Thermal management component

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in vehicle thermal management systems is the complex connection of components, which results in a large occupied space and complicates assembly.

Innovation Solution

A thermal management assembly with integrated connecting ports and a plate heat exchange assembly, allowing for a compact structure and simplified assembly by integrating a liquid storage portion and plate heat exchange assembly with multiple connecting ports, facilitating connection through pipelines only.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are connected through separate pipelines in a thermal management system, then each component can perform its function independently, but the occupied space increases and the connection becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent function independenceVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent components (liquid storage portion, plate heat exchange assembly, pipelines, and connecting ports) into a single integrated thermal management assembly. The liquid storage portion is directly integrated with the plate heat exchange assembly, and multiple connecting ports are built into the assembly structure, eliminating the need for separate external pipelines and reducing connection complexity while maintaining component functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are connected through separate pipelines in a thermal management system, then each component can perform its function independently, but the occupied space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent function independenceVSAvoidoccupied space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent components (liquid storage portion, plate heat exchange assembly, pipelines, and connecting ports) into a single integrated thermal management assembly. The liquid storage portion is directly integrated with the plate heat exchange assembly, and multiple connecting ports are built into the assembly structure, eliminating the need for separate external pipelines and reducing connection complexity while maintaining component functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates the liquid storage portion within or alongside the plate heat exchange assembly structure. The components are nested or tightly coupled together, with the liquid storage portion positioned to utilize the same spatial envelope as the heat exchange assembly, thereby minimizing the overall volume occupied by the thermal management system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of stationary object

If components are integrated into a compact structure, then space utilization is optimized, but assembly complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidassembly convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the integrated thermal management assembly into distinct functional modules: the liquid storage portion and the plate heat exchange assembly. These modules are designed with standardized connection interfaces and integrating seams, allowing them to be manufactured separately and then assembled together through simple connection operations, thereby reducing assembly complexity despite the compact integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design achieves a more compact structure and convenient assembly by integrating components, optimizing space utilization and reducing flow resistance.

Implementation Method 1

plate heat exchange assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

plate heat exchange assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12508866B2Thermal management component

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 ZHEJIANG SANHUA AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS CO LTD

AI summary

A thermal management component in a thermal management system. The thermal management component has a first connecting port, a second connecting port, and a third connecting port and includes a first valve portion, a liquid storage portion, and a plate heat exchange assembly. The first valve portion is located between a fourth connecting port and a fifth connecting port. The first connecting port is in communication with an inlet of the liquid storage portion. The plate heat exchange assembly is located downstream from the liquid storage portion. The plate heat exchange assembly is in communication with the second connecting port and the third connecting port, and the second connecting port and the third connecting port are outlets.