Integrated Valve Group Module for Compact Vehicle Heat Pump Piping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing heat pump air-conditioning systems in vehicles have complex pipeline layouts, occupy large space, and are difficult to maintain due to scattered valve components connected through pipelines, leading to complexity and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A valve group integration module that integrates multiple valves with internal and external flow channels, reducing the number of flow channels and pipeline connections, and allowing for a more compact and lightweight design by using a combination of plate-like branch bodies with grooves to form shared fluid flow channels, facilitating assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are connected through pipelines in a heat pump air-conditioning system, then the system can provide complete heating and cooling functions, but the pipeline layout becomes complex and occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple scattered valve components (electronic expansion valve, dehumidification valve, filter valve, high-pressure check valve, and low-pressure check valve) into a single integrated valve group assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate pipeline connections and minimizes the space required for valve arrangement, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining complete system functionality and reducing space occupation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are connected through pipelines, then the system can achieve various heat management functions, but the pipeline layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valves into a unified valve group assembly with internal flow channels that replace external pipelines. This merging approach maintains the ability to achieve various heat management functions while significantly simplifying the overall pipeline layout by eliminating numerous external connections and reducing system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If valves are scattered and connected through pipelines, then the system can be assembled with individual components, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a modular valve group assembly design where multiple valves are integrated as a unified module. This segmentation approach allows the valve group to be assembled as a complete unit during manufacturing, yet enables simplified maintenance by treating the valve group as a single replaceable module, thereby reducing maintenance difficulty compared to scattered individual valve components.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve group integration module and a vehicle are provided. The valve group integration module includes a body and a valve group. The body includes a first branch body and a second branch body. The first branch body includes a first connecting surface; the second branch body includes a second connecting surface; and the first connecting surface is hermetically connected to the second connecting surface. Multiple internal flow channels are arranged inside the first branch body. Furthermore, at least one groove is arranged on the first connecting surface of the first branch body. The second connecting surface and each groove on the first branch body form an external flow channel. The valve group includes multiple valves. The valves are selectively communicated to the internal flow channels and the external flow channel to form different fluid flow channels.