Integrated Multi-Port Valve for Compact EV Coolant Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles require complex and oversized coolant distribution systems to manage heat generation in motors and batteries, necessitating improved thermal management with reduced package size and selective coolant circulation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port valve apparatus with a housing, first and second rotatable valves, and an actuator that controls the valves' positions to selectively circulate coolant through multiple flow paths, reducing overall package size and enabling separate or mixed coolant distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves are used to control coolant flow to different components, then coolant circulation control capability is improved, but device complexity and package size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated multi-port valve body with multiple rotatable valves (first valve, second valve, third valve) that can independently control different coolant flow paths. This merging approach maintains the adaptability of multiple separate valves while reducing device complexity and package size by integrating them into one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-port valve apparatus provides universal control capability for multiple coolant flow paths (first coolant flow path, second coolant flow path, third coolant flow path) through a single valve body. Each rotatable valve can independently direct coolant to different components (motor, battery, heat exchanger, radiator), enabling one device to perform the functions of multiple separate valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves are used to control coolant flow to different components, then coolant circulation control capability is improved, but overall package size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single integrated multi-port valve body, significantly reducing the overall package size compared to using multiple separate valves. The first valve, second valve, and third valve are all housed within one compact valve body structure, allowing efficient space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve structure employs a nested arrangement where the first valve, second valve, and third valve are positioned within the same valve body in a space-efficient manner. The valves and flow paths are arranged to nest within each other's spatial envelope, minimizing the overall volume occupied by the valve apparatus.
3Measurement precision
If complex routing and multiple valves are used for thermal management, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rotatable valves that can dynamically adjust their positions to control coolant flow distribution. The first valve, second valve, and third valve can rotate to different angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) to precisely control the flow paths, providing dynamic temperature control precision without requiring an overly complex fixed routing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is segmented into multiple independent controllable sections (first valve control, second valve control, third valve control), each capable of independently directing coolant flow. This segmentation allows precise control of coolant distribution to different components while keeping the overall structure organized and manageable rather than monolithically complex.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port valve apparatus and a thermal management system using the same that are capable of improving the temperature management efficiency of the coolant by reducing the overall package size of the valves, selectively circulating coolant to a plurality of coolant flow paths through the valves with guaranteed functionality, and facilitating separate or mixed distribution of coolant depending on circumstances.