Vehicle Fluid Management Module With Dual-Face Refrigerant Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems in electric vehicles are bulky and require complex manufacturing processes, necessitating a more compact and efficient design for air conditioning and heat pump systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management module with a support structure that integrates heat exchangers and valves on opposite faces, featuring separate high and low-pressure refrigerant circulation zones, optimized channel configurations, and parallel extensions for components to minimize space and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If thermal management systems use traditional layouts with components arranged on the same side of the support, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but the system becomes bulky and occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging heat exchangers on the first face of the support and valves on the opposite second face, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) to reduce the system's footprint. This spatial reconfiguration significantly compactsthe thermal management system while maintaining all necessary functional connections through optimized channel routing.
2Reliability
If the support integrates multiple circulation zones for high and low pressure refrigerant, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support is segmented into distinct first and second refrigerant circulation zones, with each zone optimized for specific pressure ranges and heat exchange functions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone's channel configuration while maintaining overall system reliability and heat exchange efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the support are designed with locally optimized channel configurations - the first face accommodates heat exchangers requiring specific flow patterns, while the second face accommodates valves requiring different flow control characteristics. This local quality approach ensures optimal heat exchange efficiency in each region.
3Volume of moving object
If components are arranged to minimize space occupation, then system compactness is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the single support structure: it provides mounting surfaces for heat exchangers and valves on opposite faces, integrates the refrigerant circulation channels directly within the support, and facilitates fluidic connections between all components. This consolidation achieves compactness while actually simplifying manufacturing by reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps.
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
The solution results in a more compact and efficient thermal management system with improved heat exchange efficiency and reduced manufacturing complexity, optimizing the layout of components for electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first heat exchanger arranged on a first face of the support
Implementation Method 2
a support (10) comprising at least two channels (60, 62, 64) for the circuit of a refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A module for managing fluids for a vehicle is disclosed. The module includes a support having a first face and a second face, and at least one channel for the circuit of a refrigerant. The first face is opposite the second face. The first face of the support supports at least a first heat exchanger, and the second face of the support supports at least one valve.