Manifold fluid module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular configurations of heat pump systems in electric vehicles face challenges such as increased costs, reduced workability, and weight due to separate piping and fittings, as well as reduced heat pump performance due to thermal interference between high-temperature and low-temperature fluids.
Innovation Solution
A manifold fluid module that integrates a manifold plate with fluid flow paths, a compressor, and heat exchangers, where the compressor and heat exchangers are directly connected to minimize thermal interference and eliminate the need for separate piping and fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate piping and fittings are used to connect heat pump components, then the system is easier to manufacture and assemble, but the weight, cost, and packaging space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold integrates multiple functions (piping, fittings, connectors, and structural support) into a single consolidated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate piping and fittings, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining ease of manufacture through a unified manufacturing process for the manifold assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate piping and fittings are used to connect heat pump components, then the system is easier to manufacture and assemble, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold consolidates multiple components (piping, fittings, connectors) into one integrated part, reducing the total component count and assembly steps. This merging reduces production costs by eliminating the need to manufacture, inventory, and assemble multiple separate parts, while maintaining manufacturing ease through standardized manifold production.
3Ease of manufacture
If components are connected with appropriate gaps for connection, then the assembly is easier to manufacture, but the packaging space and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold integrates connection functions directly into its structure, eliminating the need for separate connection components and their associated gaps. This merging allows for tighter component packaging since the manifold itself provides the connection interface, reducing the overall packaging space required while maintaining ease of manufacture through integrated design.
4Productivity
If high-temperature and low-temperature fluids flow through the manifold, then the heat pump system operates efficiently, but thermal interference between fluids occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold incorporates thermal insulation at specific locations where high-temperature and low-temperature fluid passages are in close proximity. This localized insulation application prevents thermal interference between fluids while maintaining the efficient heat pump operation, without requiring complete insulation of the entire manifold structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold uses thermal insulation material as an intermediary barrier between high-temperature and low-temperature fluid passages. This intermediary layer blocks unwanted thermal transfer between the fluids, allowing both to maintain their required temperature profiles for efficient heat pump operation.
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 solution reduces costs, weight, and improves workability by integrating functions of piping, fittings, and housing into the manifold plate, while minimizing thermal interference to enhance heat pump performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger which is coupled to the manifold plate, is connected to directly receive a first fluid flowing out of the compressor, and exchanges heat between the first fluid and a second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold fluid module according to the present invention includes a manifold plate having a fluid flow path formed therein, a compressor coupled to the manifold plate, and a first heat exchanger which is coupled to the manifold plate and connected such that a first fluid flowing out from the compressor is directly introduced thereinto, and heat-exchanges the first fluid and a second fluid, wherein the compressor is coupled to one surface of the manifold plate, and the first heat exchanger is coupled to the other surface of the manifold plate, and the compressor has a first fluid inlet port and a first fluid outlet port, and one of the first fluid inlet port or the first fluid outlet port of the compressor may be directly connected to and communicate with any one of the first inlet port or the first fluid outlet port of the first heat exchanger.