Fluid management module, notably for a vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in vehicle thermal management systems is the bulkiness of the equipment, which hinders compactness and increases costs due to the need for numerous ducts and hoses.

Innovation Solution

A fluid management module with a support structure that integrates refrigerant and heat-transfer fluid channels, incorporating components like expansion members and heat exchangers, forming sealed connections through brazing or welding, eliminating the need for hoses and allowing for a compact, integrated design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional hoses and ducts are used to connect components, then ease of assembly is improved, but the bulk and complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidbulk of system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is merged with fluidic connection functions by integrating channels directly into the support body. This eliminates the need for separate hoses and ducts, reducing system bulk while maintaining ease of assembly through direct integration of previously separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for components, acts as a fluid distribution manifold with integrated channels, and serves as a structural framework. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connection ducts, reducing overall system volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If numerous separate components and connection ducts are used, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components are merged into the support structure, which now includes integrated fluid channels, mounting features, and connection points. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the necessary functional versatility through carefully designed multi-functional elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: structural support, fluid distribution, component mounting, and thermal management. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of stationary object

If integrated support structure with channels is used, then system compactness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem compactnessVSAvoidprecision of sealed connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure integrates fluid channels directly into its body, creating sealed connections through monolithic construction or precision joining of the support plates. This integration achieves system compactness while the manufacturing precision is managed through standardized plate fabrication and joining processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is divided into multiple plates that are assembled together to form the integrated channel system. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual plates with precise channels, while the assembly process creates the complete sealed fluid distribution network, balancing compactness with manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution reduces the overall bulk and cost of the thermal management system by integrating components, eliminating ducts, and ensuring mechanical retention, thereby enhancing compactness and optimizing thermodynamic properties.

Implementation Method 1

a main two-fluid heat exchanger arranged to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and a heat-transfer fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a brazed junction between a fluidic connection end piece of the support, which end piece is at one end of the channel of the support, and a fluidic connection zone of the main heat exchanger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBrazing: Brazing

Data Source

PatentUS20250362065A1Fluid management module, notably for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS

AI summary

A fluid management module having a support including at least one channel for the flow of a refrigerant fluid. The support bearing at least one component with a fluidic function such as an expansion member or a refrigerant valve. The fluid management module includes at least one main two-fluid heat exchanger arranged to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and a heat-transfer fluid. The support is assembled with the heat exchanger so as to form at least one sealed connection for the refrigerant fluid flowing between the channel of the support and the main two-fluid heat exchanger.