Cooling Plate Connector for Nonadjacent Battery Flow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cooling devices for electric and hybrid vehicles are inefficient in maintaining temperature uniformity across battery modules due to gaps and complexity in fluid circulation paths, leading to suboptimal heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device with an upper and lower plate forming circulation channels for a heat-transfer fluid, featuring a connector that allows fluid connection between nonadjacent zones, reducing the number of components and enhancing fluid pathway efficiency through a single connector flange, enabling fluid supply or removal from two nonadjacent zones and intermediate zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate connectors are used to connect different zones of cooling channels, then fluid circulation coverage is improved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector functions into a single integrated connector that simultaneously connects to multiple cooling channel zones. This single connector integrates what would traditionally require separate connectors, reducing component count while maintaining comprehensive fluid circulation coverage across all battery modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functional capability to serve multiple cooling zones through a single component. It incorporates multiple connection points and fluid pathways that enable it to perform the function of multiple separate connectors, achieving universal connectivity across different battery module zones.
2Reliability
If complex fluid circulation paths are used to reach nonadjacent zones, then cooling coverage is improved, but packaging space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to directly reach nonadjacent cooling zones without requiring long or complex fluid pathways. By strategically positioning connection points in different spatial dimensions, the design achieves comprehensive cooling coverage while minimizing the volume occupied by fluid circulation paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid circulation pathways are nested within the existing connector structure and battery module architecture. The connector integrates fluid channels and connection points in a compact nested arrangement, allowing complex circulation paths to be achieved within minimal packaging space by utilizing the internal volume of the connector itself.
3Productivity
If multiple connectors are used to supply fluid to nonadjacent zones, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is simplified by merging multiple connector assembly operations into a single connector installation. The integrated connector arrives as one pre-assembled component, eliminating the need for multiple separate connector installations and reducing assembly steps, while still providing comprehensive fluid supply to all cooling zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-configured with all necessary fluid pathways and connection points during manufacturing, before installation into the battery cooling system. This preliminary integration of multiple connection functions into a single component simplifies the final assembly process, as the connector is ready to connect to multiple zones immediately upon installation without requiring additional assembly steps.
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 design achieves reduced packaging, improved temperature uniformity, and efficient heat transfer across battery modules by simplifying fluid circulation and reducing component count, enhancing the overall cooling performance.
Implementation Method 1
an upper plate (511) and a lower plate (512) assembled with the upper plate so as to form together a plurality of circulation channels (513) for a heat-transfer fluid
Implementation Method 2
These cooling devices may comprise cooling plates through which a cooling liquid circulates. The cooling plates are installed, as far as possible without gaps, on the outer side of the batteries in order to dissipate heat
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature regulation device includes an upper plate and lower plate assembled together to form multiple circulation channels for a heat-transfer fluid to circulate in. The multiple circulation channels are grouped together in groups of channels running parallel to one another with a spacing between the channels referred to as an intra-group spacing. Two groups of channels with the same direction of circulation are separated from each other by an intermediate group of channels with an opposite circulation direction. The device also includes a connector assembled on the upper or lower plate that creates a fluid path for connecting two outlet collecting zones. The connector includes an external fluid inlet orifice and an external fluid outlet orifice.