Modular Water Supply Assembly for Compact Multi-Loop Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electric device cooling system in eco-friendly vehicles faces challenges due to limited layout space, complex hose routing, high flow resistance, and increased man-hours for component mounting, which complicates the integration and connection of cooling system components, leading to a high load on the water pump.
Innovation Solution
A modular water supply module with a reservoir tank partitioned into separate compartments for different temperature coolants, a heat exchanger, and a controller with a directional control valve to manage coolant flow in six directions, integrating components to reduce parts and hoses, and a controller to control coolant flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cooling system components are individually mounted and connected with complex hose routing, then the system can satisfy various purposes (heating, cooling, waste heat recovery), but the layout space is limited, assembly becomes complex, and flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooling system components (radiator, heat exchangers, reservoir tank, water pump) into a single integrated cooling system assembly. The components are arranged in a compact configuration where the radiator is positioned above the water pump, heat exchangers are located on opposite sides of the reservoir tank, and coolant passages directly connect these components without requiring external hoses, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining heating, cooling, and waste heat recovery functions
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cooling system assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: cooling the engine through the radiator, heating the cabin or other components through heat exchangers, and managing coolant levels and air vents through the reservoir tank. The system can operate in different modes (cooling mode, heating mode, idle mode) by controlling coolant flow through the directional control valve, eliminating the need for separate systems for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex hose routing is used to connect cooling system components, then various cooling purposes can be achieved, but the flow resistance on the coolant side increases and high load is applied to the water pump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the hose routing subsystem from the cooling system by implementing direct integrated connections between components. Coolant passages are formed within the assembly structure itself, allowing coolant to flow directly from the water pump through the engine, radiator, heat exchangers, and back to the reservoir tank without passing through external hoses, thereby reducing flow resistance and water pump load
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple cooling system components are individually mounted, then the system can be assembled, but a lot of man-hours are required for mounting and connecting each component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separately mounted components into a single pre-assembled cooling system assembly that can be installed as one unit. The integrated design includes the radiator, water pump, reservoir tank, heat exchangers, and all connecting passages already assembled together, eliminating the need for separate mounting and hose connection operations and significantly reducing assembly time and labor requirements
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 solution reduces the size and weight of the cooling system, decreases assembly time, lowers flow resistance, and decreases the load on the water pump, enhancing system performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger having coolant passages through which the first and the second coolant flow and a refrigerant passage capable of exchanging heat with the coolant passages
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment water supply module includes a reservoir tank partitioned to accommodate a first coolant and a second coolant having different temperatures. A heat exchanger is coupled to the reservoir tank and includes a first coolant passage and a second coolant passage through which the first coolant and the second coolant flow and a refrigerant passage capable of exchanging heat with the first coolant passage and the second coolant passage. A controller is coupled to the reservoir tank and includes a directional control valve configured to control a flow of the first coolant and the second coolant in a plurality of directions.