PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11752453-B1
Application Number: US-202217577901-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Deaeration device for thermal system

Abstract:
A deaeration device for a fluid includes a reservoir that contains a portion of the fluid, a fluid flow path that carries a portion of the fluid, a pressure regulating structure that creates a pressure gradient along the fluid flow path, a fluid exit in the fluid flow path, and a fluid entrance in the fluid flow path. The pressure gradient causes some of the fluid to exit the fluid flow path through the fluid exit and join the fluid in the reservoir. The pressure gradient causes some of the fluid from the reservoir to join the fluid flow path through the fluid entrance.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A deaeration device for a fluid, comprising:
 a reservoir that contains a portion of the fluid; 
 a conduit that carries a portion of the fluid through the reservoir, the conduit having a first curve and a second curve that are curved in opposite directions along a fluid flow path; 
 a fluid exit defined by the conduit, wherein the first curve and the second curve create a high-pressure region in the conduit at the fluid exit that causes some of the fluid to pass out of the conduit at the fluid exit and join the fluid in the reservoir; and 
 a fluid entrance defined by the conduit, wherein the first curve and the second curve create a low-pressure region in the conduit at the fluid entrance that causes some of the fluid from the reservoir to pass into the conduit at the fluid entrance. 
 
     
     
       2. The deaeration device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid exit is located at a first end of the conduit in the high-pressure region and the fluid entrance is located at a second end of the conduit in the low-pressure region. 
     
     
       3. The deaeration device of  claim 1 , wherein a first elevation of the first curve is higher than a second elevation of the second curve. 
     
     
       4. The deaeration device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid exit is located along the first curve, and the fluid entrance is located along the second curve. 
     
     
       5. The deaeration device of  claim 4 , wherein the fluid exit is located on a first radially outward side of the conduit and the fluid entrance is located on a second radially outward side of the conduit. 
     
     
       6. The deaeration device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid exit is located before the first curve in a fluid flow direction, and the fluid entrance is located after the second curve in the fluid flow direction. 
     
     
       7. The deaeration device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid entrance includes a single opening and the fluid exit includes a single opening. 
     
     
       8. The deaeration device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid entrance includes multiple openings and the fluid exit includes multiple openings. 
     
     
       9. The deaeration device of  claim 1 , wherein the conduit, the fluid exit, and the fluid entrance have circular cross-sections. 
     
     
       10. The deaeration device of  claim 9 , wherein the fluid exit and the fluid entrance each have a diameter that is more than fifty percent smaller than an inner diameter of the conduit. 
     
     
       11. A deaeration device for a fluid, comprising:
 a reservoir that contains a portion of the fluid; 
 a fluid flow path that carries a portion of the fluid; 
 a pressure regulating structure having a first reverse curve and a second reverse curve defined along the fluid flow path; 
 wherein the first reverse curve causes some of the fluid to pass through a fluid exit in the fluid flow path and join the fluid in the reservoir; and 
 wherein the second reverse curve causes some of the fluid from the reservoir to pass through a fluid entrance in the fluid flow path and join the fluid in the fluid flow path. 
 
     
     
       12. The pressure regulating structure of  claim 11 , further comprising a conduit that defines the first reverse curve and the second reverse curve, the first reverse curve including a first curve and a second curve, and the second reverse curve including a third curve and a fourth curve. 
     
     
       13. The pressure regulating structure of  claim 12 , wherein the fluid exit is located along the first curve and the fluid entrance is located along the fourth curve. 
     
     
       14. The pressure regulating structure of  claim 13 , wherein the fluid exit is located on a first radially outward side of the conduit and the fluid entrance is located on a second radially outward side of the conduit. 
     
     
       15. The deaeration device of  claim 14 , wherein the conduit extends through the reservoir. 
     
     
       16. The pressure regulating structure of  claim 11 , wherein the first reverse curve and the second reverse curve have a stair step configuration. 
     
     
       17. The pressure regulating structure of  claim 16 , wherein the stair step configuration is directed downward along the fluid flow path. 
     
     
       18. A deaeration device for a fluid, comprising:
 a reservoir that contains a portion of the fluid; 
 a fluid flow path that carries a portion of the fluid; 
 a pressure regulating structure having a first curve and a second curve defined along the fluid flow path, wherein the pressure regulating structure creates a high-pressure region along the fluid flow path and the second curve creates a low-pressure region along the fluid flow path; 
 wherein the high-pressure region causes some of the fluid to exit the fluid flow path through a fluid exit and join the fluid in the reservoir; and 
 wherein the low-pressure region causes some of the fluid from the reservoir to join the fluid flow path through a fluid entrance. 
 
     
     
       19. The pressure regulating structure of  claim 18 , wherein the first curve directs the fluid downward along the fluid flow path and the second curve directs the fluid upward along the fluid flow path. 
     
     
       20. The pressure regulating structure of  claim 18 , wherein the first curve and the second curve are arranged in a u-shape configuration.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/571,909, filed on Oct. 13, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/647,979, filed on Mar. 26, 2018, and is a continuation of United Stated Patent application Ser. No. 16/120,569, filed on Sep. 4, 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The application relates generally to thermal heating and/or cooling systems that utilize a liquid media. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Liquid heating and/or cooling systems circulate a liquid media through a system. The liquid media travels between components before returning to its starting point, in what is commonly referred to as a thermal loop, a cooling loop, or a heating loop. Air can be introduced into the liquid media, for example, during filling, when the liquid media is added to the system. Air bubbles in the liquid media can cause corrosion to some portions of the system and can cause damage to some portions of the system. The presence of air in the liquid media can also reduce the thermal performance, flow rate, and heat capacity of the system. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a deaeration device for a fluid. The deaeration device includes a reservoir that contains a portion of the fluid, a fluid flow path that carries a portion of the fluid, a pressure regulating structure that creates a pressure gradient along the fluid flow path, a fluid exit in the fluid flow path, and a fluid entrance in the fluid flow path. The pressure gradient causes some of the fluid to exit the fluid flow path through the fluid exit and join the fluid in the reservoir. The pressure gradient causes some of the fluid from the reservoir to join the fluid flow path through the fluid entrance. 
     In some implementations, the fluid exit is located at a first end of the pressure regulating structure in a high-pressure region and the fluid entrance is located at a second end of the pressure regulating structure in a low-pressure region. 
     In some implementations, a first portion of the fluid flow path is located before the pressure regulating structure in a fluid-flow direction, a second portion of the fluid flow path is located after the pressure regulating structure in the fluid-flow direction, and a first elevation of the first portion of the fluid flow path is higher than a second elevation of a second portion of the fluid flow path. 
     In some implementations, the pressure regulating structure includes a reverse curvature defined along the fluid flow path. The reverse curvature may include a first curve and a second curve, wherein the fluid exit is located along the first curve, and the fluid entrance is located along the second curve. Alternatively, the reverse curvature may include a first curve and a second curve, wherein the fluid exit is located before the first curve in a fluid flow direction, and the fluid entrance is after the second curve in a fluid flow direction. 
     In some implementations, the fluid exit includes a single opening and the fluid entrance includes a single opening. In some implementations, the fluid exit includes multiple openings and the fluid entrance includes multiple openings. 
     In some implementations, the fluid flow path is defined by a conduit. The conduit may extend through the reservoir. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a deaeration device for a fluid. The deaeration device includes a reservoir that contains a portion of the fluid and a fluid flow path that carries a portion of the fluid. A baffle structure that is disposed in the reservoir and defines a first chamber, a second chamber, and one or more intermediate chambers in the reservoir. A curvature is defined along the fluid flow path. The curvature serves as a pressure regulating structure that creates a pressure gradient along the fluid flow path. A fluid exit is defined in the fluid flow path and is in communication with the first chamber. The pressure gradient causes some of the fluid to exit the fluid flow path through the fluid exit and join the fluid in the reservoir. A fluid entrance is in the fluid flow path and is in communication with the second chamber. The pressure gradient causes some of the fluid from the reservoir to join the fluid flow path through the fluid entrance. The baffle structure causes fluid from the first chamber to travel through the one or more intermediate chambers before reaching the second chamber. 
     In some implementations, the fluid flow path passes through the baffle structure. In some implementations, the curvature includes a curve that extends through an arc that is greater than ninety degrees. In some implementations, the curvature includes a curve that extends through an arc that is at least one-hundred and eighty degrees. In some implementations, the fluid exit is located along the curve and the fluid exit is located after the curve. In some implementations, the fluid flow path is defined by a conduit. In some implementations, the conduit extends through the reservoir. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a thermal system that circulates a fluid. The thermal system includes a pump, a functional component that generates heat, a cooling device, and a deaeration device. The deaeration device includes a reservoir that contains a portion of the fluid, a fluid flow path that carries a portion of the fluid, and a curvature that is formed in the fluid flow path to create a pressure gradient along the fluid flow path. A fluid exit is defined in the fluid flow path, wherein the pressure gradient causes some of the fluid to exit the fluid flow path through the fluid exit and join the fluid in the reservoir. A fluid entrance is defined in the fluid flow path, wherein the pressure gradient causes some of the fluid from the reservoir to join the fluid flow path through the fluid entrance. The thermal system also includes conduits that interconnect the pump, the functional component, the cooling device, and the deaeration device. 
     The deaeration device may also include a baffle structure that is disposed in the reservoir and defines a first chamber, a second chamber, and one or more intermediate chambers in the reservoir, wherein the fluid exit is in communication with the first chamber of the baffle structure, the fluid entrance is in communication with the second chamber of the baffle structure, the baffle structure causes fluid from the first chamber to travel through the one or more intermediate chambers before reaching the second chamber, and the fluid flow path passes through the baffle structure. 
     In some implementations, the curvature that is formed in the fluid flow path includes a curve that extends through an arc that is at least one-hundred and eighty degrees, the fluid exit is located along the curve, and the fluid exit is located after the curve. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic illustration that shows a thermal system. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic illustration that shows a deaeration device of the thermal system according to a first example. 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-section illustration that shows a deaeration device of the thermal system according to a second example. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-section illustration that shows a deaeration device of the thermal system according to a third example. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-section illustration that shows a deaeration device of the thermal system according to a fourth example. 
         FIG.  6    is a side view illustration that shows a deaeration device according to a fifth example. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view that shows a reservoir of the deaeration device of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-section view of the reservoir of the deaeration device of  FIG.  6   , taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-section view of the reservoir of the deaeration device of  FIG.  6   , taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-section view of the reservoir of the deaeration device of  FIG.  6   , taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG.  8   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Traditional high flow liquid cooling systems use a constant bleed. This means that some of the fluid flow that would otherwise be used to cool functional devices is constantly being lost back to the reservoir, which reduces efficiency. This efficiency loss has been considered acceptable in internal combustion engine designs, which by design operate at high temperatures and with relatively low efficiency. 
     Traditional low flow liquid cooling systems pass all of their fluid flow directly through a reservoir. While this approach is acceptable at low flow rates, at higher flow rates the liquid in the reservoir will become turbulent and aeration results. 
     Electric vehicles operate at higher efficiency levels as compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, and at much lower temperatures. The efficiency penalty of a constant-bleed deaeration system would have a detrimental impact on the overall effectiveness of the cooling system in an electric vehicle application. 
     The disclosure herein is directed to a thermal system that includes a deaeration device that operates at high flow rates with much higher efficiency as compared to constant bleed systems. As an example, the deaeration device may include a fluid flow path that extends through a reservoir and defines a reverse curve (i.e., an S-curve). The reverse curve creates a pressure differential between a first opening and a second opening. The first opening expels air and liquid into the reservoir. The second opening entrains liquid into the fluid flow path. A portion (e.g., a majority) of the liquid carried by the fluid flow path remains in the fluid flow path without entering the reservoir. 
       FIG.  1    is an illustration that shows a thermal system  100 . The thermal system  100  includes a deaeration device  102 , a pump  103 , a functional component  104 , and a cooling device  106 . The various components of the thermal system  100  are interconnected by conduits  108  that circulate a fluid media  110  between the components. 
     In the illustrated example, the thermal system  100  is a cooling system, which provides an example of a system in which the deaeration device  102  can be implemented. The deaeration device  102  can also be implemented in a heating system, or a combined heating and cooling system. The pump  103  is connected to the deaeration device  102  by one of the conduits to cause the fluid media  110  to flow from the deaeration device  102  to the functional component  104 . 
     The functional component  104  is a device or system that is to be maintained at a controlled temperature. Thus, a desired temperature can be determined for the functional component  104 , and the thermal system  100  is operated to maintain the functional component  104  within an acceptable temperature range relative to the desired temperature by delivery of the fluid media  110  to the functional component  104 . The functional component  104  may be one of several devices or systems that are thermally regulated by the thermal system  100 . The functional component  104  may be a heat-generating component. As an example, the thermal system  100  can be utilized in an electric vehicle application in which the functional components include batteries, electric motors, and computing devices that control various systems of the vehicle. The fluid media  110  exits the functional component  104  through one of the conduits  108  and is directed to the cooling device  106 . 
     The cooling device  106  may be any device that can reduce the temperature of the fluid media  110 . As examples, the cooling device  106  can be a heat exchanger, a heat pump, or a thermoelectric cooler. In implementations in which the thermal system  100  is a heating system, the cooling device  106  may be omitted in favor of a heating device, such as an electric heater. In implementations in which the thermal system  100  is a combined heating and cooling system, a heating device may be included in addition to the cooling device  106 . 
     The conduits  108  are structures that are able to transport liquids, such as the fluid media  110 . As an example, the conduits  108  may be hoses. The fluid media  110  can be, for example, an ethylene glycol-based liquid coolant, and may include air bubbles. 
       FIG.  2    is a schematic illustration that shows the deaeration device  102  of the thermal system  100 . The deaeration device  102  includes a reservoir  212 , a first fluid portion  215   a  of the fluid media  110  that is held in the reservoir, a fluid flow path defined through a conduit  214 , a second fluid portion  215   b  that is carried by the conduit  214 , a pressure regulating structure  216  that is defined along the fluid flow path, a fluid exit  218 , and a fluid entrance  220   
     The reservoir  212  holds the first fluid portion  215   a . While the first fluid portion  215   a  is located in the reservoir  212 , air that is mixed into the first fluid portion  215   a  may settle out of the first fluid portion  215   a , such as by rising above a fluid level within the reservoir  212  and joining a volume of air (and/or other gases) that are contained in the reservoir  212  above the fluid level. 
     The conduit  214  is an example structure that can carry the second fluid portion  215   b  through or past the reservoir  212  with limited fluid communication between the first fluid portion  215   a  that is located in the reservoir  212  and the second fluid portion  215   b  that is carried by the conduit  214 . The second fluid portion  215   b  moves through the conduit  214  in a flow direction, as indicated by arrows in  FIG.  2   . A majority of the second fluid portion  215   b  continues through the conduit  214  along the fluid flow path without mixing with the first fluid portion  215   a  in the reservoir  212 . 
     The pressure regulating structure  216  creates a pressure gradient along the fluid flow path. As used herein, the term “pressure gradient” refers to an area over which the pressure of a fluid changes, for example, by changing from a low pressure at a first point to a high pressure at a second point that is spaced from the first point by a distance. For example, the pressure regulating structure  216  may cause a high-pressure area near the fluid exit  218 , and a low-pressure area near the fluid entrance  220 . The pressure regulating structure  216  may be any structural configuration of the conduit  214  or any structure that is placed in or defined on the conduit  214  that is operable to change the pressure of the second fluid portion  215   b  as it flows through the conduit. As examples, the pressure regulating structure may include a curvature (e.g., one or more bends), a restriction, or a baffle. 
     The fluid exit  218  is located at a first end of the pressure regulating structure  216  in a high-pressure region and the fluid entrance  220  is located at a second end of the pressure regulating structure in a low-pressure region. The fluid exit  218  is a fluid expelling structure that allows a portion of the fluid carried by the fluid flow path to exit the fluid flow path in the conduit  214  and enter the reservoir  212 . As an example, the fluid exit  218  may include a single opening that is formed through a wall of the conduit  214 , multiple openings that are formed through the wall of the conduit  214 , or a discontinuity in the conduit  214 . The fluid entrance  220  is a fluid entraining structure that allows a portion of the fluid in the reservoir  212  to enter the conduit  214  and join the fluid flow path. As an example, the fluid entrance  220  may include a single opening that is formed through the wall of the conduit  214 , multiple openings that are formed through the wall of the conduit  214 , or a discontinuity in the conduit  214 . 
     The pressure gradient causes movement of a portion of the fluid media  110  from the second fluid portion  215   b  to the first fluid portion  215   a . In particular, the pressure gradient created by the pressure regulating structure  216  causes some of the fluid from the second fluid portion  215   b  of the fluid media  110  to exit the fluid flow path in the conduit  214  through the fluid exit  218 , as indicated by arrow  219 , and join the first fluid portion  215   a  of the fluid media  110  in the reservoir  212 . The pressure gradient also causes movement of a portion of the fluid media  110  from the first fluid portion  215   a  to the second fluid portion  215   b . In particular, the pressure gradient created by the pressure regulating structure  216  causes some of the fluid from the first fluid portion  215   a  of the fluid media  110  in the reservoir  212  to enter the fluid flow path in the conduit  214  through the fluid entrance  220 , as indicated by arrow  221 , and join the second fluid portion  215   b.    
     Movement of the fluid between the second fluid portion  215   b  and the first fluid portion  215   a  reduces the amount of air that is present in the second fluid portion  215   b  that is present in the conduit  214  and is circulated through the thermal system  100 . The fluid exit  218  and the fluid entrance  220  are positioned such that the fluid that will leave the conduit  214  through the fluid exit  218  has more air in it than the fluid that will enter the conduit  214  through the fluid entrance  220 . For example, the configuration of the reservoir  212  can be such that deaerated fluid tends to collect at a certain location (e.g., at an elevation bottom of the reservoir  212 ), and the fluid entrance  220  is positioned at such a location. 
       FIG.  3    is a cross-section illustration that shows a deaeration device  302  according to a further example that can be incorporated in the thermal system  100  in place of the deaeration device  102 . The deaeration device  302  includes a reservoir  312 , a first fluid portion  315   a  in the reservoir  312 , a conduit  314 , a second fluid portion  315   b  that follows a fluid flow path in the conduit  314 , a reverse curve  316  (i.e., an S-curve) defined by the conduit  314  to function as a pressure regulating structure, a fluid exit  318 , and a fluid entrance  320 . These components are as described with respect to similar components of the deaeration device  102 , except as noted. 
     In the illustrated example, the conduit  314 , the fluid exit  318 , and the fluid entrance  320  all have circular cross-sections. The diameters of the fluid exit  318  and the fluid entrance  320  are half or less of the diameter of the inside diameter of the conduit  314 . The fluid exit  318  and the fluid entrance  320  can be the same size or can be different sizes. Although the fluid exit  318  and the fluid entrance  320  are depicted as single openings, each can be implemented as multiple openings. 
     As a pressure regulating structure, the deaeration device  302  includes the reverse curve  316 , which is defined along the fluid flow path of the conduit  314 . In the illustrated example, the reverse curve  316  includes a first curve  317   a  and a second curve  317   b . In the illustrated example, the fluid exit  318  is located along the first curve  317   a  on the radially outward side of the conduit  314  relative to the first curve  317   a , and the fluid entrance  320  is located along the second curve  317   b  on the radially outward side of the conduit  314  relative to the second curve  317   b . The fluid exit  318  and the fluid entrance  320  can be positioned differently. For example, the fluid exit  318  can be located before the first curve  317   a  in a fluid flow direction, and the fluid entrance  320  can be located after the second curve  317   b  in a fluid flow direction. 
     The conduit  314  includes an elevation change relative to the reservoir  312  at the reverse curve  316 . A first portion of the fluid flow path defined by the conduit  314  is located before the reverse curve  316  in a fluid-flow direction, a second portion of the fluid flow path defined by the conduit  314  is located after the reverse curve  316  in the fluid-flow direction, and a first elevation of the first portion of the fluid flow path is higher than a second elevation of a second portion of the fluid flow path. 
     In the illustrated example, the reverse curve  316  functions as a pressure regulating structure for the conduit  314  and includes two curves in opposite directions. In alternative implementations, additional curves can be included in the conduit  314 . For example, four curves can be formed in the conduit  314  to function as a pressure regulating structure. 
       FIG.  4    is a cross-section illustration that shows a deaeration device  402  according to a further example that can be incorporated in the thermal system  100  in place of the deaeration device  102 . The deaeration device  402  includes a reservoir  412 , a first fluid portion  415   a  in the reservoir  412 , a conduit  414 , a second fluid portion  415   b  that follows a fluid flow path in the conduit  414 , a compound curvature  416  defined by the conduit  414  to function as a pressure regulating structure, a fluid exit  418 , and a fluid entrance  420 . These components are as described with respect to similar components of the deaeration device  302 , except as noted. 
     As a pressure regulating structure, the deaeration device  402  includes the compound curvature  416 , which is defined along the fluid flow path of the conduit  414 . In the illustrated example, the compound curvature  416  includes a first curve  417   a , a second curve  417   b , a third curve  417   c , and a fourth curve  417   d . The first curve  417   a , the second curve  417   b , the third curve  417   c , and the fourth curve  417   d  are two pairs of reverse curves in a stair step configuration, turning downward, then level, then downward, then level. 
     In the illustrated example, the fluid exit  418  is located along the first curve  417   a  on the radially outward side (upward facing) of the conduit  414  relative to the first curve  417   a , and the fluid entrance  420  is located along the fourth curve  417   d  on the radially outward side (downward facing) of the conduit  414  relative to the fourth curve  417   d . The fluid exit  418  and the fluid entrance  420  can be positioned differently. For example, the fluid exit  418  can be located before the first curve  417   a  in a fluid flow direction, and the fluid entrance  420  can be located after the fourth curve  417   d  in a fluid flow direction. 
     The conduit  414  includes an elevation change relative to the reservoir  412  at the compound curvature  416 . A first portion of the fluid flow path defined by the conduit  414  is located before the compound curvature  416  in a fluid-flow direction, a second portion of the fluid flow path defined by the conduit  414  is located after the compound curvature  416  in the fluid-flow direction, and a first elevation of the first portion of the fluid flow path is higher than a second elevation of a second portion of the fluid flow path. 
       FIG.  5    is a cross-section illustration that shows a deaeration device  502  according to a further example that can be incorporated in the thermal system  100  in place of the deaeration device  102 . The deaeration device  502  includes a reservoir  512 , a first fluid portion  515   a  in the reservoir  512 , a conduit  514 , a second fluid portion  515   b  that follows a fluid flow path in the conduit  514 , a compound curvature  516  defined by the conduit  514  to function as a pressure regulating structure, a fluid exit  518 , and a fluid entrance  520 . These components are as described with respect to similar components of the deaeration device  302 , except as noted. 
     As a pressure regulating structure, the deaeration device  502  includes the compound curvature  516 , which is defined along the fluid flow path of the conduit  514 . In the illustrated example, the compound curvature  516  includes a first curve  517   a , a second curve  517   b , a third curve  517   c , and a fourth curve  517   d . The first curve  517   a , the second curve  517   b , the third curve  517   c , and the fourth curve  517   d  are two pairs of reverse curves in a u-shaped configuration, turning downward, then level, then upward, then level. 
     In the illustrated example, the fluid exit  518  is located along the first curve  517   a  on the radially outward side (upward facing) of the conduit  514  relative to the first curve  517   a , and the fluid entrance  520  is located along the fourth curve  517   d  on the radially inward side (downward facing) of the conduit  514  relative to the fourth curve  517   d . The fluid exit  518  and the fluid entrance  520  can be positioned differently. For example, the fluid exit  518  can be located before the first curve  517   a  in a fluid flow direction, and the fluid entrance  520  can be located after the fourth curve  517   d  in a fluid flow direction. 
     The conduit  514  includes an elevation change relative to the reservoir  512  at the compound curvature  516 . A first portion of the fluid flow path defined by the conduit  514  is located before the compound curvature  516  in a fluid-flow direction, a second portion of the fluid flow path defined by the conduit  514  is located after the compound curvature  516  in the fluid-flow direction, and a first elevation of the first portion of the fluid flow path is higher than a second elevation of a second portion of the fluid flow path. 
       FIG.  6    is a side view illustration that shows a deaeration device  602  according to a further example that can be incorporated in the thermal system  100  in place of the deaeration device  102 . The deaeration device  602  includes a reservoir  612 , a cover  613 , a first fluid portion  615   a  in the reservoir  612 , a fluid inlet  622  that is connected to the reservoir  612  to receive a second fluid portion  615   b , and a fluid outlet  624  that is connected to the reservoir  612 . The cover  613  is connected to the reservoir  612 , for example, by fasteners or by snap fit, and may be removable. The cover  613  may include an opening that is fitted with a cap, for example, to allow fluid to be added to or removed from the reservoir  612 . Other components may be connected to and/or extend through openings formed through the reservoir  612  and/or the cover  613 . 
       FIG.  7    is a perspective view that shows the reservoir  612  of the deaeration device  602 . The reservoir  612  is configured to contain the first fluid portion  615   a  (not shown in  FIG.  7   ) within an internal space  730  that is defined by a bottom wall  732 , a peripheral wall  734  that extends generally upward from the bottom wall  732 , and a rim  736  that is formed at the upper extent of the peripheral wall  734  and is configured for connection to the cover  613 . In the illustrated example, the reservoir  612  is generally rectangular, with slight deviations from a true rectangular shape in the form of, as examples, discontinuities in the elevation of the bottom wall  732 , and angles and tapers applied to the peripheral wall  734 . It should be understood, however, that any suitable geometric configuration can be utilized for the reservoir  612 . As an example, the shape of the reservoir  612  may be dictated by packaging constraints. 
     A baffle assembly  738  is located within the internal space  730  of the reservoir  612  in order to divide the internal space  730 . The baffle assembly  738  also serves to control flow of the first fluid portion  615   a  within the internal space  730 , as will be described in detail herein. Portions of the baffle assembly  738  or all of the baffle assembly  738  may, in some implementations, be formed integrally with the reservoir  612  of the deaeration device  602 . 
       FIG.  8    is a cross-section view of the reservoir  612  of the deaeration device  602 , taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG.  6   , showing the baffle assembly  738  and a conduit  814 . The baffle assembly  738  includes longitudinally extending wall portions  840   a  and the laterally extending wall portions  840   b . The longitudinally extending wall portions  840   a  and the laterally extending wall portions  840   b  divide the internal space  730  of the reservoir  612  into chambers that each contain part of the first fluid portion  615   a  and enforce a direction for flow of the first fluid portion  615   a  within the internal space  730  of the reservoir  612 . The longitudinally extending wall portions  840   a  extend generally upward relative to the bottom wall  732  of the reservoir  612  and have a generally planar configuration that also extends along a long axis of the reservoir  612  (i.e., in an end-to-end direction of the reservoir  612 ). The laterally extending wall portions  840   b  extend generally upward relative to the bottom wall  732  of the reservoir  612  and have a generally planar configuration that also extends along a short axis of the reservoir  612  (i.e., in a side-to-side direction of the reservoir  612 ). The laterally extending wall portions  840   b  intersect the longitudinally extending wall portions  840   a , such that the longitudinally extending wall portions  840   a  and the laterally extending wall portions  840   b  cooperate to divide the internal space  730  of the reservoir  612 . 
     In the illustrated example, the internal space  730  of the reservoir  612  is divided into multiple chambers by the baffle assembly  738 , including an exit chamber  842   a  (where fluid exits the conduit  814 , as will be described herein), an entrance chamber  842   b  (where fluid enters the conduit  814 , as will be described herein), and intermediate chambers  842   c  (i.e., one or more intermediate chambers) that define a fluid flow path through the internal space  730  of the reservoir  612  between the exit chamber  842   a  and the entrance chamber  842   b . Adjacent chambers from the exit chamber  842   a , the entrance chamber  842   b , and the intermediate chambers  842   c  may be connected by fluid passages  844 . As examples, the fluid passages  844  may be defined as gaps between the baffle assembly  738  and the reservoir  612  (i.e., a gap relative to the bottom wall  732  and/or the peripheral wall  734 ), or as openings (e.g., in the form of apertures of notches relative to a top edge of the baffle assembly  738 ). In the case of openings formed through the longitudinally extending wall portions  840   a  or the laterally extending wall portions  840   b  of the baffle assembly  738 , a bottom edge of the opening may be spaced above the elevation of the bottom wall  732  of the reservoir  612 . 
       FIG.  9    is a cross-section view of the reservoir of the deaeration device of  FIG.  6   , taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG.  8   , and  FIG.  10    is a cross-section view of the reservoir of the deaeration device of  FIG.  6   , taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG.  8   . As seen in  FIGS.  8 - 10   , the conduit  814  is located in the internal space  730  of the reservoir  612 . The conduit  814  is connected to the fluid inlet  622  and the fluid outlet  624  and defines a fluid flow path that carries the first fluid portion  615   a . As described in previous examples, most of the fluid that enters the conduit  814  as the first fluid portion  615   a  is carried through the reservoir  612  within the conduit  814  without joining the second fluid portion  615   b  within the internal space  730  of the reservoir  612 , as the walls of the conduit  814  separate the interior of the conduit  814  from the remainder of the internal space  730  of the reservoir. 
     In order to deaerate the first fluid portion  615   a , part of the first fluid portion  615   a  leaves the conduit  814  and joins the second fluid portion  615   b  at a fluid exit  818 , and part of the second fluid portion  615   b , after deaeration within the internal space  730 , leaves the internal space  730  and joins the first fluid portion  615   a  within the conduit  814  at a fluid entrance  820 . The fluid exit  818  is located in the exit chamber  842   a  that is defined in the internal space  730  of the reservoir  612  by the baffle assembly  738 . The fluid entrance  820  is located in the entrance chamber  842   b  that is defined in the internal space  730  of the reservoir  612  by the baffle assembly  738 . Thus, in order for fluid within the second fluid portion  615   b  to flow from the fluid exit  818  to re-enter the conduit  814  at the fluid entrance  820 , the fluid travels through the exit chamber  842   a , through one or more of the intermediate chambers  842   c , and through the entrance chamber  842   b , where it may re-enter the conduit  814  at the fluid entrance  820 . 
     A curvature  616  is defined by the conduit  814  to function as a pressure regulating structure, so that part of the first fluid portion  615   a  leaves the conduit  814  at the fluid exit  818 , and so that part of the second fluid portion  615   b  enters the conduit  814  at the fluid entrance  820 . 
     In the illustrated example, the conduit  814 , the fluid exit  818 , and the fluid entrance  820  all have circular cross-sections. The diameters of the fluid exit  818  and the fluid entrance  820  are half or less of the diameter of the inside diameter of the conduit  814 . The fluid exit  818  and the fluid entrance  820  can be the same size or can be different sizes. Although the fluid exit  818  and the fluid entrance  820  are depicted as single openings, each can be implemented as multiple openings. 
     As a pressure regulating structure, the deaeration device  602  includes the curvature  816 , which is defined along the fluid flow path of the conduit  814 . In the illustrated example, the curvature  816  includes a first curve  817   a  and a second curve  817   b . The first curve  817   a  is an approximately ninety-degree bend in the conduit  814  that occurs just above the bottom wall  732  of the reservoir  612  after the conduit  814  passes through the bottom wall  732  on a path that is generally perpendicular to the bottom wall  732 . As used herein, the term “approximately” includes deviations expected as a result of manufacturing variations and measuring variations. Within the reservoir  612 , including along the second curve  817   b , the path of the conduit  814  lies in a plane that is generally parallel to the bottom wall  732  of the reservoir  612 . In some implementations, the second curve  817   b  extends along an arc that is greater than or equal to ninety degrees. In some implementations, the second curve  817   b  extends along an arc that is greater than or equal to one-hundred and eighty degrees. In the illustrated example, the second curve  817   b  extends along an arc that is greater than one-hundred and eighty degrees and is less than two-hundred and seventy degrees. Along the second curve  817   b , the conduit  814  passes through one of the longitudinally extending wall portions  840   a  of the baffle assembly  738 . 
     In the illustrated example, the fluid exit  818  is positioned along the curvature  816  between the first curve  817   a  and the second curve  817   b , near the beginning of the second curve  817   b , and on the radially outward side of the conduit  814  relative to the second curve  817   b , and the fluid entrance  820  is located after the curvature  816 , along a straight section of the conduit  814 . The fluid exit  818  and the fluid entrance  820  can, however, be positioned differently relative to the curvature  816 . As a result of the pressure-regulating structure defined by the curvature  816 , the fluid exit  818  is located at a first end of the curvature  816  in a high-pressure region and the fluid entrance  820  is located at a second end of the curvature  816  in a low-pressure region. 
     In the illustrated example, the fluid exit  818  and the fluid entrance  820  of the conduit  814  are located at a common elevation. The fluid exit  818  and the fluid entrance  820  could, however, be located at different elevations. As previously described, the fluid exit  818  and the fluid entrance  820  can each include a single opening that is formed in the conduit  814  or multiple openings that are formed through the conduit  814 . The conduit  814  may be otherwise free from openings in the internal space  730  of the reservoir.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220118
Publication Date: 20230912
Grant Date: 20230912
Priority Date: 20171013
Inventors: YEOMANS, PAUL D.
JOHNSTON, VINCENT G.
KEARNEY, JOHN M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B01D19/0047", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B01D19/0047", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B01D19/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B01D19/0063", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B01D19/0047", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B01D19/0063", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 80442455