Integrated Oil Temperature Control Assembly with Plate Heat Exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil temperature control assemblies in the automotive sector have complex geometries and layouts, leading to increased production and realization costs, as well as difficulties in positioning them within vehicles due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
The oil temperature control assembly features a simplified layout with a heat exchanger comprising plate-shaped exchanger elements and a support and oil control device with a base element and control assembly that allows for adjustable fluidic connections, enabling effective temperature control with reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex bypass components and control members are added to control oil flow, then oil temperature control reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bypass function and temperature control function into a single integrated plate heat exchanger assembly. The control member is integrated directly into the heat exchanger structure, eliminating the need for separate bypass components and complex duct layouts. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable temperature control through the integrated design.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex duct layouts with control members are used, then oil temperature control precision is improved, but production and realization costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the oil flow path into parallel channels within the plate heat exchanger, allowing precise control of oil flow distribution. The control member is designed as a simple adjustable component that can be easily manufactured and installed. This segmentation approach enables precise temperature control without requiring complex overall duct layouts, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Volume of moving object
If compact oil temperature control assembly is designed, then space utilization in vehicle is improved, but device complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the control member is housed within the plate heat exchanger assembly itself. The bypass channels are integrated within the same compact volume as the heat exchange channels. This nesting approach achieves compact assembly dimensions suitable for vehicle installations while maintaining functional complexity only at the component level, not at the overall assembly level.
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
The solution achieves effective oil temperature control with a simpler geometry, reducing production costs and improving installation ease within vehicles, while maximizing space utilization and allowing for flexible application.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger (500) suitable for allowing, as needed, a control of the oil temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
AI summary
An oil temperature control assembly (1) mountable on an operating group of a vehicle fluidically connected to an oil circulation system and a cooling system. The assembly (1) comprises a heat exchanger (500) comprising a plurality of plate-shaped exchanger elements (500') which define reciprocally alternate ducts through which oil and refrigerant fluid respectively flow, and a support and oil control device (2). The support and oil control device (2) comprises a base element (3) substantially plate-shaped having a first surface (31) in contact and engageable by the heat exchanger (500) and a second surface (32) opposite the first, wherein on said base element (3) the inlet (3210) and outlet (3220) ducts of the oil are made. In addition, the support and oil control device (2) comprises a control group (4) comprising a housing body (41) projecting in height from the first surface (31) next to the heat exchanger (500) having a housing cavity (410) fluidically connected to said inlet (3210) and outlet (3220) ducts and an exchanger duct (550) and a valve member (45) housed in said housing cavity (410) comprising an obturator element (450) and a control element (455) which moves the obturator element (450) according to the operating conditions of the oil.