Modular Cooler Station Platform for Flexible Liquid Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooler systems lack flexibility in hydraulic connection options, additional functions, and parameter customization, and are costly to manufacture, with complex mechanical connections that complicate modifications and increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular cooler station with a set of platforms and a liquid cooler system featuring standardized mechanical and hydraulic connections, coaxial routing of liquid supply and discharge lines, integrated temperature measurement, and replaceable filters, allowing for various hydraulic and electrical connections, and a compact design with interchangeable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection elements are pushed onto the liquid cooler for inlet and outlet connections, then the liquid cooler becomes operational, but four connection elements must be pushed on which increases device complexity and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated platform structure. The platform integrates mechanical support, hydraulic connections, and electrical connections into one unified component that attaches to the liquid cooler, eliminating the need for separate connection elements for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical mounting, hydraulic fluid connections, and electrical connectivity. This universal design allows a single platform to replace multiple specialized connection elements, reducing overall system complexity.
2Temperature
If the side tank has longitudinal ribs for cooling and mounting, then cooling effect and mounting capability are achieved, but the side tank cannot be modified with regard to liquid connections and peripheral devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the liquid cooler with its cooling ribs remains dedicated to thermal management, while the platform serves as a separate modular unit that provides adaptable mounting and connection capabilities. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed with dynamic adaptability, allowing it to be configured with different hydraulic connections and peripheral devices based on specific application requirements. The platform's interface design enables easy modification and reconfiguration without affecting the core cooling function of the liquid cooler.
3Strength
If collecting tanks are flanged to cooling fin construction with multiple mechanical elements, then secure connection is achieved, but the connection requires a large number of mechanical elements increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The platform merges the functions of flanged connections, mounting brackets, and alignment features into a single integrated structure. This consolidation maintains secure mechanical attachment while eliminating the need for multiple separate mechanical elements such as separate flanges, screws, and alignment blocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform's attachment interface is designed as a universal connection system that provides secure mechanical bonding while incorporating multiple functions (mounting, alignment, sealing) into a single component design, reducing the total number of mechanical elements required.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different liquid coolers with different cooling capacities are used, then adaptability to diverse requirements is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase due to customization
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid cooler system is segmented into standardized modular units with consistent interface dimensions. Different cooling capacities are achieved by varying the internal fin structure and rib configuration within each module, while the external interface and platform connection remain standardized, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing through standardized production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cooling capacities are achieved by changing internal parameters (fin density, rib spacing, fluid passage geometry) rather than changing the overall module dimensions or interface specifications. This allows for parameter variation to meet different performance requirements while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes and interface compatibility.
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
Enables adaptation to diverse requirements with reduced manufacturing costs, increased flexibility, and a compact, easy-to-use system with standardized components, allowing for a wide range of parameter adjustments while maintaining consistent dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
A stream of liquid oil to be cooled is passed through hollow metal ribs, which transfer the heat to the surrounding air and emit it there
Implementation Method 2
hollow metal ribs, which transfer the heat to the surrounding air and emit it there
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a cooler station (1) comprising a liquid cooler (3), which has a first distributor box (14) consisting of a hollow extruded section made of aluminium having outwardly open guide groove, and comprising a platform (10) which can be pushed onto the liquid cooler and fixedly connected thereto by mechanical connecting elements which can be inserted into the guide grooves of the first distributor box. The cooler station comprises a set of platforms, wherein in each case one platform can be connected to the liquid cooler, and comprises the set of platforms which have the different hydraulic and/or electrical connections. The cooler station can be installed in a liquid cooler system which also comprises a blower, a liquid tank and a liquid filter. The liquid cooler, the blower, the liquid tank, and/or the liquid filter can each be selected from a set, such that a modular system is produced for providing from liquid cooler systems.