Cooling Circuit Pressurization System for Utility Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pressurization systems for utility vehicle cooling circuits require multiple components, including multiple pressure limiting valves and solenoid valves, to control pressure levels based on vehicle operation states, leading to a complex and potentially inefficient layout.
Innovation Solution
A simplified system using a single 3/2-way solenoid valve, controlled by electronic means, switches between two pressure limiting valves to adjust pressure levels in the coolant tank, reducing the number of components and enabling efficient pressure control based on vehicle operation states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pressure limiting valves and solenoid valves are used to control pressure levels, then precise pressure control according to vehicle operation states is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pressure control functions into a single integrated system. A single solenoid valve is used to switch between two pressure limiting valves (first pressure limiting valve for high pressure, second pressure limiting valve for low pressure), rather than requiring separate solenoid valves for each pressure level. This merging of control functions reduces the total number of components while maintaining the ability to provide different pressure levels based on vehicle operation states.
Solution Approach 2:
The single solenoid valve performs multiple functions by switching between different pressure control paths. It can connect the high-pressure source to the coolant tank when high pressure is needed, or connect the low-pressure source when low pressure is needed. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated solenoid valves for each pressure level, reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Device complexity
If a single solenoid valve switches between two pressure limiting valves, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision over pressure levels may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two fixed pressure levels based on vehicle operation states. The first pressure limiting valve provides a first predetermined pressure level, and the second pressure limiting valve provides a second predetermined pressure level. The single solenoid valve enables dynamic selection between these two pressure levels, ensuring precise pressure control adapted to different operating conditions without requiring continuous pressure adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single solenoid valve acts as an intermediary switching element that directs the coolant flow to either the first pressure limiting valve or the second pressure limiting valve. This intermediary component enables precise pressure level selection by cleanly switching between two dedicated pressure control paths, maintaining control precision while reducing the number of solenoid valves needed.
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 allows for efficient pressurization of the coolant tank with reduced components, enabling precise control of pressure levels according to different vehicle operation states, such as ignition, hatch position, and cooling system temperature, while preventing overpressure and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the high pressure of the pressure source acting on the inlet port and being reduced to a constant predetermined output pressure in the outlet port
Implementation Method 2
A simplified system using a single 3/2-way solenoid valve, controlled by electronic means, switches between two pressure limiting valves
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a pressurization system (10, 100) of a cooling circuit of a utility vehicle, comprising a coolant tank (14), a pressure source (12) and a pressurization line (16) connecting the pressure source (12) and the coolant tank (14) and comprising a first pressure limiting valve (18), a solenoid valve (20) arranged in line with the first pressure limiting valve (18) and control means (42) for controlling the operation state of the solenoid valve (20) dependent on an operation state of the vehicle. The solenoid valve (20) is disposed between the first pressure limiting valve and (18) the coolant tank (14) as a 3/2-way valve comprising a first port (22) communicating with the first pressure limiting valve (18), a second port (32) communicating with the coolant tank (14), and a third port (36) communicating with a second pressure limiting valve (40, 104), wherein the first port (22) and second port (32) are flow connected in the activated state of the solenoid valve (20), and the third port (36) and second port (32) are flow connected in the deactivated state of the solenoid valve (20).