Multi-Chamber Reservoir Assembly for Compact Fluid Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of fluid management in hybrid and electric vehicles requires new solutions for accommodating multiple, independently operable fluid systems within existing space constraints, particularly in the engine compartment, where traditional fluid reservoirs face challenges with space, mounting, and hose routing.
Innovation Solution
A torus-shaped multi-chamber reservoir assembly with independently operable fluid chambers, each with its own set of internal walls and vents, allowing for separate operation and reduced thermal and pressure influence between chambers, enabling efficient packaging and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate fluid reservoirs are added to accommodate hybrid/electric vehicle cooling systems, then the vehicle can operate under different temperature and pressure regimes, but space constraints in the engine compartment are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fluid reservoirs into a single integrated multi-chamber reservoir assembly. The housing contains multiple independent chambers that can accommodate different fluid systems (engine coolant, battery coolant, motor coolant) within a unified structure, reducing the total volume occupied in the engine compartment while maintaining the ability to operate under different temperature and pressure regimes.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-chamber reservoir assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as a reservoir for different fluid systems, provides thermal management for various components, and accommodates different operating conditions. Each chamber can be independently configured for specific temperature and pressure requirements, enabling the single assembly to perform multiple fluid management functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate fluid reservoirs are installed, then different fluid systems can be managed independently, but mounting attachment points and hose routing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple reservoir functions into a single multi-chamber assembly with a unified mounting structure, the number of mounting attachment points is reduced. The integrated design allows for simplified hose routing compared to multiple separate reservoirs, as chambers can be positioned adjacently within the same housing, reducing the overall complexity of the fluid management system installation.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple fluid reservoirs are placed in close proximity, then space is optimized, but thermal influence between reservoirs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple independent chambers separated by internal walls or partitions. This segmentation allows thermal isolation between chambers while maintaining a compact overall structure. The physical separation through walls prevents thermal influence from propagating between adjacent chambers, enabling optimized space utilization without compromising thermal management independence.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a multi-chamber reservoir assembly. The assembly comprises a substantially torus-shaped housing defining an interior volume. The interior volume is subdivided with at least two sets of interior walls to define a plurality of fluid chambers. The plurality of fluid chambers are independent and separately operable.