Coolant Temperature Sensor Mounting for Flow Resistance Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostat devices for internal combustion engines suffer from flow resistance and measurement inaccuracies due to the placement of the support part and temperature sensor, which disrupt coolant flow and hinder precise temperature control and detection, especially at the engine coolant inflow.
Innovation Solution
A cooling apparatus with a thermoelement assembly and temperature sensor housed in the coolant return channel, where the temperature sensor is positioned to face the circulation hole between the valve body and frame support part, away from the spring support frame, allowing for smooth coolant flow and accurate temperature detection at the engine coolant inflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support part (frame hook) of the spring support frame is used to incorporate the thermoelement assembly into the housing, then the thermoelement assembly can be securely mounted, but flow resistance increases and coolant flow becomes disordered and stagnant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring support frame and its frame hook from the housing structure. Instead, the thermoelement assembly is incorporated directly into the housing using a simplified mounting structure that does not protrude into the coolant flow path, thereby eliminating the source of flow resistance while maintaining secure mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new mounting structure that acts as an intermediary between the thermoelement assembly and the housing. This structure provides secure incorporation without the need for the frame hook that previously disrupted coolant flow, effectively mediating between mounting requirements and flow efficiency
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is arranged near the frame hook in the circulation hole, then the sensor can detect coolant temperature, but the measurement accuracy is reduced due to flow disorder and stagnation caused by the frame hook
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the frame hook from the circulation hole, eliminating the source of flow disorder and stagnation. The temperature sensor is then positioned in the cleared space where coolant flows smoothly, enabling accurate temperature measurement without the interference of flow disturbances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the temperature sensor to face the inside of the circulation hole from a different spatial orientation, away from the spring support frame. This dimensional repositioning allows the sensor to measure coolant temperature in a region with smooth, undisturbed flow
3Adaptability or versatility
If the temperature sensor detects coolant temperature from the engine coolant outlet, then it can be used for engine control and heater control, but it cannot provide accurate temperature information for optimal coolant temperature control at the engine inflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the temperature sensor to detect coolant temperature at the engine coolant inflow, which is upstream of the engine. This preliminary measurement allows the control system to anticipate and optimize coolant temperature before it enters the engine, enabling proactive temperature management for improved fuel efficiency and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements localized temperature measurement at the engine inflow rather than at the outlet. This local quality approach provides specific temperature information at the critical point where coolant enters the engine, enabling targeted temperature control optimization without compromising the overall control system's versatility
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 arrangement improves coolant temperature measurement accuracy and reduces flow resistance, enabling better engine temperature control and fuel efficiency by accurately detecting coolant temperatures at the engine inflow, and facilitates easy coolant filling and draining.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelement including therein a thermal expansion material which detects a temperature change of a coolant flowing through the inside of a circulation channel between an engine and a radiator to thereby expand and contract
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the coolant is provided in the above-mentioned housing
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided in which a temperature detecting tip of a temperature sensor is arranged in a position where flow of a coolant is smooth, to thereby improve a measurement accuracy of coolant temperature. A thermoelement assembly 13 and the temperature sensor 17 which detects the temperature of the coolant are accommodated in the housing 11 arranged at a return channel of the coolant which flows from a radiator to a coolant inflow part of the engine. The temperature detecting tip 17a of the temperature sensor 17 is arranged to face the inside of a circulation hole 12 of the housing 11 between a valve body 23 which constitutes the thermoelement assembly and a frame support part formed in the circulation hole 12 of the housing 11.