Integrated Pump-Valve Assembly for Simplified Battery Cooling Loops
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electric vehicle batteries require complex configurations with multiple parts, leading to increased weight and cost, particularly in water cooling methods that integrate three-way valves and separate water pumps.
Innovation Solution
An integrated device of a pump and a valve, incorporating a four-way valve and a single water pump, which allows for simplified cooling loop configurations by switching between different fluid passages and eliminating the need for separate T-shaped branch pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional cooling system with separate three-way valve and water pump is used, then the cooling function is achieved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the three-way valve and water pump into a single integrated device where the valve unit is mounted on the drive unit of the pump. This merging eliminates the need for separate T-shaped branch pipes and reduces the number of connection points, thereby simplifying the cooling system configuration while maintaining the cooling function through the integrated fluid passage design
2Reliability
If multiple separate parts (valve, pump, T-shaped pipes) are used, then the cooling system is functional, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the valve unit directly onto the pump drive unit, the patent eliminates the weight of separate T-shaped branch pipes and reduces the number of connection components. The unified structure requires fewer materials while maintaining full cooling functionality through the integrated fluid passages
3Reliability
If multiple separate parts and connection points are used, then the cooling system operates, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design combines the valve and pump into a single manufacturable unit, reducing the number of parts that need to be produced, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining cooling operation through the unified fluid passage system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary T-shaped branch pipes from the traditional cooling system configuration. By removing these redundant components and integrating their function directly into the pump-valve unit, the system reduces part count and manufacturing complexity
4Weight of moving object
If a simplified cooling loop with integrated pump and valve is used, then the weight and cost are reduced, but the device complexity must be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device performs multiple functions within a single unit: the pump provides fluid circulation while the mounted valve unit provides flow direction control. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system weight by eliminating separate components while managing design complexity through functional integration
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 integrated device reduces weight and cost by simplifying the cooling loop design, minimizing hydraulic power loss, and reducing the number of parts, while maintaining effective temperature control for the battery.
Implementation Method 1
a pump unit mounted on the drive unit... The pump unit is configured to communicate with the valve unit to allow a flow of fluid through the valve unit
Implementation Method 2
a valve unit mounted on the drive unit and configured to switch between a first position and a second position... At the first position and the second position of the valve unit, different fluid passages are formed in the valve unit
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated device of a pump and a valve is disclosed. The integrated device of a pump and a valve includes a drive unit, a valve assembly mounted on the drive unit and configured to be switchable to a first position or a second position by the drive unit, a pump mounted on the drive unit, and a controller configured to control operation of the drive unit and the pump. The valve assembly includes a plurality of inlets and a plurality of outlets. At the first position and the second position of the valve assembly, different fluid passages are formed in the valve assembly. The pump is configured to communicate with the valve assembly to allow a flow of fluid through the valve assembly.