Heatable Connection Module for Ice Prevention in Water Injection Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water injection systems for motor vehicles face issues with freezing, leading to expansion damage and prolonged operational readiness due to ice formation in reservoirs and lines, requiring a solution for rapid defrosting and ice prevention.
Innovation Solution
A compact, heatable connection module with thermally conductive and switchable multi-way valve functionality, incorporating heating elements and ventilation/drainage capabilities to prevent ice formation and ensure quick system readiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the water injection system is left without heating, then energy consumption is reduced, but ice formation occurs causing expansion damage and system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the storage tank and piping before the auxiliary fluid is needed, preventing ice formation in advance. The control unit activates heating elements when ambient temperature drops below a threshold, ensuring the system is ready for operation without energy waste during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own auxiliary fluid circulation to provide self-heating. The pump circulates the fluid through heated sections, and the fluid itself carries heat to prevent ice formation in the storage tank and piping, eliminating the need for separate heating systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heating elements are added to prevent freezing, then ice formation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are integrated directly into the connection module, merging the heating function with the existing connection structure. This eliminates the need for separate heating components and reduces overall system complexity while effectively preventing freezing in the storage tank and piping.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection module serves multiple functions: it provides the connection interface, houses heating elements for freeze prevention, and includes control circuitry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall system while addressing freezing concerns.
3Reliability
If the system is heated continuously, then operational readiness is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are activated periodically based on ambient temperature conditions and system usage patterns. The control unit monitors temperature and activates heating only when necessary, maintaining operational readiness while minimizing energy consumption during periods when the system is not in use or temperatures are adequate.
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 effectively prevents ice formation, allows for efficient defrosting, and ensures rapid operational readiness of the water injection system by using heatable elements and controlled ventilation, thereby addressing the freezing issues in water injection systems.
Implementation Method 1
the connection module comprises a module block which is designed as a thermally conductive and/or heatable body
Implementation Method 2
the module block comprises heat-conducting elements extending into the volume of the storage container
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for storing an auxiliary liquid and for supplying the same to an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle or to parts of the internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle, comprising a reservoir (1) for the fluid, at least one delivery pump for the fluid, and at least one line system comprising a feed to a load and a return into the reservoir (1), wherein the system comprises a connection module (2), which is inserted into an opening of the reservoir (1), wherein the connection module (2) has fluid channels, which communicate with the reservoir (1) and are connected to a feed line (8) and to a return line (10) of the line system, and wherein the connection module (2) comprises a module block, which is designed as a thermally conductive and/or heatable body.