Integrated Heat Exchanger Mounting Plate and Connecting Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchange devices for vehicle gearboxes face challenges in compact design and efficient temperature regulation of cooling oil, particularly in limited mounting space and varying temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange device with a compact structure featuring a heat exchanger, mounting plate, and connecting block, utilizing alternating first and second flow passages with non-communicating channels, and a thermostatic valve component for temperature control, allowing for both heating and cooling of the gearbox oil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a conventional heat exchanger design is used for gearbox cooling, then the heat exchange function is provided, but the mounting space requirement is large and the structure is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat exchanger, mounting plate, and connecting block into an integrated assembly. The mounting plate serves dual purposes as both a structural support and a mounting interface, while the connecting block integrates fluid connection functions. This merging of multiple components into a single integrated unit reduces the overall mounting space and simplifies the structure by eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and connection pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the heat exchanger, serves as a mounting interface for installation, and incorporates communicating holes for fluid passage. The integrating plate acts as both a structural element and a connection component, reducing the need for separate specialized parts and thereby reducing overall complexity and space requirements.
2Volume of stationary object
If the gearbox cooling system is simplified, then the mounting space is reduced, but the temperature regulation capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple plates (first plates and second plates) that form alternating first and second flow passages. This segmentation allows independent flow paths for different fluids, enabling sophisticated temperature regulation strategies such as counter-current heat exchange and selective heating/cooling zones within the compact integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a thermostatic valve that dynamically controls the flow of cooling oil based on temperature conditions. The valve automatically adjusts the flow rate and direction to provide heating when the vehicle is started in low temperature environments and switching to cooling mode during normal operation, maintaining adaptability within the simplified compact design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for heat exchange and mounting, then the temperature regulation is flexible, but the mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the mounting plate and connecting block directly with the heat exchanger assembly, creating a unified structure that requires fewer separate mounting operations. The communicating holes in the mounting plate are pre-positioned during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate piping connections and reducing mounting complexity while maintaining flexible temperature regulation capabilities.
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 device effectively regulates the temperature of the gearbox oil by allowing heat exchange between the oil and coolant, reducing mounting complexity and space requirements while maintaining efficient performance across different temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first plates and an adjacent second plate form a first flow passage or a second flow passage, the first flow passage and the second flow passage are isolated from each other
Implementation Method 2
since the high thermal conductivity of the plate, the plate heat exchanger has high efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchange device includes a heat exchanger, a mounting plate, and a connecting block. The heat exchanger includes several first plates, several second plates, and an end plate and a bottom plate located at two sides of the heat exchanger. Each of the first plates and an adjacent second plate form a first flow passage and a second flow passage, the mounting plate and the end plate are fixedly mounted, and the connecting block is fixedly mounted to the bottom plate. A passage running through the heat exchanger and not in communication with the first flow passage and the second flow passage is formed in the heat exchanger, the passage has one end in communication with a communicating hole of the mounting plate, and another end in communication with a connecting channel of the connecting block.