Radiator Module Flow Restrictor for Even Coolant Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiator modules with manifolds suffer from uneven coolant distribution between radiators when directly interconnected, leading to inefficient cooling due to pressure differences and increased weight, size, and production costs.

Innovation Solution

A radiator module design without manifolds, featuring interconnected inlet and outlet tanks with a flow restrictor plate in one tank to regulate coolant flow, ensuring even distribution by restricting flow through perforations, and using identical tank designs with snap-fitting and color markings for assembly guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manifolds are used to interconnect radiators, then coolant flow distribution is improved, but weight and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoolant flow distributionVSAvoidradiator module weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the manifold component entirely from the radiator module design. Instead of using a separate manifold to distribute coolant, the system directly connects radiators through tank-to-tank connections, eliminating the unnecessary component that added weight and cost while achieving the same flow distribution function through a different mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces flow restrictors at specific locations within the radiator tanks to create localized flow resistance. This local modification allows even distribution of coolant flow without requiring a manifold, as the restrictors are placed precisely where needed to balance the flow between parallel radiator paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If manifolds are used to interconnect radiators, then coolant flow distribution is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoolant flow distributionVSAvoidradiator module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the manifold component, simplifying the overall device structure. By removing this intermediate component and implementing direct tank-to-tank connections with integrated flow restrictors, the system reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining functional performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the flow control function directly into the radiator tank structure by integrating flow restrictors within the tanks themselves. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate manifold components and reduces device complexity while achieving the same coolant distribution objective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If radiators are directly interconnected without flow restrictors, then device complexity is reduced, but coolant flow distribution becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiator module complexityVSAvoidcoolant flow distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The flow restrictor acts as an intermediary element within the tank that mediates the coolant flow between the direct connection and the radiators. It provides the necessary flow control to balance distribution while maintaining the simplicity of direct tank-to-tank connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Achieves even coolant flow distribution between radiators, reduces weight and production costs, and simplifies assembly while maintaining efficient cooling performance.

Implementation Method 1

a flow restrictor being provided in one of the first tanks in front of the first core, such that the coolant flow between the first core and said one of the first tanks is restricted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow restriction through perforations: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS9631871B2Radiator module

Publication Date: 2017.04.25 TITANX HLDG AB

AI summary

A radiator module having a coolant inlet duct and a coolant outlet duct and two radiators. The first radiator has a first core connected between a first inlet tank and a first outlet tank and the second radiator has a second core connected between a second inlet tank and a second outlet tank. The coolant inlet duct is connected to a coolant inlet of the first inlet tank and the coolant outlet duct is connected to a coolant outlet of the first outlet tank. According to the invention a coolant outlet of the first inlet tank is connected to a coolant inlet of the second inlet tank, a coolant inlet of the first outlet tank is connected to a coolant outlet of the second outlet tank and a flow restrictor is provided in one of the first tanks in front of the first core, such that the coolant flow between the core and said one of the first tanks is restricted.