Multi-ECU Cooling Assembly With Plenum Airflow Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with limited space, adding additional electronic control units (ECUs) for temperature regulation poses challenges as existing assemblies cannot efficiently channel cool air to each ECU without increasing the housing size.
Innovation Solution
A multi-ECU assembly design featuring a plenum that separates ECUs and includes air ducts to channel ambient air to each ECU, with temperature monitoring and fan activation to manage heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If additional ECUs are added to the assembly, then the cooling capability and temperature regulation are improved, but the housing size must increase which is not feasible due to vehicle space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple compartments, with each ECU placed in its own dedicated compartment. This segmentation allows each ECU to have its own air intake and cooling path, enabling multiple ECUs to be cooled independently within the same housing volume without requiring proportional increases in overall housing size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by stacking ECUs vertically in separate compartments rather than placing them side-by-side in a single plane. This vertical dimensionality allows efficient use of available space while maintaining individual cooling channels for each ECU.
2Volume of stationary object
If the housing size remains the same, then vehicle space constraints are satisfied, but additional ECUs cannot receive sufficient cool air for temperature regulation
Solution Approach 1:
Each compartment within the housing is designed with localized air intake vents and dedicated air ducts specific to each ECU's cooling needs. This local quality approach ensures that cool air is efficiently delivered to each ECU individually, maintaining effective temperature regulation despite the constrained overall housing volume.
3Volume of stationary object
If multiple ECUs are placed in the same compartment, then housing size is reduced, but air flow distribution and cooling efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple separate compartments, each housing one or more ECUs with dedicated air intake and cooling pathways. This segmentation prevents air flow interference between adjacent ECUs and maintains high cooling efficiency for each ECU while keeping the overall housing compact.
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 design allows for efficient cooling of multiple ECUs within a compact space by utilizing ambient air, minimizing the need for increased housing size and maintaining ECU functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a fan unit can be activated to move air from the ambient environment into the first inlet via the body of the plenum
Implementation Method 2
a plenum positioned between the first ECU and the second ECU... a first air duct forming a first channel letting air from a first vent of the plurality of vents into the second compartment
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is described. An assembly can include a housing comprising a first compartment and a plurality of vents letting air flow into and out. The assembly can further include a first ECU positioned within the first compartment, the first ECU comprising a first inlet letting air flow into the first ECU. The assembly can further include a second ECU positioned within the first compartment, the second ECU comprising a second inlet letting air flow into the second ECU. The assembly can further include a first plenum positioned between the first ECU and the second ECU and comprising a second compartment. The assembly can further include a first air duct forming a first channel letting air from a first vent of the plurality of vents into the second compartment, wherein the first plenum further comprises a second vent positioned to align with the first inlet of the first ECU.