Integrated Heating Cooling Module With Common Base Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating and cooling modules for motor vehicles are complex, prone to errors, and require extensive space and installation effort due to multiple elements and connections, with no internal heat exchangers or chillers integrated in a compact unit, leading to increased assembly costs and error risks.
Innovation Solution
A compact heating and cooling module with a common base plate integrating evaporator, condenser, and refrigerant flow sections, reducing the need for external connections and incorporating a thermostatic expansion valve, collector, internal heat exchanger, and subcooling section for enhanced efficiency and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate heat transfer elements and components are used to cool and heat coolant circuits, then the required cooling and heating functionalities are achieved, but the device complexity increases and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heat transfer elements (evaporator, condenser, internal heat exchanger) onto a single common base plate with integrated flow channels. This merging of previously separate components into one modular unit reduces the number of individual parts and connections while maintaining all required cooling and heating functionalities across multiple coolant circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The common base plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support, provides integrated flow channels for refrigerant distribution, and hosts multiple heat transfer elements (evaporator, condenser, internal heat exchanger) that serve different thermal management functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate heat transfer elements are used with external connections, then the required thermal management is achieved, but the installation space and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the evaporator, condenser, and internal heat exchanger onto a single common base plate with built-in flow channels, the patent eliminates the need for multiple external connections and reduces the overall installation footprint. The compact integrated design occupies less space than multiple separate components would require.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection lines are provided to connect individual heat transfer elements, then the required fluid supply is achieved, but the assembly cost and error risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The common base plate integrates all flow channels for refrigerant supply and return directly into one structural component. This eliminates the need for multiple external connection lines and joints between separate heat transfer elements, thereby reducing assembly complexity, lowering manufacturing costs, and minimizing potential error sources from numerous connections.
4Area of stationary object
If a compact integrated design is used with a common base plate, then the installation space and weight are reduced, but the manufacturing complexity of the base plate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed with segmented or modular flow channels that can be manufactured using standard fabrication techniques. The integration of multiple heat transfer elements onto the base plate creates a modular assembly that, while complex in function, can be manufactured using conventional processes, balancing compactness with manufacturability.
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 provides a robust, compact, and adaptable heating and cooling module with reduced installation space and weight, improved efficiency through integrated heat transfer elements, and minimized maintenance needs, while ensuring safe operation with combustible refrigerants.
Implementation Method 1
evaporator region... which can be flowed through by a first coolant... a third flow section which can be flowed through by a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
evaporator region
Implementation Method 3
condenser region... which can be flowed through by a second coolant... a third flow section which can be flowed through by a refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
condenser region
Implementation Method 5
common base plate which has the fluid inlets and fluid outlets... the base plate has flow channels
Data Source
AI summary
A heating and cooling module for controlling the temperature of at least two coolant circuits, having an evaporator region and a condenser region. The evaporator region has a first flow section through which a first coolant can flow, and the condenser region has a second flow section through which a second coolant can flow. The heating and cooling module has a third flow section through which a refrigerant can flow. The evaporator region and the condenser region are arranged on a common base plate which has the fluid inlets and the fluid outlets for the first coolant, the second coolant, and the refrigerant. The base plate has flow channels, through each of which one of the coolants or the refrigerant can flow. The evaporator region and the condenser region are fluidically connected to the respective fluid inlets and the respective fluid outlets of the base plate via the flow channels.