Integrated Pump-Valve Housing for Compact Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal management systems have a large system footprint due to numerous fluid elements connected by pipelines, necessitating an integrated design to reduce pipeline connections and footprint.
Innovation Solution
A fluid assembly with a main housing containing separate chambers for the pump and valve assemblies, integrated with a drive assembly that includes a stator assembly and motor, where the pump assembly and valve core are sealed within these chambers, and the rotor assembly operates within the magnetic field of the stator assembly, facilitating a compact and integrated fluid control apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fluid elements are connected by pipelines, then the system can be assembled, but the system footprint becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pump assembly and valve assembly into a single integrated fluid control apparatus with a common housing. The pump assembly and valve assembly are positioned adjacent to each other within the same housing structure, eliminating the need for external pipeline connections and reducing the overall system footprint while maintaining assembly capability through modular internal arrangement.
2Area of stationary object
If pump assembly and valve assembly are integrated in the same housing, then the system footprint is reduced, but the mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated fluid control apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: a pump assembly with inlet/outlet ports and a valve assembly with its own ports, both housed within a common housing. This segmentation allows for simplified mounting as each assembly can be independently positioned and connected within the housing, reducing the overall mounting complexity despite the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The common housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for both the pump and valve assemblies, acts as a mounting platform, and facilitates fluid distribution between the two assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall mounting process while maintaining a compact footprint.
3Reliability
If separate chambers are used for pump and valve assemblies, then the assemblies are sealed and protected, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first chamber for the pump assembly and a second chamber for the valve assembly. Each chamber is configured to seal and protect its respective assembly, ensuring reliable operation. The segmentation is achieved through straightforward partitioning of the housing structure, which maintains ease of manufacturing by using simple geometric divisions rather than complex sealing mechanisms.
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 reduces the space occupied by the fluid control apparatus and enhances integration, making it easier to mount and integrate pump and valve assemblies, thereby minimizing the overall system footprint.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor assembly operates within the magnetic field of the stator assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid assembly, a drive assembly, a fluid control apparatus and a manufacturing method therefor are provided. The fluid assembly includes a main housing, a pump assembly and a valve assembly. The main housing is provided with first chambers and a second chamber. The first chambers and the second chamber are arranged at an interval. At least part of one pump assembly is arranged in one first chamber in a sealed manner. Each pump assembly includes a rotor assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve core. At least part of the valve core is arranged in the second chamber in a sealed manner. Thus, the occupied space of the fluid control apparatus can be reduced