Vehicle Washer-Liquid Cooling Loop for Motor and Inverter Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems in vehicles occupy valuable space and require time and effort for coolant replacement, with separate cooling circuits for motors and inverters.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system that integrates a radiator, motor, inverter, and a storage tank for a cleaning liquid that circulates through the inverter, motor, and radiator, eliminating the need for a reserve tank and improving cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reserve tank is used to store coolant in the cooling circuit, then the cooling function is ensured, but the space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning liquid storage tank is designed to serve dual purposes: storing cleaning liquid for windshield cleaning and serving as the coolant reservoir for the cooling circuit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a separate reserve tank, reducing space occupation while ensuring both cleaning and cooling functions are maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cleaning liquid storage function and the coolant reservoir function into a single tank system. The cleaning liquid circulates through both the windshield cleaning system and the cooling circuit, combining two separate fluid systems into one integrated system that reduces overall space requirements
2Reliability
If coolant is used in the cooling circuit, then the cooling function is achieved, but time and effort for replacing coolant is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning liquid in the system performs self-cleaning functions as it circulates through the cooling circuit, motor, and inverter. The cleaning properties of the liquid continuously clean internal surfaces, preventing buildup and contamination that would otherwise require manual intervention and coolant replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning liquid continuously circulates through the cooling circuit, providing ongoing cleaning action rather than a one-time cooling function. This continuous circulation maintains system cleanliness and prevents degradation, eliminating the need for periodic coolant replacement
3Ease of operation
If cleaning liquid is circulated through the cooling circuit, then the cleaning action is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same cleaning liquid performs multiple functions: cleaning the windshield when discharged and cooling the motor and inverter when circulated through the cooling circuit. This multi-functional approach improves cleaning action while avoiding the need for separate systems, thereby not increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cleaning liquid delivery system and the cooling circuit into one integrated system. The circulation channel serves both cleaning and cooling purposes, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture despite the enhanced cleaning functionality
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 saves space, reduces the effort required for coolant replacement, and enhances the cleaning action of the liquid, while using the cleaning liquid as a coolant that does not require additives for boiling prevention.
Implementation Method 1
causing the cleaning liquid to store heat of the motor and the inverter
Implementation Method 2
causing heat of the cleaning liquid to be dissipated by the radiator
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system mounted in a vehicle includes a motor that is a drive source of the vehicle; an inverter that drives the motor; a radiator; a washer liquid tank that stores a cleaning liquid for cleaning a windshield of the vehicle; and a circulation channel that allows the cleaning liquid stored in the washer liquid tank to circulate through the inverter, the motor, the radiator, and the washer liquid tank in an order presented, thereby causing the cleaning liquid to store heat of the motor and the inverter and also causing heat of the cleaning liquid to be dissipated by the radiator.