Vehicle Fluid Exchange Control for Matched Drain and Fill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle with the efficient and automated exchange of vehicle fluids, particularly in complex systems like those found in battery electric vehicles and fuel-cell vehicles, without the need for manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A device with fluid control arrangements and a controller to manage fluid flow, enabling automated and precise exchange of vehicle fluids, ensuring equal drain and fill amounts and rates, and monitoring pressure to detect issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual fluid exchange is performed in complex vehicle fluid systems, then the system can be serviced, but the process requires manual intervention and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the fluid exchange process into separate controllable segments: a first fluid control arrangement for draining and a second fluid control arrangement for filling. Each arrangement can be independently controlled by separate actuators, allowing automated operation while managing system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service automated fluid exchange by using sensors to detect fluid levels and control arrangements to automatically perform draining and filling operations without manual intervention. The system monitors its own state and executes the complete fluid exchange cycle autonomously.
2Productivity
If fluid exchange is performed quickly, then productivity is improved, but the risk of improper filling or leaking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors that provide feedback on fluid levels in both the first and second assemblies. This feedback allows the control arrangements to monitor the draining and filling processes in real-time, ensuring accurate fluid exchange while maintaining high productivity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary draining of fluid from the first assembly before initiating filling into the second assembly. This sequential preliminary action ensures that the system is properly prepared for the filling operation, preventing improper filling or leaking while maintaining efficient overall process speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device handles multiple fluid assemblies, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves universality by designing fluid control arrangements that can handle multiple different fluid assemblies (first assembly, second assembly, third assembly). The same basic control arrangement structure can be applied to different assemblies, providing multi-functionality while managing complexity through standardized designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for exchanging vehicle fluids (111, 121), comprising - a first fluid port (10) to connect to a first assembly (110) of a vehicle (100), the first assembly (110) containing a first vehicle fluid (111), - a second fluid port (20) to connect to a second assembly (120) of the vehicle (100), the second assembly (120) containing a second vehicle fluid (121), - a first fluid control arrangement (12) configured to selectively permit fluid flow from the first assembly (110) to the first fluid port (10) and to selectively permit fluid flow from the first fluid port (10) to the first assembly (110), and - a second fluid control arrangement (22) configured to selectively permit fluid flow from the second assembly (120) to the second fluid port (20) and to selectively permit fluid flow from the second fluid port (20) to the second assembly (120).