Switching device and thermal management system

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal management systems require multiple drive units to independently control flow path switching units, increasing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A switching device with a first and second five-way switching unit, driven by a single drive unit with a gear ratio of two or more, allowing for multiple modes of operation without the need for multiple drive units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple flow path switching units are driven independently to increase the number of switchable modes, then the number of modes is increased, but the number of drive units increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of switchable modesVSAvoidnumber of drive units

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple drive units into a single integrated drive portion that controls both the first and second flow path switching units. The drive portion includes a motor and gear mechanisms that can simultaneously or independently actuate the switching plates of both five-way switching units, thereby reducing the total number of drive units while maintaining the ability to switch between multiple modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single drive portion is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling both flow path switching units. The drive mechanism includes gear portions that can engage with different switching plates, allowing one drive unit to universally control multiple switching operations, thus achieving multi-functionality without increasing the number of drive units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drive units are provided to control flow path switching units, then the number of switchable modes is secured, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of switchable modesVSAvoidsystem complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple drive units into a single integrated drive portion that controls both the first and second flow path switching units. The drive portion includes a motor and gear mechanisms that can simultaneously or independently actuate the switching plates of both five-way switching units, thereby reducing the total number of drive units while maintaining the ability to switch between multiple modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single drive portion is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling both flow path switching units. The drive mechanism includes gear portions that can engage with different switching plates, allowing one drive unit to universally control multiple switching operations, thus achieving multi-functionality without increasing the number of drive units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250026172A1Switching device and thermal management system

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

The switching device includes a first five-way switching unit, a second five-way switching unit, and a drive unit. The first five-way switching unit includes a first switching plate, and the second five-way switching unit includes a second switching plate. The drive unit includes a first gear part capable of driving the first switching plate, a second gear part capable of driving the second switching plate, and a drive portion for driving the first gear part and the second gear part. The gear ratio of the first gear portion to the second gear portion is 2 or more.