant and EGR gas flows are incorporated, then heat exchange efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coolant passages and EGR gas passages into a single integrated module housing. This merging approach allows separate fluid paths to coexist in a compact structure, improving heat exchange efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity through shared walls and integrated design.
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 solution ensures consistent coolant flow temperature to the engine, reduces thermal shock and system pressure, and minimizes the risk of pump cavitation, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the cooling system.
Implementation Method 1
a thermostat integrated with the coolant pump module and positioned upstream of a pump inlet of the pump, allowing mixing of the hot and cold coolant streams. In addition, the thermostat is configured to regulate a coolant flow from the radiator into the coolant pump module
Implementation Method 2
a pump integrated with the coolant pump module and positioned downstream of the thermostat. In addition, the pump is configured to move the mixed coolant flow to the engine
Implementation Method 3
a mixing chamber integrated with the coolant pump module and positioned between the thermostat and the pump, wherein the mixing chamber is configured to minimize turbulence of the mixed coolant flow
Data Source
AI summary
A coolant pump module for an internal combustion engine is provided. The coolant pump module includes an inlet thermostat and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage integrated into a single unit. The coolant pump module provides inlet and outlet of coolant to various cooling circuits and inlet and outlet for an EGR gas circuit.