Integrated Pump Conduit Cylinder Block Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional engine cooling systems face challenges in compactness due to the size mismatch between the cooling circuit components and modern vehicle engine compartments, leading to increased thermal stresses as manufacturers strive for more compact and efficient engines.

Innovation Solution

The integration of the pump and conduit within the cylinder block, with an external duct forming a sealed passage zone for the heat transfer fluid, allowing for a compact and adaptable cooling system that can be manufactured using high-pressure casting processes, including aluminum alloys.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the pump and conduit are arranged externally on the engine, then the cooling system is easier to manufacture and maintain, but the engine dimensions become too large for modern compact vehicle compartments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine volumeVSAvoidcooling system integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pump and conduit into a single integrated unit that is incorporated into the cylinder block structure. The pump is positioned within the cylinder block, and the conduit is formed as an integral part of the block, eliminating the need for separate external mounting and reducing overall engine volume while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized integration processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump is nested within the cylinder block structure, with the conduit passing through the block to connect the pump outlet to the cooling circuit inlet. This nesting arrangement allows the cooling system components to be housed within the existing engine structure, significantly reducing the external dimensions required for the cooling system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the pump and conduit are integrated into the cylinder block, then the engine becomes more compact, but the manufacturing process becomes limited to specific casting methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine volumeVSAvoidmanufacturing process compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the integrated pump and conduit system to be compatible with multiple casting processes including pressure die casting, gravity casting, and investment casting. The structural design of the pump and conduit integration is formulated to work with various aluminum alloys and casting methods, making the solution universally applicable across different manufacturing capabilities and production requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

This solution minimizes pressure drop and allows for efficient heat transfer while being compatible with various foundry processes, enabling a more compact engine design without compromising performance.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling circuit in which a heat transfer fluid is circulated by means of a pump and which, in turn, is cooled by passing through a radiator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a heat transfer fluid is circulated by means of a pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3500746B1Outer conduit of an outlet of a volute of a heat transfer pump of a heat engine of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 RENAULT SA
  • EP3500746B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an outer conduit (1) of an outlet (4) of a volute (3) of a heat transfer pump (2), particularly arranged in a housing defined in a heat engine of a vehicle, the outer conduit (1) being comprised on an outer face (9) of a cylinder housing (8) of the engine and comprising a first component (5a) that can guide the heat transfer fluid from said outlet (4) to an inlet (6) of an inner circuit (7) for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, defined in the cylinder housing (8).