Reserve Tank Bubble Separation Using Vortex Flow and Small Walls

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reserve tanks with gas-liquid separation mechanisms have complex structures that increase manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A gas-liquid separation mechanism for a reserve tank with a simple configuration, including an inlet opening, outlet opening, bubble emission port, and flow adjuster, such as a bottom small wall, to efficiently separate gas bubbles using a vertical vortex and bubble retention space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex gas-liquid separation mechanisms are used in reserve tanks, then bubble separation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebubble separation effectivenessVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reserve tank is divided into distinct functional zones: a lower circulation path for coolant flow and an upper gas-liquid separation chamber for bubble removal. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gas-liquid separation function is extracted as a distinct upper chamber within the reserve tank, separated from the main coolant circulation path by a partition wall. This extraction allows the separation mechanism to operate independently without complicating the main circulation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If complex gas-liquid separation mechanisms are used in reserve tanks, then bubble separation effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebubble separation effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The reserve tank is divided into distinct functional zones: a lower circulation path for coolant flow and an upper gas-liquid separation chamber for bubble removal. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gas-liquid separation function is extracted as a distinct upper chamber within the reserve tank, separated from the main coolant circulation path by a partition wall. This extraction allows the separation mechanism to operate independently without complicating the main circulation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If simple reserve tank structure is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but bubble separation effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidbubble separation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reserve tank is divided into distinct functional zones: a lower circulation path for coolant flow and an upper gas-liquid separation chamber for bubble removal. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gas-liquid separation function is extracted as a distinct upper chamber within the reserve tank, separated from the main coolant circulation path by a partition wall. This extraction allows the separation mechanism to operate independently without complicating the main circulation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 mechanism effectively separates gas bubbles, reducing the risk of pump malfunctions and simplifies the reserve tank structure, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

The flow adjuster 16 is configured to adjust a flow of the coolant having flowed in from the inlet opening 14a and make the flow rise and flow backward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

separate and remove bubbles contained in the coolant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS12528030B2Gas-liquid separation mechanism of reserve tank

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 SUBARU CORP

AI summary

A gas-liquid separation mechanism of a reserve tank for separating gas bubbles contained in a coolant flowing into a reserve tank provided in a circulation path of the coolant includes: an inlet opening for the coolant provided on a first side wall of the reserve tank; an outlet opening for the coolant provided on a second side wall opposite to the first side wall; a bubble emission port that is provided on an upper wall of the reserve tank and emits the bubbles separated from the coolant; a flow adjuster that adjusts a flow of the coolant having flowed in from the inlet opening and makes the flow rise and flow backward; and a first small wall that is provided in a vicinity of the bubble emission port and downstream of the bubble emission port in a direction where the flow flows backward, and protrudes downward from the upper wall.