Plastic Expansion Tank Venting With Integrated Dryer Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion tanks for battery cooling systems are heavy and expensive due to metal housings and threaded nipples, and dryer cartridges are not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
The expansion tank is designed with a double-shell plastic housing and integrated dryer and activated carbon cartridges, eliminating the need for metal housings and threaded connections, allowing for automated assembly and easy replacement of cartridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a sheet metal housing with threaded nipples is used for the expansion tank, then the structural strength and sealing are improved, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from sheet metal to plastic for the tank housing, achieving weight reduction while maintaining functional requirements through appropriate plastic material selection and design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical threaded connection system with an integrated plastic housing design where connections are formed as part of the molded structure, eliminating the need for separate threaded nipples and reducing assembly complexity
2Strength
If a sheet metal housing with threaded nipples is used for the expansion tank, then the structural strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tank housing and connection elements into a single integrated plastic component, eliminating the need for separate threaded nipples and reducing the number of parts to be manufactured and assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from sheet metal to plastic for the tank housing, achieving weight reduction while maintaining functional requirements through appropriate plastic material selection and design
3Reliability
If a dryer cartridge with sheet metal housing is used, then the moisture protection is improved, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from sheet metal to plastic for the dryer cartridge housing, achieving weight reduction while maintaining the moisture protection function through appropriate plastic material selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sheet metal construction with an integrated plastic housing design that provides equivalent moisture protection through material properties and design
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate threaded nipples are used for connecting the dryer cartridge, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection elements into the integrated plastic housing design, eliminating separate threaded nipples and simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining installation flexibility through the molded-in connection features
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
This design results in a cost-effective and reliable expansion tank that prevents moisture and pollutant ingress, reduces noise, and simplifies maintenance, while maintaining effective pressure regulation.
Implementation Method 1
a drying agent, through which the fresh air drawn in from the environment flowed during the intake process, absorbing moisture and drying the fresh air drawn in
Implementation Method 2
an activated carbon cartridge arranged in a second receptacle (11) of the first and/or second shell (6), wherein air which is blown out into the environment is purified through the activated carbon cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion tank for a battery cooling system may include a tank housing composed of a plastic, a first receptacle, a dryer cartridge positively received in the first receptacle, a first valve via which air is released from the expansion tank into an environment when there is excess pressure in the expansion tank, and a second valve via which fresh air from the environment enters the expansion tank when there is a vacuum in the expansion tank. The tank housing may include a first shell and a second shell connected to the first shell. The first receptacle may be disposed in at least one of the first shell or the second shell.