Integrated Radiator-Intercooler Module for Simpler Vehicle Front Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of a water cooled intercooler in vehicles requires significant changes to the engine system and front region layout, leading to a complex structure and difficulty in layout configuration.

Innovation Solution

A radiator-intercooler integrated module that combines a low-temperature radiator and a water cooled intercooler, simplifying the structure and layout design by integrating these components into a single assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a water cooled intercooler is adopted to cool charged air, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and engine system changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharged air temperatureVSAvoidintercooler system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the low-temperature radiator and water cooled intercooler into a single integrated module, merging two separate cooling systems into one unified structure. This reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining the water-cooled intercooler's efficient cooling capability for charged air

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Temperature

If a water cooled intercooler is mounted on the engine, then cooling performance is enhanced, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to required engine system changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharged air cooling performanceVSAvoidengine system integration
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the low-temperature radiator and intercooler into a single module, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled into the engine system. This integrated approach simplifies the manufacturing process while preserving the enhanced cooling performance of the water-cooled system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Temperature

If a water cooled intercooler is installed in the vehicle front region, then cooling capability is improved, but layout design difficulty increases due to space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharged air cooling capabilityVSAvoidfront region layout configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated module design combines the low-temperature radiator and intercooler into one compact unit, reducing the total space required in the vehicle front region. This consolidation simplifies layout design and installation while maintaining effective cooling capability for charged air

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 module simplifies the front region layout of vehicles equipped with a water cooled intercooler, reduces overall costs, and allows for the expansion of low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation without altering the engine structure or layout.

Implementation Method 1

a low-temperature radiator through which a coolant for heat exchange with the charged air flows

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a water cooled intercooler that cools the charged air using a coolant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP4030042B1Radiator-intercooler integrated module and vehicle including the same
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4030042B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4030042B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4030042B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A radiator-intercooler integrated module and a vehicle including the same are provided. The radiator-intercooler integrated module includes a low-temperature radiator and a water cooled intercooler of the vehicle which are integrated into a single body.