Passive flow divider and liquid cooling system comprising the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling systems 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 to fit limited mounting spaces.
Innovation Solution
A passive flow divider design featuring a housing with a main partition separating intake and discharge spaces, a baffle for fluid dispersion, and distribution chambers leading to parallel and identical outlets, which ensures almost uniform flow rates without moving parts, and is optimized for compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If active valve control systems with movable components are used to distribute flow rates, then uniform flow rates can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active mechanical valve control systems with a passive flow divider design that uses carefully engineered flow paths, chambers, and pressure equalization mechanisms to achieve uniform flow distribution without any movable components or external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The flow divider automatically balances flow rates to all outlets through its internal pressure equalization chambers and flow path design, eliminating the need for external control systems while maintaining uniform distribution across all branches
2Device complexity
If passive flow dividers without moving parts are used, then device complexity is reduced, but flow rate uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow divider is segmented into multiple independent but interconnected chambers, each serving a specific function in the flow distribution process, allowing complex flow control functionality to be achieved through simple, modular passive components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls geometric parameters such as chamber volumes, flow path lengths, and opening sizes to optimize flow distribution characteristics, achieving uniform flow rates through precise dimensional design rather than active control
3Manufacturing precision
If flow dividers are designed to provide uniform flow rates, then cooling performance is improved, but mounting space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow divider utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by stacking chambers and flow paths in multiple dimensions, achieving uniform flow distribution functionality while maintaining a compact footprint that fits within limited mounting spaces
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 provides reliable and robust uniform flow rates across outlets, meeting compact size requirements and reducing maintenance needs, while maintaining efficiency and reliability in liquid cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
the intake space comprising a baffle arranged between said inlet and the common end
Implementation Method 2
a housing enclosing an intake space and a discharge space separated each other by a main partition
Data Source
AI summary
A passive flow divider for providing outflows is described. The passive flow divider includes at least one inlet for an inflow and a plurality of outlets for said outflows, a housing enclosing a main partition that separates an intake space and a discharge space, a common end located at an interface between the intake space and the discharge space, and a baffle arranged in the intake space between said inlet and the common end. The passive flow divider further includes a plurality of distribution chambers arranged in the discharge space and adjacent to each other, each distribution chamber being arranged to lead an outflow from the common end to one of the outlets.