Vehicle Thermal Assembly With PCM Heating and Switchable Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for vehicles lack flexibility in flow regulation, making it difficult to efficiently manage the temperature of operating groups such as battery packs and engine groups, especially in varying ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management assembly with dual fluidic circuits and a phase change material that undergoes exothermic crystallization upon mechanical activation, allowing for efficient heating and regeneration, and a command member to control fluid paths for optimized heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional thermal management assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the flexibility in flow regulation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic flow regulation system with a command member that can switch between multiple configurations (first configuration directing fluid to the electronic group, second configuration directing fluid to the engine group, and intermediate configurations). This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and temperature management needs, directly resolving the contradiction by providing flexible flow regulation through a controllable valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it can regulate temperature for the electronic group (battery pack), the engine group, or both simultaneously by adjusting the command member to different positions. The single assembly handles heating and cooling operations for different components, making it a multi-functional device that improves adaptability without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermal management is implemented for multiple operating groups, then temperature control capability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal management functions for the electronic group and engine group into a single integrated assembly. The main body contains both the thermal adjustment member with phase change material and the command member that controls fluid distribution to both groups. This consolidation allows the system to manage temperatures for multiple operating groups while avoiding the complexity of having separate independent thermal management systems for each group.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic circuit is segmented into multiple pathways controlled by the command member, allowing independent temperature regulation for the electronic group and engine group. The command member can direct fluid flow to different configurations, creating functionally separate control paths within the integrated assembly, thus enabling multi-group temperature management with controlled complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If phase change material is used for heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but the activation mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mechanical ignition member that applies vibratory mechanical action to the thermal adjustment member to activate the phase change material. This vibration-based activation mechanism is integrated into the command member structure, allowing the system to efficiently trigger the exothermic crystallization process without requiring complex external activation systems. The mechanical vibration directly initiates the phase change, providing efficient heating while keeping the activation mechanism relatively simple and integrated.
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 system provides flexible and efficient temperature management for both electronic and engine groups, ensuring optimal operating conditions with simplified heat exchange methods and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the phase change material S being activatable so that it is subjected to a phase change which brings it to the solid state, the phase change material S generating heat during said phase change
Implementation Method 2
the fluid flowing in said at least one main fluid section is subjected to a heat exchange with said adjustment member
Implementation Method 3
the first fluidic circuit 510 comprises a first pump group 519 suitable to move the first amount of fluid in the first circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a thermal management assembly (1) of a thermal management system (500) of a vehicle. Said thermal management system (500) comprises a first fluidic circuit (510) connectable to an electronic group (600), i.e., a battery pack, and a second fluidic circuit (520) connectable to an operating group (700), i.e., an engine group. The thermal management assembly (1) comprises: a main body (2) comprising a first inlet mouth (211) and a first outlet mouth (212) fluidically connected to the first fluidic circuit (510) and a second inlet mouth (221) and a second outlet mouth (222) fluidically connected to the second fluidic circuit (520), and comprises a plurality of fluid connection sections; a thermal adjustment member (3) comprising a container (30), at least partially housed in, or located on, the main body (2), and a predetermined amount of phase change material (S) in the container (30); a mechanical ignition member (4) suitable to carry out a vibratory mechanical action on the thermal adjustment member (3) which triggers an exothermic crystallization reaction of the material (S); a command member (5) housed in the main body (2) configurable in: i) a first configuration in which a fluidic path which is proximal to the thermal adjustment member (3) is defined in the fluid connection sections, from the first inlet mouth (211) to the first outlet mouth (212); ii) a second configuration in which a fluidic path which is proximal to the thermal adjustment member (3) is defined in the fluid connection sections, from the second inlet mouth (221) to the second outlet mouth (222).