Firewall-Integrated Coolant Reservoir for Engine Bay Space Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine coolant tanks in vehicles, especially in larger vehicles, occupy significant space in the engine compartment and are difficult to access, leading to usability and maintenance challenges due to their design and placement.
Innovation Solution
A coolant tank integrated with the firewall of the engine compartment, made from structurally supportive materials like metal or metal alloys, which serves as a structural element, providing space-saving benefits and improved access through a sight glass for fill level viewing and attachment points for other vehicle components, allowing operation even when tilted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If coolant tanks are made from polymer material with modular design, then the tank can be used in a variety of vehicles across a vehicle platform, but the tank occupies significant space in the engine compartment and is difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coolant tank with the firewall structure, integrating two separate components (firewall and coolant tank) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for a separate standalone tank that would occupy additional space, while the modular design elements are preserved for adaptability across different vehicle platforms.
2Ease of operation
If coolant tanks are disposed within the engine compartment, then the tank is integrated into the vehicle structure, but access to the tanks for viewing fill levels, service, filling, etc. is very limited and not user friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sight glass as an intermediary component that allows the operator to view coolant fill levels without opening the hood or accessing the engine compartment directly. This mediator enables information transfer from the enclosed tank to the operator while maintaining the structural integration benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The firewall structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural barrier separating the engine compartment from the operator compartment and as a housing for the coolant tank. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall vehicle structure.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple tanks are used to accommodate the amount of coolant needed in vehicles with larger engines, then the coolant capacity is sufficient, but the tanks occupy even more space and access becomes even more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by integrating the coolant tank into the firewall structure, which extends vertically through the vehicle body. This allows the tank to occupy vertical space rather than horizontal engine compartment space, enabling sufficient coolant capacity without increasing the footprint in the engine bay.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a new coolant tank that may also provide a structural element to the frame of the engine compartment. The coolant tank is comprised of a rear wall that also makes up a portion of the firewall in the engine compartment. A structural coolant tank component is engaged with the rear wall to form the coolant reservoir. The coolant reservoir can provide support to attach structural elements of the vehicle, and can also allow for improved space efficiency in the engine compartment. Further, improved access to the filling port is provided, while continued operation and desired function is maintained even at extreme vehicle tilt.