Vehicle Aqueous Solution Storage Module with Integrated Jet Pump and Heater
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems for storing aqueous solutions, such as demineralized water, face challenges in compactness and ensuring availability at startup, especially at low temperatures when the solution is frozen, as they require efficient heating and circulation mechanisms to prevent freezing and ensure immediate use in various operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system comprising a first compartment, a second compartment, a jet pump, and a module with a feed pump unit and a heater integrated within the module, where the heater heats the flow path through the feed pump unit and jet pump, allowing for efficient defrosting and circulation of aqueous solution, and includes a non-return valve to prevent reverse flow, enabling the system to operate effectively at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the aqueous solution is stored in separate compartments without integrated heating and circulation, then the system structure is simpler, but the system cannot ensure immediate availability at startup and has poor defrosting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the feed pump unit, heater, and jet pump into a single integrated module that can be removed as one unit. This merging of components ensures immediate availability of aqueous solution at startup while maintaining a compact and manageable system structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater is pre-integrated with the feed pump unit and jet pump in the module, allowing heating to begin immediately when the module is activated. This preliminary preparation of heating capability ensures the aqueous solution becomes available without delay, even in cold conditions.
2Reliability
If the heater is activated to defrost frozen aqueous solution, then the availability of aqueous solution is improved, but the system complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is integrated within the module that contains the feed pump unit and jet pump, allowing all heating and circulation functions to be concentrated in a single compact unit. This eliminates the need for separate heating components and reduces overall system volume while maintaining effective defrosting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The module with integrated heater and pumps can be nested within or mounted on existing vehicle structures, optimizing space utilization. The compact modular design allows the heating system to be embedded without significantly increasing the overall vehicle system volume.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the feed pump unit and heater are integrated in the same module, then the heating efficiency and defrosting performance are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feed pump unit and heater are integrated in the same module, allowing heat to be directly applied to the aqueous solution at the point of pumping. This integration improves heating efficiency by eliminating heat loss in separate systems, while the modular design actually simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module serves multiple functions: pumping aqueous solution, heating the solution, and enabling circulation through the jet pump. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the integrated design.
4Volume of stationary object
If the jet pump is integrated with the feed pump unit and heater, then the system compactness is improved and heating efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jet pump is integrated with the feed pump unit and heater in a single module, creating a compact assembly that reduces overall system volume. The modular design allows this integration to be achieved as a pre-assembled unit, reducing on-site installation complexity while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet pump is positioned within or adjacent to the feed pump unit and heater assembly, with connecting lines minimized through integrated design. This nested arrangement achieves maximum compactness while the modular construction simplifies the integration process during manufacturing and installation.
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 system ensures rapid availability of aqueous solution at startup, improves defrosting efficiency, and enhances heating performance by integrating the feed pump unit and heater, allowing for continuous circulation and preventing reverse flow, thus addressing the compactness and low-temperature challenges.
Implementation Method 1
The heater is configured and arranged for heating said flow path
Implementation Method 2
the feed pump unit is also connected for pumping aqueous solution along a flow path from the first compartment through the feed pump unit, through the pressure inlet of the jet pump to the outlet of the jet pump
Implementation Method 3
The suction inlet is connected to the suction line. The suction line is arranged for receiving aqueous solution from the second compartment
Implementation Method 4
a non-return valve, typically a check valve, is included in said flow path, downstream of the feed pump unit, in a normal feed mode
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vehicle system storing an aqueous solution comprising a first compartment; a second compartment; a module (400) comprising a feed pump unit connected for pumping aqueous solution from the first compartment to a feed outlet; a jet pump having a suction inlet, a pressure inlet and an outlet; said feed pump unit being further connected for pumping aqueous solution along a flow path from the first compartment through the feed pump unit, through the pressure inlet of the jet pump to the outlet of the jet pump; and a heater configured and arranged for heating at least said flow path; said suction inlet being connected to a suction line arranged for receiving aqueous solution from the second compartment; said outlet of said jet pump being arranged for returning aqueous solution from the suction inlet and from the pressure inlet to the first compartment.