Motor Coolant Branching Layout for Balanced Flow Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor units with unequal path lengths in coolant channels experience imbalanced flow rates and cooling capacities, leading to uneven cooling and the need for larger pumps to compensate for pressure differences.
Innovation Solution
The motor unit design includes a coolant channel configuration with a branching passage where the distance between the inlet port and the first outlet port is shorter than that to the second outlet port, and the first outlet port has a larger area, ensuring a higher flow rate in the longer channel to balance cooling capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the coolant channel has unequal path lengths between the first channel and the second channel, then the structural design flexibility is improved, but the flow rate balance and cooling capacity uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the outlet ports asymmetric in the branching passage. Specifically, the first outlet port is positioned closer to the inlet port than the second outlet port, creating different local flow conditions that compensate for the different channel path lengths. This local asymmetry in the branching passage structure ensures that the longer first channel receives sufficient coolant flow despite its greater length, thereby maintaining flow rate balance and uniform cooling capacity across both channels.
2Area of stationary object
If the path length of the first channel is made longer than the second channel, then the cooling coverage area is improved, but the pressure loss difference and flow rate imbalance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by anticipating the pressure loss difference caused by unequal channel lengths and compensating for it in advance through asymmetric outlet port positioning. The first outlet port is placed closer to the inlet port than the second outlet port, creating a preliminary flow distribution that offsets the expected greater pressure loss in the longer first channel. This pre-compensation ensures balanced flow rates and eliminates the need for additional pressure regulation mechanisms.
3Reliability
If asymmetric outlet port positioning is used to balance flow rates, then the cooling uniformity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the positioning parameters of the outlet ports in the branching passage. The first outlet port is positioned at a specific distance from the inlet port that is shorter than the distance to the second outlet port. These optimized positional parameters compensate for the unequal channel lengths and ensure balanced flow distribution. By carefully selecting these geometric parameters during the design phase, the patent achieves uniform cooling while maintaining manufacturability.
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 adjusts flow rates to evenly cool the motor, reduces pressure loss differences, and prevents the need for oversized pumps, while minimizing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
When there is a difference in path length between the first channel and the second channel, a difference is generated in amount of pressure loss between the two channels. As a result, there are cases in which balance in flow rate between the two channels is lost
Data Source
AI summary
A motor unit includes a motor, a housing, and a coolant channel that is configured such that a coolant flows through. The coolant channel includes an inlet passage for receiving the coolant from outside, a branching passage into which the coolant flows from the inlet passage, a first channel into which the coolant flows from the branching passage, and a second channel which a path length is shorter than that of the first channel. An inlet port, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port, are defined on an inner face of the branching passage, and a distance between a center of the inlet port and a center of the first outlet port is smaller than a distance between the center of the inlet port and a center of the second outlet port.