Integrated component

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of components in vehicle thermal management systems is complicated and occupies a large space, necessitating a solution to simplify the process and make the structure more compact.

Innovation Solution

An integrated component with a connecting part and liquid storage part, featuring independently arranged channels and mounting seats, allows for simplified assembly without additional connecting pipes, facilitating the integration of components such as valves and sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate components (housing, battery, display, control unit) are used, then functionality and reliability are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (housing, battery, display, control unit) into a single integrated component structure. The housing contains both the battery and display elements, with the control unit integrated within the same structure, eliminating the need for separate interconnected components while maintaining all necessary functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated component serves multiple functions simultaneously: the housing provides structural support and containment, the battery provides power, the display provides visual output, and the control unit provides processing - all within a single multi-functional component rather than separate specialized parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate components with interconnecting cables are used, then functionality is maintained, but susceptibility to cable failure and water damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent functionalityVSAvoidcable connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates interconnecting cables by integrating all components (battery, display, control unit) directly into the housing structure. This merging removes the vulnerable cable connections that could fail or allow water infiltration, while maintaining complete functionality through direct integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate components are used, then specific functions can be optimized, but manufacturing steps and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple components into a single integrated housing structure that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This reduces the number of manufacturing steps required compared to producing separate components and then assembling them with cables and connectors, thereby increasing production speed and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4170208B1Integrated component
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 ZHEJIANG SANHUA AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS CO LTD
  • EP4170208B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4170208B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4170208B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed is an integrated component, being used for a vehicular thermal management system, comprising a connection portion (10) and a liquid storage portion (20). The connection portion (10) and the liquid storage portion (20) are connected and form an integrated whole. The integrated component (100) has a liquid storage cavity (30). The connection portion (10) has channels, said channels including a first channel (111) and a second channel (112). The first channel (111) and the second channel (112) are provided independently. The first channel (111) comprises a first inlet (1111) and a first outlet (1112), a working medium entering the first channel (111) from the first inlet (1111) and leaving the first channel (111) through the first outlet (1112). The liquid storage cavity (30) can be in communication with the second channel (112). The second channel (112) comprises a third outlet (1121), a working medium that passes through the liquid storage cavity (30) leaving the second channel (112) through the third outlet. The connection portion (10) has an installation base, the installation base being in communication with the first channel (111) or the second channel (112), such that a valve apparatus in the thermal management system can be disposed at the installation base. The installation base and channels are provided at the connection portion such that multiple interfaces enable the assembly between the integrated component and the vehicular thermal management system, thereby facilitating the assembly of the integrated component and simplifying the assembly technique.