Thermal management system and stabilizer assembly for a vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional climate-controlled cases for vehicles are not typically coupled with onboard heating or cooling devices and lack selective expandability or concealability, necessitating a dynamic thermal management system that optimizes space and portability.

Innovation Solution

A thermal management system for vehicles that includes a connection interface coupled with the vehicle's compartment and climate control system, a movably disposed container aligned with the connection interface via alignment features, and a stabilizer assembly that allows the container to be selectively expanded or concealed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional climate-controlled case is used, then thermal management function is provided, but space optimization and portability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace optimizationVSAvoidsystem integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: a movable container that can be independently positioned and a fixed connection interface in the compartment. This segmentation allows the container to be portable and space-optimizing while the connection interface handles the complex integration with the climate control system, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic repositioning within the vehicle to optimize space utilization. The movable design maintains fluid communication with the climate control system through the connection interface, enabling both portability and integrated thermal management functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a movable container is introduced for space optimization, then portability is improved, but alignment precision with the connection interface deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment system replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with simple alignment features such as guide rails, grooves, or magnetic alignment elements. These features passively guide the movable container into proper alignment with the connection interface during movement, maintaining alignment precision without compromising portability or requiring complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of moving object

If the container is made selectively expandable, then space utilization is improved, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The container employs expandable walls or flexible panels that allow volume adjustment while maintaining structural integrity. The expandable design enables the container to adapt to different space requirements while the connection interface and alignment features ensure stable positioning in the compartment, resolving the contradiction between volume flexibility and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively integrates with the vehicle's climate control system, optimizing space and portability by allowing the container to be dynamically aligned and expanded, while maintaining efficient thermal management.

Implementation Method 1

a connection interface that is coupled with a compartment of the vehicle and is in fluid communication with a climate control system of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer via fluid: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12311725B2Thermal management system and stabilizer assembly for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A thermal management system for a vehicle includes a connection interface that is coupled with a compartment of the vehicle and is in fluid communication with a climate control system of the vehicle. A container is movably disposed in the compartment and is in fluid communication with the climate control system via the connection interface. At least one alignment feature is coupled with the compartment and engages at least one sidewall of the container to align the container with the connection interface while the container moves in the compartment.