Vehicle Fluid Management Module With Inclined Valve Channel Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles require optimized thermal management systems with simplified and cost-effective manufacturing processes, particularly for electric vehicles, where existing cooling and heat pump systems are not adequately addressed in terms of compact packaging and efficient fluid distribution.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management module with a valve system featuring an inclined intermediary channel axis, allowing for compact packaging and optimized fluid distribution, comprising a block with a machining-processed valve and a unit with extrusion or stamped channels, reducing manufacturing complexity and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional cooling and heat pump systems are used in modern vehicles, then thermal management functions are provided, but the packaging is not compact and manufacturing processes are complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple thermal management functions (cooling and heat pump operations) into a single integrated fluid management module. The valve block integrates distribution functions, the transferring plate integrates circulation channels, and the support plate provides structural integration, allowing multiple functions to be achieved within a compact volume while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the valve block contains internal bores and channels, the transferring plate is positioned within the module structure with channels formed by curvatures, and the support plate provides underlying support. This nesting allows components to be arranged efficiently in three-dimensional space, achieving compact packaging without sacrificing functional complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If machining processes are used for all components, then high precision is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid management module into distinct components with different manufacturing requirements: the valve block is machined to high precision for valve operation, while the transferring plate uses extrusion or stamping for channel formation, and the support plate uses simpler forming processes. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with the most appropriate process, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining necessary precision for critical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different manufacturing qualities to different parts of the system: high-precision machining is applied only to the valve block where precise valve seating and bore dimensions are critical, while the transferring plate and support plate use less intensive processes suitable for their structural and channel-forming functions. This local differentiation of manufacturing quality optimizes both precision and ease of manufacture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A fluid management module for a vehicle, comprising: - a block (2) with at least a valve (4), - a unit (3), the unit (3) comprising at least a plate (20), called transferring plate, shaped to form at least one channel (21) for receiving the fluid, and a plate (22), called support plate, the support plate (22) being flat, the block (2) and the unit (3) being fluidly connected together, the valve (4) being configured to distribute the fluid in the channel (21) of the unit (3), wherein an intermediary channel (7) extend non colinearly with an inlet part (5) and an outer part (6) of the valve (4).