Cooling Module Manifold Layout With Internal Pump Discharge Port

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling module designs for vehicles, such as electric vehicles, face inefficiencies due to protruding discharge ports of pumps, which occupy valuable space and complicate the integration of thermal management systems.

Innovation Solution

The cooling module integrates the discharge port of the pump within the manifold, allowing the fluid flow path to be contained entirely within the manifold, reducing the module's size and improving space utilization by eliminating the need for external protrusions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the discharge port of the pump protrudes outward from the manifold, then the pump can be easily mounted and connected, but the space utilization of the vehicle is reduced and the module size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump mounting easeVSAvoidmodule volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge port of the pump is nested within the manifold structure, with the pump body positioned inside the manifold's internal space. This nesting arrangement eliminates the need for external protrusions while maintaining functional connectivity, thereby reducing the overall module volume without compromising mounting ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge port is repositioned from an external protruding position to an internal position within the manifold's three-dimensional space. By utilizing the internal volume of the manifold rather than external space, the design achieves compact integration while preserving pump connectivity and mounting capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the discharge port protrudes outward, then the pump connection is simplified, but the overall device complexity increases due to external components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidmodule complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump and manifold are merged into a single integrated assembly, where the pump discharge port is positioned inside the manifold. This merging eliminates the need for separate external connection components and reduces the number of discrete parts, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining connection functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manifold serves multiple functions: it acts as both the fluid distribution structure and the housing that contains the pump discharge port. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components for pump mounting and connection, thereby reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration enhances space efficiency, simplifies the mounting process, and reduces pressure loss by maintaining a compact design, effectively utilizing the available space within the vehicle.

Implementation Method 1

a pump (2) configured to pressure-feed the fluid (F)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4491883A1Cooling module
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 AISIN CORP
  • EP4491883A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4491883A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4491883A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cooling module (100) includes: a pump (2) configured to pressure-feed a fluid (F); and a manifold (1) having an outer wall (1g) on which an attachment surface (1e) for the pump is provided and including a fluid flow path (L) therein through which the fluid pressure-fed by the pump flows. A discharge port (132) of the pump is provided inside the manifold.