Passive Flow Divider Layout for Uniform Coolant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid distribution systems in heat exchangers, particularly in the automotive sector, face challenges in achieving uniform coolant flow rates across multiple heat exchange plates without the use of complex and costly active valve control systems, and existing passive flow dividers do not provide consistent flow rates, while also requiring compact designs due to limited mounting space.
Innovation Solution
A passive flow divider with a symmetrical layout, featuring parallel and identical distribution chambers separated by impermeable partitions, an openwork baffle for fluid dispersion, and a housing design that ensures uniform flow rates across outlets without moving parts, addressing the need for compactness and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If active valve control systems with movable components are used to distribute flow rates, then flow distribution precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active mechanical valve control systems with a passive flow divider that uses carefully designed internal channels and geometric features to achieve uniform flow distribution. The flow division is accomplished through precise channel dimensions and configurations rather than movable mechanical components, thereby eliminating the complexity of actuators and control mechanisms while maintaining flow distribution precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves flow distribution by carefully controlling geometric parameters of the internal channels, such as channel cross-sectional areas, lengths, and configurations. By optimizing these dimensional parameters, the design achieves uniform flow rates to multiple outlets without requiring active control systems, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Device complexity
If passive flow dividers with simple structures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but outflow uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow divider is segmented into multiple independent internal channels, each leading to a specific outlet. By dividing the flow path into separate controlled channels with optimized dimensions, the design achieves uniform flow distribution across all outlets while maintaining a simple overall structure without moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the flow divider have locally optimized channel characteristics. The internal channels have varying cross-sectional areas and lengths tailored to compensate for pressure drops and ensure that each outlet receives an equal flow rate, achieving outflow uniformity through localized geometric adjustments rather than complex global mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If flow dividers with larger sizes are used, then flow distribution performance is improved, but mounting space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow divider utilizes three-dimensional channel configurations and vertical stacking of distribution chambers to achieve effective flow distribution within a compact footprint. By transitioning from two-dimensional planar designs to three-dimensional spatial arrangements, the patent accomplishes uniform flow division while minimizing the overall mounting area and volume requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs nested distribution chambers where smaller channels are positioned within or alongside larger structural elements. This nesting approach allows multiple flow paths to be accommodated in a compact arrangement, achieving good flow distribution performance while minimizing the external dimensions and mounting space requirements.
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 almost uniform flow rates across outlets, enhancing cooling efficiency and reliability while maintaining a compact, cost-effective design suitable for the automotive sector, with minimal relative differences in outflow rates across varying inflow conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an openwork baffle for fluid dispersion
Implementation Method 2
at least two adjacent distribution chambers are separated each other by a splitting partition
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A passive flow divider (1) for providing outflows (1") comprising : - at least one inlet (21) for an inflow (1') and a plurality of outlets (41) for said outflows (1"), - a housing (10) enclosing an intake space (20) and a discharge space (40) separated each other by a main partition (30), - a common end (35) located at an interface between the intake space (20) and the discharge space (40), the intake space (20) comprising a baffle (25) arranged between said inlet (21) and the common end (35), the discharge space (40) comprising a plurality of distribution chambers (45) adjacent to each other and each distribution chamber (45) being arranged to lead one outflow (1") from the common end (35) to one of the outlets (41).