Rotatable Dip Tube Degassing Tank for Coolant Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing degassing tanks for motor vehicle cooling systems lack a simple and effective means to control the flow of liquids, leading to inefficient gas removal from the heat transfer fluid.

Innovation Solution

A degassing tank with a movable dip tube that can be rotated between different positions to either allow or block fluid communication between the inlets and the lower portion of the tank, utilizing a partially circumferential recess and radial hole for fluid passage and obstruction, allowing for controlled fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a dip tube is made movable to control fluid flow, then the control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dip tube is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to rotate between a first position (providing fluid communication) and a second position (blocking fluid communication). This dynamic configuration enables flow control without requiring separate valves or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dip tube serves multiple functions: it acts as both a fluid conduit when in the first position and a flow blocking element when in the second position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby controlling complexity while improving operation capability.

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

2Ease of operation

If the dip tube is made rotatable with recess and hole structure, then the fluid flow control is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flow controlVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The recess and radial hole are integrated directly into the dip tube structure, combining the flow passage function and the blocking function into a single component. This merging reduces the number of parts and assembly steps, offsetting the increased manufacturing complexity of the recess-hole structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dip tube with its recess and radial hole is received within the valve housing, creating a nested structure. This nesting arrangement allows the complex dip tube structure to be integrated into the existing housing, minimizing additional manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4309758A1Degassing tank
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4309758A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4309758A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4309758A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a degassing tank (1) comprising a first inlet (20) and a dip tube (4) extending between the first inlet (20) and a lower part (3) of the tank (1), in which the dip tube (4) is movable, in use, relative to the first inlet (20) between a first position in which the dip tube (4) provides a fluid conduit between the first inlet (20) and the lower part (3) of the tank (1), and a second position in which the fluid communication between the first inlet (20) and the lower part (3) of the tank (1) is closed.