Modular Mass Flow Valve Layout for Compact Coolant Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass flow control or valve units in coolant systems for hybrid or electric vehicles are complex, large, and lack variability options, requiring significant space and not allowing for flexible configuration of connection devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact mass flow control or valve unit design with a rotating valve body and fixed panel, where connecting devices are attached via an interface on one side of the housing, enabling modular configuration and alignment for optimized space use and flow efficiency, with radial seals for easy assembly and tolerance compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If connection devices are arranged on all sides of the housing, then flow distribution is optimized, but the device occupies excessive space and lacks compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The connection devices are segmented and concentrated on one side of the housing rather than distributed all around it. This segmentation allows the device to maintain its functional versatility while achieving a compact, space-saving configuration by grouping connections in a localized area.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection devices are arranged in a radial pattern around the valve body, utilizing the circular cross-sectional dimension of the housing. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple connections to be made on one side without increasing the device's axial length, achieving compactness while maintaining flow distribution capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connection devices are integrally formed with the housing, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection devices are separated from the housing as distinct, interchangeable components rather than being integrally formed. This segmentation enables different connection device configurations to be selected and attached to the same housing, providing application-specific adaptability without requiring multiple housing designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate various types of connection devices. This universal mounting structure allows a single housing design to serve multiple applications by simply changing the attached connection devices, achieving versatility without increasing structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and valves are distributed throughout the coolant system, then temperature control of individual components is achieved, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mass flow control unit is designed as a universal device that can serve multiple components through its multiple connection devices. By consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate valves and sensors into a single multi-functional unit, the system achieves component-specific temperature control while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single mass flow control unit is segmented into multiple connection devices, each capable of connecting to different coolant system components. This segmentation within a unified structure allows the device to replace multiple distributed valves and sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to control temperature for individual components.
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4~8
AI summary
In a mass flow regulator or valve unit (1), comprising at least one housing part (10) with a number of connection devices (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 240, 270) for connecting pipes, at least one valve body (3, 12) and at least one actuator element (2) for actuating the at least one valve body, in particular a valve plate (3), the connection devices (4, 5, 6, 7, 240, 270) are arranged such that they are secured or can be secured by means of at least one interface on the housing part (10) and the housing part (10) has connection openings (13, 14, 15, 16, 17) for connecting the connection devices (4, 5, 6, 7, 240, 270), wherein all of the connection openings (13, 14, 15, 16, 17) are arranged on one side (12) of the housing part (10). In the case of a connection device (4, 5, 6, 7, 240, 270) for such a mass flow regulator or valve unit (1), the connection device (4, 5, 6, 7, 240, 270) has at least one laterally projecting flange section (43, 47, 48, 55, 58, 63, 73, 77, 78, 158, 247, 248) for attaching the connection device (4, 5, 6, 7, 240, 270) to the mass flow regulator or valve unit (1) and at least one connection section (41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 271) for connecting a pipe to the connection device (4, 5, 6, 7, 240, 270).