Integrated Heat Exchanger Valve Layout for Compact Vehicle Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing heat exchange loops in vehicles have a complex structure that occupies large space, making them difficult to meet the requirements of lightweight and high integration in modern vehicle technology.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange device with a simplified structure, integrating a temperature control assembly and a heat exchange assembly, featuring a valve body with a cylindrical valve core and a drive component that controls fluid flow between a heat exchange passage and a branch passage to regulate temperature, reducing the need for multiple pipelines and minimizing space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional heat exchange loop with thermostatic valve, heat exchanger and multiple pipelines is used, then temperature control function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the thermostatic valve and heat exchanger into a single unified device. The valve body contains both the valve chamber (for temperature control) and the heat exchange passages, eliminating the need for separate components and multiple connecting pipelines. This merging reduces structural complexity while maintaining the temperature control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the thermostatic valve housing and the heat exchanger structure. The valve core controls fluid flow direction while the heat exchange passages provide cooling functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If a traditional heat exchange loop with multiple pipelines is used, then temperature control function is achieved, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the thermostatic valve and heat exchanger into one integrated device, the patent eliminates multiple separate pipelines that would connect these components. The fluid flow paths are contained within the integrated structure, significantly reducing the space required for piping and component installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchange passages are integrated within the valve body structure, with the valve core operating inside the valve chamber that is part of the same housing. This nested arrangement allows one component to be contained within another, minimizing the overall volume occupied by the heat exchange loop.
3Reliability
If a traditional heat exchange loop is used, then cooling function is provided, but lightweight and high integration requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the thermostatic valve and heat exchanger into a single device reduces the total material required for construction, thereby reducing weight. The shared housing and eliminated piping reduce both material usage and manufacturing complexity, helping to meet lightweight requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional valve body that performs both temperature control and heat exchange functions eliminates the need for separate components, reducing the overall weight of the cooling system while maintaining full cooling functionality.
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 simplifies the heat exchange loop structure, reduces space occupation, and meets the requirements for integration and lightweight, while ensuring reliable temperature control and efficient heat exchange, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the system.
Implementation Method 1
The valve core is cylindrical, a peripheral wall of the valve core is sound, and the valve core is in a sliding fit with the inner wall of the valve chamber
Implementation Method 2
A heat exchange passage is formed in the heat exchange assembly
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
A heat exchanger, comprising a temperature control assembly and a heat exchange assembly. A heat exchange channel is formed within the heat exchange assembly. A branch channel arranged in parallel with the heat exchange channel is provided within the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. Output openings of the heat exchange channel and the branch channel are in communication with the liquid outlet. The temperature control assembly comprises a valve body, and a valve cavity in communication with the liquid inlet is provided in the valve body. A gap and a second valve port are provided at a peripheral wall of the valve body. The gap is nearer the liquid inlet than a first valve port. The gap is in communication with the valve cavity and the heat exchange channel. The second valve port is in communication with the valve cavity and the branch channel. An annular protrusion is provided on an inner wall of the valve cavity. The first valve port is formed at a middle portion of the annular protrusion. The first valve port is in communication with the gap and the second valve port. The valve body is provided with a valve core and a drive component therein. The valve core is cylindrical, and has a sliding fit with the inner wall of the valve cavity. The drive component is in cooperation with the first valve port. The valve core can use a peripheral wall thereof to block the second valve port. The drive component can block the first valve port. When the second valve port is blocked, the first valve port is open.