Connection module for a fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of electric vehicles has led to challenges in thermal management systems due to limited battery autonomy and space constraints, necessitating compact and cost-effective solutions for fluid distribution in these systems.
Innovation Solution
A connection module for fluids, featuring a body with a channel connecting two openings, a first valve inside the channel to control fluid flow, and a fixing element that immobilizes the valve while allowing fluid flow, enhancing the module's compactness and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a connection module uses a compact design with integrated valves and channels, then the volume and space occupation are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the integration of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the valve, channels, and connection ports into a single monoblock body structure. The valve is positioned within recesses of the body, and channels are formed directly within the body material, merging multiple functional components into one unified structure. This reduces the overall volume while managing the complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection module body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural housing, contains fluid channels, houses the valve mechanism, and provides mounting surfaces for connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing volume while the modular functional integration manages the inherent complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the connection module integrates multiple components into a compact structure, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By forming the body, channels, and valve housing as an integrated monoblock structure, the patent reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps and assembly operations required. This integration lowers manufacturing cost while the design accommodates standard machining tolerances for the embedded valve and channels, managing the precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different manufacturing approaches for different regions of the body: precision machining for the valve seating surfaces and channel passages, and standard forming for the overall body structure. This localized application of manufacturing precision reduces overall cost while maintaining necessary precision where required.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection module for a fluid, including: a body with a first opening and a second opening connected to each other by a channel so that the fluid can flow between the first opening and the second opening through the channel; a first valve placed inside the channel to control the flow of the fluid, the first opening being configured to receive the first valve. The connection module further includes a fixing element at the first opening configured to be introduced through the first opening and immobilize the first valve. The fixing element is configured to enable flow of the fluid there through.