Modular Cooler Station Platforms for Versatile Liquid Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooler systems lack versatility in hydraulic and electrical connections, and are costly to manufacture, failing to meet diverse customer requirements and efficiency needs.
Innovation Solution
A modular cooler station system with standardized mechanical and hydraulic connections, incorporating a set of platforms with various connection options, integrated temperature measurement, and interchangeable components like filters, allowing for customizable liquid cooler installations with consistent dimensions and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If liquid coolers are customized with various hydraulic connection options and extra functions, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor box is designed with universal guide grooves that can accommodate multiple types of connecting elements (screws, clips, quick-connectors) for different hydraulic connection configurations. This allows a single distributor box design to serve multiple connection purposes without requiring separate designs for each connection type, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid cooler system is divided into modular components: distributor box, platform, and various connecting elements. Each component can be independently configured and assembled. The guide grooves in the distributor box are segmented to receive different types of connecting elements, allowing customization of hydraulic connections without redesigning the entire system
2Adaptability or versatility
If liquid coolers are customized with various extra functions and specifications, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor box and platform are designed as universal base components that can be used across all liquid cooler models. By standardizing these core components, the manufacturer reduces the number of unique parts that need to be produced, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while still allowing customization through optional connecting elements and configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates essential components (distributor box, platform) from optional customization elements (different connecting elements, hydraulic configurations). This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce base components in high volumes at economies of scale, while offering customized options as add-on elements, thus controlling overall manufacturing costs
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized mechanical connecting elements are used across all platforms, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to various hydraulic connections may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The guide grooves in the distributor box are designed with universal geometry that can accommodate multiple types of standardized connecting elements. This universal design allows the same mechanical connection system to support various hydraulic connection configurations, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture through standardization while preserving adaptability to different connection types
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 modular design enables adaptable liquid cooler installations with varied performance levels and features, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring compatibility and ease of use, with each installation maintaining consistent external dimensions and efficient cooling performance.
Implementation Method 1
a stream of liquid oil to be cooled is passed through hollow metal ribs that transfer heat to the ambient air and release it there
Data Source
AI summary
A cooler station comprising a liquid cooler, which has a first distributor box consisting of a hollow extruded section made of aluminium having outwardly open guide groove, and comprising a platform 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.