Multi-Chamber Degassing Apparatus for Vehicle Coolant Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional degassing systems for vehicle coolant require multiple expansion tanks, increasing complexity and component count, which can lead to inefficiencies and higher manufacturing and maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus featuring multiple degassing chambers connected to a common fluid reservoir, allowing multiple coolant systems to share a single expansion tank, reducing the number of components and facilitating easier integration into existing engine architectures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple expansion tanks are provided for separate coolant systems, then each coolant system can be independently refilled and degassed, but the component count and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent refilling and degassing capabilityVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple expansion tanks are merged into a single common expansion tank that serves multiple coolant systems. The tank includes multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, etc.) that are fluidly connected to respective coolant systems while sharing common refilling and degassing pathways through the tank structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common expansion tank is segmented into multiple independent chambers, each associated with a specific coolant system. Each chamber has its own opening for independent access, allowing separate refilling and degassing operations while maintaining a unified external structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single common expansion tank is used for multiple coolant systems, then component count and manufacturing complexity are reduced, but independent refilling and degassing of each system becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent countVSAvoidindependent refilling and degassing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The common expansion tank is divided into multiple chambers with individual openings (first opening, second opening, etc.). Each opening provides independent access to its respective chamber, enabling separate refilling and degassing operations for each coolant system without interfering with other systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The common expansion tank structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the expansion tank and the degassing chamber for multiple coolant systems simultaneously. The tank body itself provides the degassing function, eliminating the need for separate external expansion tanks for each system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple separate degassing chambers are provided, then each coolant system can be effectively degassed, but the overall system size and integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedegassing effectivenessVSAvoidintegration into existing architectures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple degassing chambers are merged into a single integrated common expansion tank structure. The tank body itself forms the degassing chambers, allowing multiple coolant systems to share a unified degassing solution that is easier to integrate into vehicle architectures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common expansion tank structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the expansion tank for coolant volume changes and as the degassing chamber for air bubble removal. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables efficient degassing and refilling of multiple coolant systems with a single expansion tank, reducing component count, manufacturing complexity, and improving operational efficiency while maintaining compatibility with various vehicle architectures.

Implementation Method 1

The inlet and outlet are arranged at such an angle that coolant entering the swirl pot is encouraged to follow a circular path around the outer wall of the pot, creating a downwards swirl

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCircular flow path creation: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

Through this motion, air bubbles are released which travel upwards to either a gap within the top of the swirl pot or out through an opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS11713708B2Degassing apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD

AI summary

Aspects of the present invention relate to an apparatus comprising at least two chambers, each chamber comprising at least one wall defining the chamber, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet through the wall of the chamber and an opening separate from the fluid inlet and fluid outlet. The fluid inlet and fluid outlet are configured such that a fluid enters the chamber via the fluid inlet and exits via the fluid outlet. A gas enters the chamber via the fluid inlet and exits the chamber via the opening, wherein the opening of each of the chambers is fluidly connected to a common fluid reservoir. The apparatus may be used for degassing multiple coolant circuits in a vehicle.