Radiator Port Placement and Flow Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiators face challenges with fluid inlet and outlet placement, leading to design complexities, leakage risks, and inefficient fluid flow due to external connections and U-shaped circuits that increase pressure drop and heat-related deterioration.

Innovation Solution

A radiator design featuring a tube connecting the inner spaces of two tanks with strategically located ports and internal partitions within the tube to compartmentalize fluid flow, enhancing mechanical resistance and reducing pressure drop while optimizing space and fluid flow efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If inlet and outlet ports are located on opposite sides of the radiator, then fluid flow path is simplified, but it becomes significantly difficult to locate ports in opposite areas due to engine design or size constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid circuit designVSAvoidport location flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the port arrangement by positioning inlet and outlet ports at different heights on the same side of the radiator. This dimensional change allows the fluid circuit to achieve simplified flow path characteristics without requiring horizontal separation across opposite sides, thereby resolving the conflict between circuit simplicity and adaptability to engine constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If external connections or sleeves are used to connect inlet and outlet, then port location flexibility is improved, but leakage risk increases and sleeves are susceptible to heat deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveport location flexibilityVSAvoidleakage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the inlet and outlet ports directly into the radiator tank structure itself, eliminating the need for separate external sleeves or connections. This integration ensures that ports are permanently and reliably sealed within the tank, reducing leakage risk while maintaining the flexibility to position ports appropriately on the same side of the radiator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If U-shaped circuits are used with inlet and outlet ports in the same tank, then space is optimized, but pressure drop increases fourfold due to liquid passing through ducts twice

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiator space utilizationVSAvoidpressure drop
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fluid flow path into distinct inlet and outlet regions within the same tank by strategically positioning ports at different locations. This segmentation allows the fluid to enter through one port and exit through another without requiring a U-shaped path that traverses the entire duct length twice, thereby reducing pressure drop while maintaining compact space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design provides a more robust and efficient fluid flow path with reduced pressure loss and increased mechanical resistance, minimizing the risk of leakage and heat-related issues, thus improving the radiator's mechanical integrity and performance.

Implementation Method 1

the fluid to be cooled crosses from side to side of the radiator by means of ducts integrated in a honeycomb of cooling fins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3361204B1Radiator for vehicles
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 RADIADORES ORDONEZ
  • EP3361204B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3361204B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b
  • EP3361204B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

It comprises a tube (5) that connects end portions of two tanks: first (3) and second (4); wherein the tube (5) is secured to a honeycomb structure (1); and wherein inlet and outlet ports of liquid fluid are strategically located in the first tank (3). The first tank (3) comprises a larger chamber (3a) and a smaller chamber (3b) that are separated by a first intermediate wall (3c). The radiator includes a first port (6) and a second port (7) that connect to the inner spaces of the larger chamber (3a) and the smaller chamber (3b) of the first tank (3).