Linear Actuator Cooling for Autonomous Vehicle Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance computing systems in autonomous vehicles generate significant heat due to processor speed, electrical resistance, data transfer operations, intensive workloads, and environmental constraints, posing challenges for effective cooling.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective linear drive actuator is employed to circulate cooling liquid through the computing system housing, offering reduced noise and vibration levels, automatic functionality in case of motor actuator malfunction, and greater control over fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a traditional motor-driven pump is used to circulate cooling liquid, then cooling performance is maintained, but noise and vibration levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional motor-driven pump with a linear actuator mechanism that uses electromagnetic force to directly move the piston and circulate cooling liquid. This substitution eliminates the mechanical motor components that generate noise and vibration, while maintaining the cooling function through direct electromagnetic actuation of the fluid circulation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a linear actuator that utilizes electromagnetic fields to generate linear motion, effectively applying principles of electromagnetism and fluid dynamics. The actuator creates pressure differentials in the cooling liquid to drive circulation without mechanical rotating components, reducing harmful noise and vibration while maintaining cooling efficiency.
2Temperature
If a complex cooling system with multiple components is used, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cooling system components into an integrated linear actuator mechanism. The actuator combines the functions of the pump, valve, and motor into a single unified component that directly controls cooling liquid circulation. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining cooling effectiveness, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator serves multiple functions within the cooling system: it acts as the driving mechanism for fluid circulation, controls pressure regulation, and eliminates the need for separate motor and pump components. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining or improving cooling effectiveness through a more efficient unified design.
3Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are used in autonomous vehicles, then cooling function is provided, but reliability decreases due to limited space and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuator mechanism is designed to be self-regulating and reliable in the constrained autonomous vehicle environment. The actuator directly responds to control signals to adjust cooling liquid flow, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and multiple failure-prone components. This self-service design improves reliability by reducing points of failure while maintaining adequate cooling function in limited spaces.
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
The proposed cooling system effectively reduces noise and vibration, maintains efficient cooling performance, and extends the lifespan of electronic components by managing temperature within optimal ranges.
Implementation Method 1
circulate cooling liquid through the computing system housing
Implementation Method 2
A cost-effective linear drive actuator is employed to circulate cooling liquid
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments presented herein include systems and methods for cooling a device, such as a computing system for an autonomous vehicle. In one or more embodiments, a linear drive actuator may be employed to circulate cooling fluid (or coolant) to the computing system. Unlike typical hydraulic or linear actuators, embodiments herein are capable of consistent directional circulation of the fluid while the actuator is moving in both forward and backward directions. Using a linear actuator not only uses fewer parts as compared to current cooling systems, but such embodiments have additional benefits. A linear actuator cooling system can use a smaller motor than traditional pump cooling systems, has more control relative to rate and pressure, produces less noise, produces fewer vibrations, and has a longer lifespan. Embodiments may also be configured to facilitate circulation of the coolant even in the event of a controller or motor actuator malfunction.