Integrated Thermostat Heat Exchanger Wall for Fast Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostat heat exchanger arrangements in motor vehicle cooling circuits have a slow reaction time to temperature changes, which affects control behavior and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A thermostat is integrated into the wall of a heat exchanger, specifically in the secondary coolant circuit of a charge air cooler, eliminating the need for a separate housing and allowing for faster temperature response by being positioned near the inlet or outlet lines, with a design that includes a groove and sealing mechanism for secure attachment and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a separate housing is used for the thermostat, then the thermostat can be easily installed and sealed, but the installation space increases and the reaction time to temperature changes is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermostat with the heat exchanger by integrating the thermostat directly into the wall of the heat exchanger. This eliminates the separate housing structure and reduces installation space while enabling faster reaction time to temperature changes, as the thermostat is positioned closer to the coolant flow path.
2Area of stationary object
If the thermostat is built into the wall of the heat exchanger, then installation space is increased and reaction time is shortened, but the sealing and attachment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat is segmented into distinct functional parts that can be separately manufactured and then assembled into the heat exchanger wall. This includes the thermostat body, sealing elements, and connecting components, which allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the integrated design benefits.
3Volume of moving object
If the thermostat extends partially inside the heat exchanger, then construction space is saved externally, but the internal structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat is nested within the wall structure of the heat exchanger, with parts extending both inside and outside the heat exchanger body. This nesting approach allows the thermostat to be integrated into the existing structure, saving external space while the internal complexity is managed through careful design of the nesting arrangement.
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 configuration reduces construction space, enhances installation efficiency, and provides a shorter reaction time to temperature changes, resulting in improved control behavior and efficient coolant flow regulation.
Implementation Method 1
The area of the thermostat in which a medium with a temperature-dependent volume is located extends into the outlet opening
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a thermostat-heat exchanger arrangement, in particular for one in a secondary coolant circuit (1") of a charge air cooler (3, 5), comprising a heat exchanger, a thermostat (10) which is arranged in the area of an inlet or outlet to or from the heat exchanger and which regulates a fluid flow, in particular a coolant flow, depending on the temperature, wherein the thermostat (10) is integrated into a wall of the heat exchanger.