Jet Manifold Backflow Prevention in Vehicle Coolant Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle coolant circuits, unequal pressures from different sources can cause backflow issues, leading to inefficient coolant distribution and potential overheating or reduced heating performance, which existing solutions attempt to address through complex and costly configurations with multiple connectors and valves.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a jet manifold with a nozzle and venturi design that creates a high-pressure jet stream to generate low-pressure zones, preventing backflow by drawing coolant from other inputs, thereby balancing fluid flows without the need for additional complex components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex configurations with multiple connectors and valves are used to address backflow issues, then backflow prevention capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single jet manifold component that integrates coolant mixing, pressure balancing, and backflow prevention capabilities. Instead of using separate connectors and valves to prevent backflow, the jet manifold merges these functions into one unified structure with optimized internal flow paths, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using the kinetic energy and pressure differential of coolant flow through the jet manifold to automatically prevent backflow. The design utilizes fluid dynamics rather than mechanical valves or complex connectors, allowing pressure-driven flow control that simplifies the system while effectively preventing reverse flow.
2Reliability
If complex configurations with multiple connectors and valves are used to address backflow issues, then backflow prevention capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple functions into the jet manifold, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for separate backflow prevention valves, additional connectors, and associated sealing elements, while maintaining the required reliability through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet manifold is designed to automatically prevent backflow through its internal hydraulic geometry without requiring external control systems, additional sensors, or active components. This self-regulating design reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms while ensuring reliable backflow prevention.
3Reliability
If additional complex components are added to coolant circuit, then backflow prevention is improved, but risk of leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of potential leak points by merging multiple functions into the jet manifold. Fewer connectors and valves mean fewer sealing interfaces where leaks could occur. The integrated design maintains reliable backflow prevention while minimizing the risk of leaks by reducing the overall component count and sealing surfaces in the coolant circuit.
4Reliability
If additional complex components are added to coolant circuit, then backflow prevention is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jet manifold consolidates multiple functions into a single component, reducing the total bill of materials and assembly costs. By integrating backflow prevention, coolant mixing, and pressure balancing functions into one manifold, the patent eliminates the need for separate valves and connectors, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliable backflow prevention capability.
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 solution effectively prevents backflow and ensures proper coolant distribution, reducing the complexity and cost of coolant circuits while minimizing the risk of leaks and overheating, by using a jet manifold to manage pressure differences within the coolant system.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle is configured to increase pressure of the coolant received at the first input to generate a jet stream
Implementation Method 2
generate a jet stream and a low-pressure zone in a cavity of a body of the jet manifold, the low-pressure zone created by the jet stream
Implementation Method 3
the low-pressure zone created by the jet stream drawing coolant from the second input
Implementation Method 4
the jet manifold includes a venturi downstream from the cavity, the venturi being configured to reduce a pressure of the coolant received from the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling circuit includes vehicle components and a jet manifold. The vehicle components are configured to receive coolant and include a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component. The jet manifold includes a first input, a second input and a nozzle. The first input is configured to receive coolant from the first vehicle component. The second input is configured to receive coolant from the second vehicle component. The nozzle is configured to increase pressure of the coolant received at the first input to generate a jet stream and a low-pressure zone in a cavity of a body of the jet manifold, the low-pressure zone created by the jet stream drawing coolant from the second input.