Pressure Equalization Tank with Electronic Valve for Coolant Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure equalization tanks in cooling systems of electrically driven motor vehicles face issues such as membrane cracking due to high pressure, leading to flooding, and require large sizes for active pressure control, which is impractical for compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A pressure equalization tank with a first partial volume filled with pressurized gas and a second partial volume filled with coolant, equipped with an electronically controlled valve to release gas when coolant pressure exceeds a threshold, eliminating the need for membranes and reducing tank size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a membrane is used to separate pressurized gas from coolant in the pressure equalization tank, then the tank can compensate for volume changes and maintain minimal pressure, but the membrane may crack under high pressure causing flooding and the rubber material resists movement leading to non-linear pressure regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the membrane component from the pressure equalization tank system. Instead of using a membrane to separate the pressurized gas from the coolant, the system uses a float mechanism that directly interacts with the coolant level to control gas release, thereby eliminating the flooding risk associated with membrane cracking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a float as an intermediary mechanism between the coolant and the pressurized gas. The float responds to coolant level changes and controls the release of pressurized gas through a valve, providing linear pressure regulation without the need for a membrane that could crack under pressure
2Reliability
If active pressure control unit with sensors is used to regulate pressure in the pressure equalization tank, then the desired pressure level can be maintained, but the tank size becomes large which is impractical for compact designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating pressure control system using a float mechanism that automatically responds to pressure and volume changes in the coolant. The float rises or falls with coolant level changes and automatically controls the release of pressurized gas, eliminating the need for external sensors, control units, and large tank sizes while maintaining precise pressure regulation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses changes in the float's position (a physical parameter) in response to coolant level and pressure changes to control the valve opening. This passive parameter-based control mechanism achieves precise pressure regulation without requiring complex electronic sensors or large control units, enabling compact tank design
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 effectively limits maximum pressure without flooding risks and maintains a desired pressure level, ensuring compact design and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first partial volume (110a) filled with pressurized gas (121) and a second partial volume (110b) filled with a coolant (123)... The gas ensures a defined minimal pressure in the cooling system and the pressure equalization tank makes it easy to compensate for volume changes
Implementation Method 2
an electronically controlled valve (128) operable to release pressurized gas (121) from the pressure equalization tank (110) when the coolant pressure exceeds a threshold value
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure equalization tank (110) for a coolant system (100) of an electrically driven motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a first partial volume (110a) filled with pressurized gas, - a second partial volume (110b) filled with a coolant, - an electronically controlled valve (128) operable to release pressurized gas from the pressure equalization tank (110) when the coolant pressure exceeds a threshold value.