Modular Fluid Cooling Unit with Integrated Tank Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular fluid cooling devices are not easily retrofittable onto existing oil tanks and require additional tubing, leading to increased costs, energy inefficiencies, and space constraints due to the complexity of fluid lines.
Innovation Solution
A modular unit with a connecting module that integrates a filter unit, pump unit, and cooling unit, where the cooling unit projects into the tank unit, allowing direct fluid intake and discharge, eliminating the need for external tubing and enabling easy replacement and compact installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular fluid cooling devices are connected to existing oil tanks using additional tubing, then the devices can be retrofitted onto existing tank units, but the fluid lines increase costs, energy consumption, and installation space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the modular unit with the tank unit by integrating the fluid connection directly into the tank structure. The modular unit is designed to connect to the tank unit without requiring external tubing, as the tank unit itself provides the fluid connection interface. This eliminates the need for additional fluid lines while maintaining retrofit capability on existing tank units.
2Ease of operation
If additional tubing is used to connect modular units to tank units, then fluid can be conveyed between components, but the fluid lines increase installation space requirements and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid connection function directly into the tank unit structure, eliminating the need for separate tubing. The modular unit connects to the tank unit through an integrated connection interface that utilizes the tank unit's own structure, thereby reducing installation space and simplifying the installation process.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular units are designed as integral combinations with tank units, then manufacturing and installation can be simplified, but retrofitting onto existing tank units becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid cooling system into a separate modular unit that can be independently manufactured and then connected to existing tank units. The modular unit is designed with a standardized connection interface that can be attached to the tank unit without requiring integration during tank manufacturing, thereby enabling both easy manufacturing and retrofit capability.
4Ease of operation
If long fluid lines are provided between modular unit and tank unit, then fluid can be conveyed over distance, but flow resistances increase and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the modular unit directly with the tank unit through an integrated connection, eliminating long fluid lines. The connection is designed to minimize fluid path length, thereby reducing flow resistances and maintaining high energy efficiency while still providing installation flexibility.
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 configuration reduces fluid paths, enhances energy efficiency, and allows for easy retrofitting and replacement, maintaining a uniform temperature within the tank unit for efficient fluid removal and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit (14) connected to the connecting module (16) and configured to cool the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a pump unit (12) connected to the connecting module (16) and configured to remove fluid from the tank unit (18)
Data Source
AI summary
A modular unit has at least one filter (10), pump (12) and cooling unit (14) fluidically connected to each other by a connection module (16) and connected to a tank unit (18). The connection module (16) opens out inside (22) the tank unit with a suction opening (20), together with the cooling unit (14) when the tank unit is connected (18). The filter unit (10) and pump unit (12) are arranged outside the tank unit (18). The modular unit can then be placed on and connected to a tank unit. The cooling unit protrudes inside the tank unit.