Vehicle Thermal Management Assembly With Switchable Pump Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in managing the diverse thermal needs of multiple operating groups within a vehicle, such as endothermic engines, battery groups, and electric motor groups, which require independent thermal regulation systems with specific components, leading to complexity and inefficiency in thermal management.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management assembly that connects multiple operating groups through a system of ducts and pump groups, with a fluidic command device capable of configuring different working modes to manage temperature effectively across various groups using a single set of components, including radial impellers and stabilization tanks, allowing for efficient fluid flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent thermal regulation systems are used for different operating groups, then each operating group receives dedicated thermal management, but the device complexity and number of components increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent thermal regulation systems into a single integrated thermal management assembly that serves multiple operating groups (endothermic engine, battery, electric motor). This consolidation reduces the total number of components while maintaining dedicated thermal control for each group through a unified structure with common pumps, heat exchangers, and fluid circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management assembly is designed as a universal system that can simultaneously manage thermal needs of different operating groups with diverse thermal requirements. The system uses a single set of components (pumps, heat exchangers, fluid circuits) that can be configured to serve multiple functions - cooling the engine, heating batteries, cooling motors - thereby reducing component proliferation while maintaining specialized thermal control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate thermal regulation systems are implemented for each operating group, then specific thermal needs are met, but the ease of manufacture and cost increase due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate thermal regulation systems into one integrated assembly, reducing the number of discrete components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to address specific thermal needs of different operating groups through the unified system's configurable fluid circuits and heat exchangers.
3Reliability
If multiple independent thermal systems are used, then comprehensive thermal coverage is achieved, but the space and volume required in the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple thermal regulation systems into a single compact assembly, reducing the total volume occupied by thermal management components in the vehicle. The integrated design allows shared components (pumps, heat exchangers, fluid reservoirs) to serve multiple operating groups simultaneously, thereby maintaining comprehensive thermal coverage while minimizing spatial requirements.
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 solution simplifies the management of multiple operating groups' temperatures, reduces component complexity, and enhances flexibility and effectiveness in thermal regulation, accommodating various vehicle conditions efficiently and cost-effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump group (510) suitable to command the motion of the working fluid comprising a first inlet duct (511) and a first outlet duct (512); a second pump group (520) suitable, in turn, to command the motion of the working fluid comprising a second inlet duct (521) and a second outlet duct (522)
Implementation Method 2
the first command unit (513) comprises a first radial impeller, which intercepts the working fluid flowing in the first inlet duct (511) to send it into the first outlet duct (512)
Implementation Method 3
the first stabilization tank (514) unifies the pressure of the flowing liquid before it reaches the first command unit (513)
Implementation Method 4
a thermal management assembly (500) comprising a first pump group (510) suitable to command the motion of the working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management assembly includes a fluidic command device connected to a first and second pump group and having four inlet and outlet ports and an auxiliary duct connecting the pump groups. The fluidic command device is configurable in a first configuration, in which working fluid flows into the first inlet port and out of the first outlet port, flowing into the first pump group, the auxiliary duct and the second pump group, a second configuration, in which working fluid flows into the second inlet port and out of the second outlet port, flowing in the pump groups, preventing flow in the auxiliary duct, and a third configuration, in which working fluid flows into the third inlet port and out of the third outlet port, flowing into the first pump group, and into the fourth inlet port and out of the fourth outlet port, flowing into the second pump group.