Integrated Thermo-Valve Body for Multi-Temperature Coolant Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The distributed arrangement of thermo-valves in cooling systems complicates mounting and limits coolant flow control to specific temperatures, and motor-operated valves with integrated thermo-valves become large and expensive, making them poorly mountable and costly.

Innovation Solution

A thermo-valve connecting body is formed by integrating multiple thermo-valves with temperature sensing units and connecting parts, allowing for easy attachment and control of coolant flow at multiple specific temperatures, reducing the need for direct mounting of individual valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple thermo-valves are distributed in different pipelines, then coolant flow control at specific temperatures is achieved, but mounting work becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoolant flow control capabilityVSAvoidmounting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent thermo-valves into a single integrated valve body that controls coolant flow to multiple devices (heater core, ATF warmer, EGR, throttle body) through internal passages. This merging approach maintains the temperature-based flow control capability of distributed thermo-valves while eliminating the need to mount multiple separate valves, thereby reducing mounting complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated valve body serves multiple functions by incorporating multiple valve elements within a single housing that can control coolant distribution to various devices simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows one valve assembly to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate thermo-valves, simplifying the mounting process while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a motor-operated valve with integrated thermo-valve is used, then coolant flow control for multiple pipes is achieved, but the valve becomes large and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-pipe coolant flow controlVSAvoidvalve size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the motor-operated mechanism from the integrated valve design, retaining only the passive thermo-valve elements that respond automatically to temperature changes. By removing the motor and control electronics, the valve size is significantly reduced while maintaining the ability to control coolant flow to multiple pipes through the thermal response of the wax elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve elements operate autonomously based on coolant temperature without requiring external motor actuation. The wax-based thermal expansion mechanism automatically opens or closes passages in response to temperature changes, enabling multi-pipe coolant flow control through self-service operation rather than motor-driven actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a motor-operated valve with integrated thermo-valve is used, then coolant flow control for multiple pipes is achieved, but the valve becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-pipe coolant flow controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive passive thermo-valve elements made from common materials like wax and basic valve components, replacing expensive motor-operated mechanisms. These simpler components are more cost-effective to manufacture while still achieving the required multi-pipe coolant flow control functionality through thermal response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the motor-operated mechanical system with a passive thermal-mechanical system based on wax expansion and contraction. This substitution eliminates motors, gears, and electronic controls, resulting in a simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to control coolant flow to multiple pipes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 integration simplifies the mounting process and enables effective coolant flow control at various temperatures, reducing the complexity and cost associated with traditional systems.

Implementation Method 1

the temperature of the coolant causes the temperature sensing unit to extend or contract

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS11982220B2Thermo-valve and thermo-valve connecting body

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 NIPPON THERMOSTAT CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a thermos-valve connecting body with which attachment work is simplified by integrating a plurality of thermos-valves. The thermos-valve includes: a housing; a thermos-element that includes a temperature-sensing unit that senses the temperature of a coolant, that opens and closes one flow path in accordance with the temperature of the coolant, and that is housed inside the housing; and a connecting part formed on the housing and attached to another thermos-valve. The thermos-valve connecting body enables one thermos-valve to be attached to a connecting part of the other thermos-valve by the connecting part formed on the housing, and the one thermos-valve and the other thermos-valve to be formed integrally.