Expansion Tank With Divided Chambers For Dual Cooling Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual cooling systems for supercharged combustion engines require separate expansion tanks for each cooling system due to different working temperatures, making it inconvenient for servicing and liquid replenishment from a single point.
Innovation Solution
A common expansion tank with two separate chambers and a sloping passage for liquid replenishment, where the passage divides at the maximum liquid level of each chamber, ensuring that liquid is added to the less filled chamber first, and a closure mechanism separates the chambers during operation to prevent mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate expansion tanks are used for each cooling system, then system integrity and temperature separation are maintained, but servicing and liquid replenishment become inconvenient requiring multiple access points
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion tank is divided into two separate chambers (first expansion chamber and second expansion chamber) that are physically separated by a dividing wall. This segmentation allows each chamber to maintain its own coolant system integrity and temperature characteristics while still being part of a single expansion tank assembly, enabling independent servicing of each cooling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The common expansion tank structure serves multiple functions: it accommodates two separate cooling systems with different temperature requirements, provides a single unified access point for servicing both systems, and maintains separate coolant reservoirs through the dividing wall. The single access point allows technicians to service both cooling systems without needing to open multiple separate tanks.
2Ease of operation
If a common expansion tank is used for both cooling systems, then servicing becomes convenient with single-point access, but coolant mixing occurs compromising system integrity
Solution Approach 1:
A dividing wall is installed within the expansion tank to create two separate chambers. This physical segmentation prevents coolant from mixing between the two cooling systems while still allowing both systems to be accessed through a single common access point on the expansion tank.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the expansion tank are assigned different functions: one chamber for the first cooling system and another chamber for the second cooling system. The dividing wall creates local separation that maintains the specific temperature and coolant requirements of each system while providing unified external access.
3Stability of the object's composition
If coolant levels are monitored separately in each system, then system independence is maintained, but time and effort are lost checking multiple separate tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The common expansion tank provides a unified access point that serves both cooling systems simultaneously. Technicians can monitor and service both systems through this single access point, eliminating the need to check multiple separate tanks while maintaining the independence of each cooling system through internal separation.
Solution Approach 2:
Two separate expansion tank access points are merged into a single common access point. This combination allows technicians to service both cooling systems in one location, reducing servicing time while the internal dividing wall maintains system independence and prevents coolant mixing.
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
Enables simultaneous replenishment of two separate cooling systems from a single point, preventing coolant mixing and maintaining separate system integrity during operation, while accommodating different working temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The passage has with advantage a slope downwards from the inlet aperture so that the liquid runs through the passage by force of gravity.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an expansion tank (28) comprising a passage (34) with a inlet aperture (34a) for liquid replenishment of the expansion tank (28), a cover (32) which in a non-fitted state leaves the passage (34) clear and in a fitted state closes the passage (34), and a first expansion chamber (29) for receiving liquid which circulates in a first system (A). The expansion tank (28) comprises a second expansion chamber (30) for receiving liquid which circulates in a second system (B) and said passage (34) divides, at a distance from the inlet aperture (34a), into a first branch (34b) which leads liquid to the first expansion chamber (29) and a second branch (34c) which leads liquid to the second expansion chamber (30).