Vehicle Cooling System Common Equalizing Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cooling systems require a large installation space and increased weight due to multiple dedicated equalizing containers for different cooling circuits, and their complex actuation and control systems to prevent heat transfer between circuits.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system where a first and second cooling circuit share a common equalizing container, with a passive element that separates the circuits based on pressure differences, eliminating the need for complex valve actuation and reducing the number of equalizing containers, and an active element maintains separation when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated equalizing containers are used for different cooling circuits, then each cooling circuit can be independently ventilated, but installation space and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated equalizing containers into a single common equalizing container that serves multiple cooling circuits. The passive element (check valve) enables this consolidation by automatically separating the cooling circuits when needed, allowing one container to replace several while maintaining independent ventilation capability for each circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive element (check valve) acts as an intermediary between the common equalizing container and multiple cooling circuits. It automatically activates to separate circuits when pressure differences indicate thermal interaction risks, enabling the common container to safely serve multiple circuits without requiring multiple dedicated containers.
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated equalizing containers are used for different cooling circuits, then each cooling circuit can be independently ventilated, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple equalizing containers into one common container, reducing the total installation space required. The passive element enables this space-saving merger while maintaining the functional independence needed for separate ventilation of each cooling circuit.
3Reliability
If electric switching valves are used to separate cooling circuits, then circuit separation can be controlled, but actuation and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive element (check valve) is self-activating based on pressure differences between cooling circuits. It automatically opens or closes without requiring external control signals, electrical power, or complex actuation mechanisms, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining reliable circuit separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electric switching valves with a passive mechanical element (check valve) that responds automatically to pressure differences. This substitution eliminates the need for electrical actuation and control systems, reducing device complexity while achieving the same separation function.
4Reliability
If individual equalizing containers are used for each cooling circuit, then each circuit can be independently managed, but manufacturing and filling processes become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple equalizing containers into one common container, simplifying manufacturing and filling operations. The passive element enables this consolidation while maintaining the functional independence needed for separate circuit management, thereby improving ease of manufacture.
5Weight of stationary object
If a common equalizing container is shared by multiple cooling circuits, then space and weight are reduced, but heat transfer between circuits may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The passive element (check valve) serves as an intermediary that automatically prevents heat transfer between cooling circuits sharing a common equalizing container. When pressure differences indicate potential thermal interaction, the check valve activates to separate the circuits, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while allowing space and weight savings from using a common container.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive element provides preliminary protection against heat transfer by automatically activating when pressure differences suggest thermal interaction risks. This preemptive action prevents harmful heat transfer before it can occur, enabling safe sharing of the common equalizing container.
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
This configuration reduces complexity, saves space and weight, and allows for efficient ventilation of both circuits while preventing unwanted heat transfer, with the passive element ensuring independent separation and the active element maintaining separation during specific operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The passive element separates the first cooling circuit from the second cooling circuit if the first pressure is lower than the second pressure
Implementation Method 2
The passive element utilizes a pressure difference or a pressure gradient between the first and the second cooling circuit for the independent separation
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system for a vehicle has a first cooling circuit, in which a first pressure prevails, and a second cooling circuit, in which a second pressure prevails. The first cooling circuit and the second cooling circuit share a common equalizing container for ventilating. The cooling system has a passive element that separates the first cooling circuit from the second cooling circuit if the first pressure is lower than the second pressure.