Fuel Cell Automobile Coolant Pipe Slope Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell automobiles, the limited space under the floor panel due to the fuel cell system box restricts cabin and luggage space, and the accumulation of air in coolant piping hinders efficient cooling and temperature regulation.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell automobile design featuring a coolant pipe unit with a horizontal portion under the floor and a sloping portion extending upward to the cooling system component, preventing air accumulation and optimizing piping layout to minimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a fuel cell system box is provided under the floor to house the fuel cell and cooling equipment, then sufficient space is secured in the vehicle interior, but the entire floor surface inside the cabin becomes higher and cabin space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coolant piping system into distinct segments: a horizontal portion under the floor and a slope portion extending upward. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the horizontal portion minimizes space under the floor while the slope portion efficiently removes air, resolving the contradiction between housing components and maintaining cabin space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a purely horizontal piping layout to a three-dimensional configuration with both horizontal and sloping portions. This dimensional change allows the piping to adapt to the vertical height constraints under the floor while maintaining effective coolant flow and air removal, thereby preserving both component housing space and cabin volume.
2Length of stationary object
If coolant piping is arranged horizontally under the floor to minimize vertical space, then floor height is reduced, but air accumulates in the piping making cooling inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different geometric qualities to different portions of the piping system. The horizontal portion maintains low floor height, while the slope portion introduces a vertical gradient specifically at the outlet end. This local differentiation of geometric properties allows the system to simultaneously achieve space efficiency and cooling reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire piping system sloped (which would increase floor height), the patent inverts the approach by making only the outlet portion sloped while keeping the majority horizontal. This inverted configuration minimizes the impact on floor height while still achieving effective air removal through the slope portion.
3Reliability
If the coolant piping is made longer to improve air removal, then air accumulation is reduced, but the space occupied by piping and related parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial sloping rather than complete sloping throughout the entire piping length. The slope portion is applied only where necessary for air removal effectiveness, while the majority of the piping remains horizontal. This partial application of the sloping configuration achieves sufficient air removal without the excessive space occupation that would result from making the entire piping system longer and sloped.
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 design enhances air removal efficiency, reduces piping length and mass, and improves temperature controllability by preventing air accumulation, thus maintaining cooling performance and increasing interior space.
Implementation Method 1
a slope portion extending and sloping continuously upwardly from the horizontal portion to the cooling system component part above the floor panel
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell automobile basically comprises a fuel cell, a cooling system, and a coolant pipe unit. The fuel cell is disposed under a floor panel of a vehicle. The cooling system is configured and arranged to regulate temperature of the fuel cell using a coolant. The cooling system includes at least one cooling system component part that is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle. The coolant pipe unit extends between the fuel cell and the cooling system component part. The coolant pipe unit has a generally horizontal portion disposed in a space under the floor panel and a slope portion extending and sloping continuously upwardly from the horizontal portion to the cooling system component part above the floor panel.