CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A SMART PUMP LOCATED IN A LUBRICATION / COOLING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The fluid pump includes a motor disposed within the outer housing. The motor includes a stator and a rotor in electromagnetic communication with the stator. The windings are disposed on the stator receiving electrical current to define the electromagnetic communication. The pump element is attached to the rotor via a drive shaft. The pump element operates with the rotor to deliver fluid through a hydraulic fluid path. A plurality of sensors measure information related to at least one of the stator, the windings, the rotor, the pump element, the fluid, and the hydraulic fluid path. A controller is in communication with the windings to deliver electrical current to the windings. The controller is also in communication with the plurality of sensors to measure and record information and communicate the information to one of an external memory and an external controller.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to fluid pumps, and more specifically to fluid pumps having control systems that utilize various sensors and algorithms to assess the efficiency, health, and status of the fluid pump as well as the fluid being moved through the fluid pump. [Background technology]

[0002] In various fluid mechanisms, fluid pumps are used to deliver materials for lubrication and / or cooling functions in a fluid delivery system and may include various controls for monitoring the status of the fluid pump. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fluid pump includes an outer housing. A motor is disposed within the outer housing. The motor includes a stator and a rotor in electromagnetic communication with the stator. The windings are disposed on the stator receiving an electrical current to define the electromagnetic communication. A pump element is attached to the rotor via a drive shaft. The pump element operates with the rotor to deliver fluid through a hydraulic fluid path. A plurality of sensors measure information related to at least one of the stator, the windings, the rotor, the pump element, the fluid, and the hydraulic fluid path. A controller is in communication with the windings to deliver an electrical current to the windings. The controller is also in communication with the plurality of sensors to measure and record information and communicate the information to one of an external memory and an external controller.

[0004] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle includes a fluid delivery system. The electrical system includes a data system. The fluid system and the electrical system are each in communication with a fluid pump. The fluid pump includes an outer housing. A motor is disposed within the outer housing. The motor includes a stator and a rotor in electromagnetic communication with the stator. A winding is disposed on the stator that receives current from the electrical system to define the electromagnetic communication. A pump element is attached to the rotor via a drive shaft. The pump element operates with the rotor to deliver fluid from the fluid delivery system through a hydraulic fluid path of the fluid pump. A plurality of sensors measure information related to at least one of the stator, the winding, the rotor, the pump element, the fluid, and the hydraulic fluid path. A controller is in communication with the winding to deliver current to the winding. The controller is also in communication with the plurality of sensors to measure and record information and communicate the information to one of an external memory of the electrical system and an external controller of the electrical system.

[0005] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a fluid pump includes a stator disposed within an outer housing. A winding is disposed on the stator. A rotor is positioned relative to the stator. A pump element is attached to the rotor via a drive shaft. The pump element operates with the rotor to deliver fluid through a hydraulic fluid path. A plurality of sensors measure information related to at least one of the stator, the winding, the rotor, the pump element, the fluid, and the hydraulic fluid path. A controller is in communication with the windings to deliver current to the windings. The controller is also in communication with the plurality of sensors to measure and record information and communicate this information for reporting.

[0006] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method for operating a fluid pump in a vehicle includes a fluid delivery system, an electrical system, and a data system each in communication with the fluid pump. The method includes operating a motor using a controller. The motor includes a rotor in electromagnetic communication with a stator having windings disposed thereon. The rotor rotatably operates a pump element. The method also includes moving fluid through a hydraulic fluid path using the pump element. The method also includes monitoring a plurality of parameters using a plurality of sensors in communication with the controller. The plurality of parameters are associated with at least one of the controller, the motor, the fluid, and the hydraulic fluid path. The method also includes operating an on-board control algorithm using the controller and the plurality of sensors to determine an output associated with an operating condition of the fluid pump. The method also includes delivering a communication associated with the output to one of an internal memory, an external memory, and an external controller.

[0007] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon review of the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fluid pump utilized in a fluid delivery system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of one embodiment of a fluid pump utilized in a fluid delivery system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a third perspective view of one embodiment of a fluid pump utilized in a fluid delivery system. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a fluid pump utilized in a fluid delivery system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a fluid pump utilized in a fluid delivery system. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a fluid pump utilized in a fluid delivery system. [Figure 7]1 is a schematic elevational view of a typical vehicle incorporating one embodiment of a fluid pump in communication with the vehicle's fluid delivery system, electrical system, and data system. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating a fluid pump in a vehicle. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 18]1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 21] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 22] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 23] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method of operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. [Figure 24] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating an on-board control algorithm within a controller of a fluid pump to determine an operating output. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the following detailed description, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth in the following description, taken in conjunction with the claims and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be taken alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be taken. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0011] In this document, relative terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0012] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, such as couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means joining two components (electrical or mechanical) to one another, directly or indirectly. Such joining may be fixed or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved by the two components (electrical or mechanical) and / or any additional intermediate members. Such joining may include members integrally formed with one another as a single, cohesive body (i.e., integrally joined) or may refer to the joining of two components. Such joining may be detachable or releasable in nature, unless otherwise indicated.

[0013] As used herein, the terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to note that a described feature is equal or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to describe a surface that is planar or nearly planar. Additionally, "substantially" is intended to describe two values ​​that are equal or nearly equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may describe values ​​that are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other or within about 2% of each other.

[0014] As used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one" unless expressly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0015] 1-6, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a fluid pump used within a fluid delivery system 12 to deliver a fluid 14 from one location to another. This fluid 14 may be used for various functions within a mechanical assembly. Such functions may include, but are not limited to, lubrication and / or cooling functions within the fluid delivery system 12. Typically, the fluid pump 10 described herein is a lubricant or coolant used to lubricate and / or cool separate mechanisms within a vehicle application or other mechanical setting. In accordance with various aspects of the device, the fluid pump 10 typically includes a motor 100 having a stator 16 in electromagnetic communication with a rotor 22. The stator 16 is overmolded or insert injection molded to form a housing 18. Various windings 20 extend around the stator 16. When the windings 20 are energized via electrical current, an electromagnetic field is generated against the stator 16, which cooperates with a rotor 22 positioned within the stator 16 (or around the stator 16 in an internal stator configuration) to rotate the rotor 22 about a rotatable shaft 24. Electromagnetic power generated during the electromagnetic engagement of the stator 16 with the rotor 22 causes the rotor 22 to rotate a drive shaft 26 about the rotatable shaft 24. The drive shaft 26 is then connected to a pumping element 28 that is used to move the fluid 14 from one location to another. Typically, the fluid 14 is moved from a reservoir through a hydraulic fluid path 30 to a drive unit or other mechanical assembly. Typically, the drive unit may be in the form of an engine, a transmission, a differential, or other similar mechanical assembly.

[0016] 1-6, the fluid pump 10 typically includes a controller 32 that may be disposed within a portion of the housing 18. The controller 32 may be part of a printed circuit board (PCB) 34 that is configured to regulate the delivery of electricity to the windings 20 for the stator 16. The controller 32 may also be coupled to various sensors 36 that are used to monitor the status of the fluid pump 10 and the fluid 14 moving through the hydraulic fluid path 30. The PCB 34 may also include various sensors 36 that are also used to directly and / or indirectly measure and determine various performance parameters to assess the health, performance, aging, and effectiveness of the fluid pump 10, the fluid 14 moving therethrough, and the mechanical assemblies served by the fluid pump 10. These sensors 36 may include, but are not limited to, an accelerometer 38, an optical sensor 40, a current sensor 42, a temperature sensor 44, a torque sensor 46, and other similar sensors 36 that may be used to monitor various aspects of the fluid pump 10 and the fluid 14 moving therethrough, as will be described more fully herein.

[0017] 1-7, the controller 32 may include a memory 82 in the PCB, such as an internal memory. The controller 32 may also communicate with an external memory of a mechanical assembly. The mechanical assembly may be in the form of a vehicle 160 (shown in FIG. 7) including a fluid delivery system 12, a fixture, or other similar electromechanical mechanism. In the case of the vehicle 160, the vehicle 160 may include a fluid delivery system 12 that provides fluid 14 to the fluid pump 10. The vehicle 160 may also include an electrical system 164 that provides electrical current to the fluid pump 10 and the electrical components contained therein. The electrical system 164 of the vehicle 160 may also include a data and communication system 166 that is used to transmit, receive, and deliver data communications throughout the vehicle 160 including the fluid pump 10. The data and communication system 166 of the vehicle 160 may also be used to transmit and receive data regarding an external location outside of the vehicle 160, such as via wired or wireless communication.

[0018] 1-6, the fluid pump 10 may include an accelerometer 38 attached to or at least in communication with one of the rotatably operable elements of the fluid pump 10, such as the pump element 28, the drive shaft 26, the rotor 22, or other similar components within the fluid pump 10. The accelerometer 38 monitors for operational shock events in which the rotational speed of one of the components of the fluid pump 10 changes dramatically over a short period of time. An operational shock event may be generated by debris 64 traveling through the pump element 28 and temporarily impeding or otherwise interrupting operation of the pump element 28. An operational shock event may also be generated by external forces exerted on the fluid pump 10, cogging that may occur between the stator 16 and the rotor 22, and other similar events that may cause a sudden change in the rotational speed of a rotating component of the fluid pump 10. The accelerometer 38 cooperates with the controller 32 to monitor for and compare a particular operational shock event to other operational shock events that may have been previously experienced by the fluid pump 10. The controller 32 evaluates these various operational shock events individually and also compares the various operational shock events cumulatively over time. This cumulative analysis derives an internal tolerance threshold for future operational shock events. This internal tolerance threshold generates a calculated tolerance level for evaluating future operational shock events that may subsequently occur.

[0019] Subsequent operational shock events that occur are measured by the accelerometer 38 and evaluated by the controller 32 of the fluid pump 10 against the derived threshold. When the derived threshold for an operational shock event is exceeded, the controller 32 timestamps the occurrence as a mechanical shock risk event. This mechanical shock risk event is communicated to the controller 32 and the vehicle 160 for later reporting. This reporting may occur while the vehicle 160 is in service. In addition, the mechanical shock risk event may be reported in real time for reporting to the vehicle 160 or to a remote location. Typically, when a health report is requested for the vehicle 160, the recorded mechanical shock risk events are included in the report for the vehicle 160. These reports are accumulated so that service recommendations may be made and implemented for the vehicle 160 and the fluid pump 10 with the accelerometer 38. The mechanical shock risk event may be used to determine whether the operational shock event was of sufficient magnitude to warrant maintenance, repair, or replacement. The mechanical shock risk event may also be used in combination with a visual inspection to determine the level of damage, if any, to components of the fluid pump 10. Generally, reporting of data and events may be performed according to any one of a variety of methods, as described more fully below.

[0020] 1-6, the fluid pump 10 can include an optical sensor 40 in communication with the controller 32. The optical sensor 40 can include an emitter and a receiver in one or more portions of the hydraulic fluid path 30 in communication with the fluid pump 10. The optical sensor 40 can be positioned in the hydraulic fluid path 30, in the fluid pump 10, in a portion of the hydraulic fluid path 30 outside of the fluid pump 10, or near the hydraulic fluid path 30 to communicate with the flow rate of the fluid 14 through the hydraulic fluid path 30. Using the optical sensor 40, the emitter and receiver can detect the transparency of the fluid 14 in the hydraulic fluid path 30. This transparency is detected by monitoring the relative change in light detection at the receiver. In other words, the emitter emits light or other wavelengths through the fluid 14. The receiver captures the wavelengths that are filtered through the fluid 14 and monitors the relative translucency of the wavelengths emitted through the fluid 14. This relative translucency is monitored over time to assess the transparency of the fluid 14. This clarity can be used to assess the effectiveness of the fluid 14, the useful life of the fluid 14, whether the fluid 14 or a fluid filter needs to be replaced, or whether other components of the hydraulic fluid path 30 need to be serviced, replaced, or otherwise maintained.

[0021] In certain aspects of the device, the optical sensor 40 may include an emitter that emits photons toward a receiver. As the photons engage the fluid 14 traveling through the hydraulic fluid path 30, the photons are reflected or refracted away from the receiver or are directed through the fluid 14 to the receiver. Based on the amount of photons received by the receiver, certain transparency data may be measured, derived, extrapolated, or otherwise assessed during operation of the optical sensor 40.

[0022] The fluid pump 10 may include a combination of sensors 36 that may be used in conjunction to assess certain status information 60 regarding the fluid pump 10 and the fluid 14 moving therethrough. A run-time sensor 62 may be used in combination with a temperature sensor 44, such as a micro temperature sensor, to determine the percentage of oil life. Changes in the temperature of the fluid 14 over time, as measured by the run-time readings of the run-time sensor 62, and at a particular run-time during an operating cycle of the fluid pump 10, may indicate particles and other debris 64 contained within the fluid 14. These changes in temperature measured by the micro temperature sensor 44 may then indicate when the fluid 14 needs to be replaced, when a fluid filter needs to be replaced, or both. The run-time sensor 62 and the micro temperature sensor 44 may be used to determine the percentage of remaining life of the fluid 14 being moved through the fluid pump 10.

[0023] 1-6, certain status information 60 may be derived through the use of multiple sensors 36. In some cases, the temperature of the fluid 14 may be assessed without the use of temperature sensor 44. In such aspects of the device, the controller 32 of the fluid pump 10 may determine, estimate, or otherwise derive the fluid temperature based on various information tables 80, which may be stored in an internal memory or in a memory 82 on the PCB 34, such as an external memory in the vehicle 160.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of the device, the information table 80 may relate to the velocity or flow rate of the fluid 14 and the current drawn by or delivered to the windings 20 of the stator 16. Such a system may be utilized where the hydraulic fluid path 30 includes a set limit 84, such as in lubrication or cooling applications. Within this set limit 84, the velocity or flow rate of the fluid 14 may be maintained constant through the limit 84. Over time, the fluid 14 becomes more contaminated with debris 64, resulting in a more viscous state of the fluid 14. As a result, the amount of current that the windings 20 draw to drive the pump element 28 and move the fluid 14 at a constant flow rate typically increases due to this increased viscosity of the fluid 14. This increase in the current drawn may result in a corresponding increase in the temperature of the fluid 14. The various information tables 80 may be derived through product testing of a particular fluid pump 10 in a particular application, or may be more generalized data tables corresponding to the flow rate or speed of the fluid 14 and the current drawn in a lubrication and / or cooling application for the fluid pump 10. Additionally, within the hydraulic fluid path 30, particular restricted areas, such as narrow sections, may be utilized to assess the speed or flow rate of the fluid 14. At these restrictions 84, various data points may be recorded and compared to the current provided to the stator 16 to operate the rotor 22 and pumping elements 28. Through such configurations, multiple data points and comparisons of the data points may be achieved to more accurately estimate the temperature of the fluid 14 being moved through the hydraulic fluid path 30.

[0025] 1-6, the controller 32 of the fluid pump 10 may include a single-shunt field oriented control algorithm 98 coupled with the motor 100, typically in the form of a single phase of a three-phase motor 100. Typically, the three-phase motor 100 includes U, V, and W phase windings with corresponding windings 20 of the stator 16. These three phases deliver current to three corresponding sets of windings 20 for the stator 16 corresponding to the three separate phases of the motor 100. The single-shunt field oriented control algorithm 98 may utilize a single-shunt sensing implementation that senses current through a dedicated circuit of the three-phase motor 100 at specific points and intervals within the cycle of the motor 100. The single-shunt field oriented control algorithm 98 may be used to estimate an estimate of the root mean square (RMS) phase current for each of the U, V, and W phase windings. Again, this is typically accomplished by measuring the current in only one of the U, V, and W phase windings of the three-phase electric motor 100. The RMS phase can be used to represent an average current or voltage in the electrical circuit. This average current or voltage can then be delivered for recording and ultimately reporting the status of the motor 100 of the fluid pump 10. The single shunt field oriented control algorithm 98 can be coupled to any one of the U, V and W phase windings of the motor 100. In each example, the current of one of the phases can be measured directly and the current of the remaining two phases can be estimated. This estimation can be derived in part through the use of additional sensors 36 that monitor the operating aspects of the motor 100 and the fluid pump 10, such as a rotational speed sensor to monitor the rotational speed of the rotor 22, a torque sensor to monitor the torque output of the rotor 22 or pump elements, a fluid flow sensor to monitor the flow rate of fluid through the hydraulic fluid path 30, combinations thereof, and other parameters. Again, the results of the monitoring are reported to the controller 32 and the vehicle 160, and ultimately during a service visit of the vehicle 160. The recorded data can be used to determine if the fluid pump 10 is operating efficiently or if there is a problem in the fluid pump 10 that requires maintenance or configuration.

[0026] 1-6, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistor 112 may be positioned near a field effect transistor (FET) 110 for the circuitry of the controller 32. The positive temperature coefficient resistor 112 monitors and reports the bridge temperature at the FET 110 due to the change in electrical resistance across the located PTC resistor 112. Thus, the PTC resistor 112 may be used to monitor the temperature at the FET 110. These temperature readings may be used to estimate the current moving through the FET 110 during operation of the motor 100 and fluid pump 10, such as the amount of current drawn by the winding 20. This information may then be used to assess the health and performance of the fluid pump 10. Reporting the monitored temperature values ​​may be uploaded for reporting during a service call or during a maintenance check of the vehicle 160.

[0027] 1-6, the fluid pump 10 may include a field oriented control algorithm 98 contained within or in communication with the controller 32 of the fluid pump 10. The field oriented control algorithm 98 monitors the status of the electromagnetic interaction between the stator 16 and the rotor 22 to assess whether the motor 100 is in a closed loop control state, an open loop control state, or a phase advance state. Each of these states has advantages that may be achieved in association with a particular operating mode of the motor 100, as will be described more fully below. Thus, the controller 32 may modify the state of the motor between a closed loop control state, an open loop control state, or a phase advance state and the PTC resistor 112 to determine if a change of state has occurred.

[0028] Typically, the closed loop control state utilizes system feedback from the motor 100. This feedback can include motor signals such as the current drawn by the windings 20 and the position of the rotor 22 relative to the stator 16. The control system then uses the feedback signals to adjust the voltage applied to the windings 20 or the amount of current drawn by the windings 20 to maintain the rotor 22 at a consistent rotational speed. Field oriented control can then be used to implement various magnitudes of torque, speed, and position control of the motor 100 of the fluid pump 10. The closed loop control state of the motor 100 also provides effective control and capability over the maximum torque and speed range of the motor 100 of the fluid pump 10. The closed loop control state can utilize real-time position and stator current feedback to fine tune the speed and current control and modify the duty cycle of the inverter coupled to the motor 100 of the fluid pump 10. This ensures that a corrective three-phase voltage supply is used to correct the motor feedback for deviations from desired values.

[0029] Open-loop control states typically do not require or utilize feedback from motor 100. Rather, open-loop control states utilize a supply voltage amplitude in proportion to its frequency. Because open-loop control states do not consider external conditions, such as the position of rotor 22, open-loop control states are typically not used to correct deviations between the desired motor speed and the actual motor speed. For this reason, open-loop and closed-loop control states frequently transition between each other over the use of motor 100. As discussed above, field-oriented control algorithms 98 are used to monitor these transitions between open-loop and closed-loop control states.

[0030] Additionally, the motor 100 can operate in a phase advance state of the motor 100. In the phase advance state, the motor 100 can typically operate at a faster speed that exceeds the maximum rated speed. While moving at a faster speed, the motor 100 also typically operates at a lower torque. Again, the field oriented control algorithm 98 is a software based system that monitors the control state of the motor 100 to determine whether a closed loop control state, an open loop control state, or a phase advance state is being utilized to control the motor 100 of the fluid pump 10. As the field oriented control algorithm 98 monitors these transitions between various states, the controller 32 communicates these transitions to the controller 32 and / or the vehicle 160 so that they can be reported upon request when they occur.

[0031] According to various aspects of the device, the controller 32 for the fluid pump 10 can include a memory 82 that can be used to determine if a particular software has been updated since the date of manufacture. In certain aspects, a single bit or a series of bits can be used as the memory 82, such as a random access memory (RAM), to determine if a particular software update has been uploaded. When a particular software update is uploaded, the bit in the RAM can shift from negative to positive or vice versa. This single bit memory can thus be used to positively or negatively ascertain if a particular software update has been provided and uploaded to the controller 32 of the fluid pump 10.

[0032] Additionally, these memory bits used to monitor the latest software updates for the fluid pump 10 may also include basic statistical information related to the manufacture of the fluid pump 10. This information may include the date of manufacture, the place of manufacture, the model number, and other similar information related to the manufacturer of the fluid pump 10 or the components of the fluid pump 10. Typically, such information is embedded in memory 82, such as in an information table 80, such as a read-only memory for the controller 32. This information is generally factual information about the fluid pump 10 that does not change over time. This factual information related to the date of manufacture may be used to monitor the aging of the fluid pump 10, the date of manufacture related to software updates, and other similar date and aging related information about the fluid pump 10.

[0033] 1-6, the sensors 36 included within the fluid pump 10 can be utilized to monitor whether an obstruction, constriction, or other restriction in the hydraulic fluid path 30 exists within the fluid pump 10 or the fluid flow system. The current sensor 42 can monitor the current delivered to the various windings 20 of the motor 100. These values ​​obtained by the current sensor 42 can be compared to various information tables 80 and tables of values ​​stored within the memory 82 of the fluid pump 10 or the memory 82 of the vehicle 160. This comparison of the current value against the tables of values ​​can be used to identify a current that is too low. If the current is too low, the pump element 28 can be described as starving for oil. Stated another way, the amount of oil moving through the pump element 28 is low such that there is little fluid restriction 84 and less current is needed to maintain the pump element 28 at the desired rotational speed. If the pump element 28 is starving and the current sensor 42 measures a current that is too low, this can indicate a restriction 84 on the inlet side 120 or suction side of the fluid pump 10. Conversely, the restriction 84 on the outlet side 122 of the fluid pump 10 may result in a buildup of fluid 14 in the pump element 28. This buildup of fluid 14 in the pump element 28 results in increased flow resistance. Thus, the windings 20 draw an increased amount of current to maintain operation of the rotor 22 and pump element 28 at a desired consistent rotational speed. Again, the current sensor 42 may monitor the current delivered to the windings 20 and compare this value to various tables stored in the memory 82 of the fluid pump 10. If the current delivered to the windings 20 for the motor 100 is too high or too low, these events may be stored in the memory 82 for later reporting.

[0034] 1-6, the controller 32 of the fluid pump 10 may include a control algorithm 98 that internally measures the input voltage delivered to the windings 20 (using a voltage sensor), the current drawn by the windings 20 of the stator 16 of the fluid pump 10 (using a current sensor), and the temperature of the fluid pump 10 and / or the portion of the fluid 14 moving through the fluid pump 10 (using a temperature sensor 44). These values ​​are compared to derive a resultant electrical resistance value. This resultant electrical resistance value is compared to values ​​in information tables 80 stored in the memory 82 of the fluid pump 10. These information tables 80 may include tables having normal resistance values ​​observed during normal operation of the fluid pump 10. If this electrical resistance value increases beyond the normal resistance values ​​contained within the tables, this may indicate a faulty wire harness, as well as other conditions. A faulty wire harness may result in under-voltage being delivered to the electrical components of the fluid pump 10, such as the windings 20 of the stator 16. This information may be communicated to the vehicle 160 for immediate or later reporting.

[0035] 1-6, the current sensor 42 described herein may be utilized to assess the status of the fluid 14 being moved by the fluid pump 10. By way of example and not limitation, if the current sensor 42 measures a current drawn below a value contained within the information table 80 stored within the fluid pump 10, this may indicate that the motor 100 is encountering less fluid resistance than expected. If less fluid resistance is experienced, this may indicate a low fluid level within the hydraulic fluid path 30, the fluid delivery system 12 as a whole, or the fluid pump 10. This information regarding the level of fluid 14 moving through the hydraulic fluid path 30 dropping below normal operating levels may be immediately communicated to the vehicle 160 so that an operator can address the problem or the vehicle 160 can be taken to a service location. This is particularly true in situations where the fluid 14 is an automatic transmission fluid within a transmission, differential, or other similar component of the vehicle 160. The derivation between the measurements taken by the current sensor 42 and the information table 80, as described herein, may also indicate other problems with the fluid pump 10.

[0036] According to various aspects of the device, the run time sensor 62 and the temperature sensor 44 can be used to monitor run time and micro temperature to determine the percentage of fluid 14 life used or the percentage of fluid 14 life remaining. Typically, over time, the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor 44 will fluctuate as impurities and other debris 64 within the fluid 14 help modify the rate at which the temperature of the fluid 14 increases to reach a threshold fluid temperature. Again, this is particularly true for the automatic transmission fluid of the vehicle 160. These variations in the rate of temperature increase or maximum temperature can be compared to the stored information table 80 to evaluate whether any deviations exist. The run time sensor 62 and the temperature sensor 44 can be used to monitor the percentage of fluid 14 life used and remaining and communicated to the vehicle 160 for observation by an operator or for later reporting.

[0037] 1-6, the fluid pump 10 may include a control algorithm 98 with the controller 32 that internally tracks a desired or commanded speed or commanded torque of the motor 100 in the fluid pump 10. The control algorithm 98 compares the commanded value to a commanded value in an on-board information table 80 that contains known operating ranges utilized in the fluid pump 10 under normal or typical operating conditions. If the commanded speed or commanded torque value, or the target torque value, deviates from the known valid operating range contained in the information table 80 for an extended or at least predetermined period of time, the controller 32 may indicate that the calibration of the vehicle 160 or the calibration of the fluid pump 10 is not mature or up to date. This information may then be communicated to the vehicle 160 for reporting. This reporting may be useful during manufacturing, assembly, use, or other time frames when calibration or recalibration of the vehicle 160 occurs.

[0038] Referring again to FIGS. 1-6, the fluid pump 10 may include a valve body having a switching valve. The fluid pump 10 also includes an on-board control algorithm 98 that may internally track fluid temperature, current delivered to the windings 20 of the stator 16, the speed of the rotor 22, and the torque of the rotor 22. The controller 32 compares these values ​​to equivalent values ​​stored in one or more on-board information tables 80 that include known valid operating ranges. These known valid operating ranges are compared to the monitored and recorded values ​​to determine whether the current drawn, the speed of the rotor 22, or the torque of the rotor 22 deviates from the equivalent values ​​in the information tables 80 by a predetermined amount, for an extended or predetermined period of time. If the deviation occurs for at least the predetermined or extended period of time, this may indicate that the switching valve is stuck, inoperable, or otherwise operable inefficiently. If recognized by the control algorithm 98, this information may be communicated to the vehicle 160 for later reporting.

[0039] 1-6, the fluid pump 10 may include an on-board control algorithm 98 that internally tracks the total amount of time spent by the motor 100 of the fluid pump 10 in a running state at a given temperature of the fluid 14. This amount of time spent by the motor 100 in a running state and the fluid temperature information are evaluated to derive a run time / temperature value. This run time / temperature value is compared to an on-board information table 80 of known acceptable run time / temperature values ​​based on usage of the fluid pump 10 over time. This comparison of the monitored run time / temperature values ​​to the acceptable run time / temperature values ​​may be utilized to gauge the life of the fluid 14 being moved by the fluid pump 10, as well as the service life and remaining life of the fluid 14 being moved by the fluid pump 10.

[0040] 1-6, the fluid pump 10 may include an on-board control algorithm 98 that actively monitors various operating conditions and internal fault conditions within the fluid pump 10. In certain conditions, these operating and internal fault conditions may combine in a specific, defined manner that indicates a non-valid operating condition or fault state of the fluid pump 10. In this condition, the on-board control algorithm 98 may notify the vehicle 160 that the fluid pump 10 is unable to self-correct and may need to be replaced. This information may be communicated to the vehicle 160 for reporting. Additionally, the fault condition of the fluid pump 10 may indicate other faults in the vehicle 160 associated with the fluid pump 10 as well as the mechanism by which the fluid pump 10 delivers the working fluid 14.

[0041] Referring again to FIGS. 1-6, the fluid pump 10 may include an on-board control algorithm 98 that samples key operating parameters of the fluid pump 10 at a rate multiple times faster than the communicated baud rate (typically bits per second). The controller 32 measures current, voltage, rotational speed of the rotor 22, fault indications, and temperature of the fluid pump 10 and the fluid 14 moving through the fluid pump 10, typically at the baud rate. The control algorithm 98 increases this sampling rate performed by the controller 32 to an increased sampling rate that may be 5 to 20 times faster or more relative to the baud rate. Typically, the on-board control algorithm 98 may sample operating parameters at a rate 10 times faster than the rate of communication of the baud rate. During repeated sampling of data, the information captured by the on-board control algorithm 98 is stored within the on-board memory 82 until a certain sample size is reached. This information is then communicated to the vehicle 160, either automatically or on demand, before the information is overwritten and the sampling process is repeated. This information can be updated every 24 hours such that each 24 hour period is a separate information block of fluid pump 10 information for that particular day. Other scales of information and times can be utilized with the on-board memory 82. Additionally, if the vehicle 160 experiences more use, more frequent uploads of information can occur.

[0042] 1-6, the fluid pump 10 can include a contamination trap 130 in or near the fluid inlet to sequester, capture, or otherwise trap larger particles and debris 64 within a pump opening that can be in the form of a recessed cavity 132. The recessed cavity 132 serves to gravitationally trap the larger debris 64 therein and prevent the larger debris 64 from entering the pump gear of the pump element 28. The larger debris 64 can cause wear on the components of the pump element 28 as well as cause leakage between the individual pump chambers of the pump element 28. Various sensors 36 can be included within the recessed cavity 132 to determine when the recessed cavity 132 is approaching capacity with these larger particles so that the fluid pump 10 can be cleaned, replaced, or otherwise maintained. Additionally, the recessed cavity 132 for trapping the larger particles of debris 64 can be used in combination with the various sensors 36 to determine the life or clarity of the fluid 14 moving through the fluid pump 10. These two components, and others described herein, used in combination can be used to determine the status of the fluid pump 10. The recessed cavity 132 can be positioned near the inlet or outlet of the fluid pump 10, or near the pump element 28 of the fluid pump 10.

[0043] 6, the pump element 28 of the fluid pump 10 may be in the form of a generated rotor 140 having an internal gear 142 positioned to rotate with the drive shaft 26 about the rotatable shaft 24 of the drive shaft 26. An eccentric gear 144 is positioned about the internal gear 142, which is positioned to rotate about an offset axis in an eccentric ring 146 of the fluid pump 10. The offset axis, in combination with the internal gear 142 rotating about the rotatable shaft 24, creates various pump chambers that create suction and pressure to move the fluid 14 through the generated rotor 140. In various aspects of the device, the generated rotor 140 may be a polymer-based pumping element. The polymer-based material 148 of the pump element 28 may be used to embed various debris 64 in the fluid 14, such as metal debris, into the polymer material of the generated rotor 140. As the teeth and gears of the production rotor 140 mesh and debris 64 moves through the production rotor 140, the debris 64 becomes embedded in the polymeric material, preventing the material from moving through the remainder of the hydraulic flow system of the fluid pump 10. Where the internal gear 142 engages the eccentric gear 144, the debris 64 may cause an operational shock event or jamming within the pump element 28. If a polymeric material 148 is used, the debris 64 may be forced into or otherwise embedded within the polymeric material 148. Over time, it may become necessary to replace the pump element 28. Upon replacement, the embedded debris 64 is also removed from the fluid pump 10. It is also contemplated that the pump element 28 may be a metal member having the polymeric material 148 surrounding the metal component as a coating. The polymeric material 148 may be used to embed the debris 64 therein to prevent the material from flowing through the hydraulic flow system of the fluid pump 10. By capturing these particles, these larger particles can be absorbed or embedded within the components of pump element 28 so that the components or gears of pump element 28 do not bind or wear prematurely.

[0044] 1-6, the fluid pump 10 may include an on-board control algorithm 98 that measures fluid temperature, such as from a vehicle bus of an electrical system 164 of a vehicle 160, as well as voltage, estimated speed, current from the integrated pump controller 32, and other similar data points. These data points are provided as inputs to generate an estimated volumetric efficiency as an output of the fluid pump 10. This efficiency is then communicated back to the vehicle 160 as an efficiency percentage during operation. The fluid temperature, voltage, estimated speed, and current are used as input information to compare with various output data points. These input and output data points are compared to generate a volumetric efficiency of the fluid pump 10 during operation. These data points may then be communicated to the controller 32 and / or the vehicle 160 for later reporting.

[0045] 1-6, the fluid pump 10 can include an on-board control algorithm 98 that captures and records various inputs in the form of fluid temperature, voltage, estimated speed, motor torque / current constant (Kt) from the vehicle bus of the vehicle's 160 electrical system 164, and current from the integrated controller 32. These data points are provided as inputs and used as an output of the fluid pump 10 to estimate the overall efficiency. This can be calculated by a variety of mathematical operations. One such operation can include, but is not limited to, the following: (Estimated outlet pressure x Estimated fluid flow rate) (Input voltage x input current)

[0046] This resulting calculation may then be communicated back to the controller 32 and / or the vehicle 160 as an efficiency percentage during operation of the fluid pump 10. This calculation is used to determine the voltage and current input to the fluid pump 10 to provide a desired operating efficiency of the fluid pump 10. These measurements are reflected via data points by the various sensors 36 in the form of temperature, voltage, estimated rotational speed of the rotor 22 and / or pumping elements 28, motor constants, and current.

[0047] 1-6, the fluid pump 10 may include an on-board control algorithm 98 that uses various sensors 36 to capture fluid temperature, voltage, estimated speed, motor torque / current constant (Kt), and current from the controller 32 of the fluid pump 10, such as from the vehicle bus of the electrical system 164 of the vehicle 160. These data points are provided as inputs to estimate the time elapsed to achieve the target fluid temperature. If the time to reach the target temperature is too low, this may indicate an undercurrent, which may be a symptom of a particular problem within the fluid pump 10. If the target temperature is achieved too quickly, this may indicate an overcurrent, which may indicate a separate problem with the fluid pump 10. Deviations of these data points from the target temperature may be communicated to the controller 32 and / or the vehicle 160 for later reporting.

[0048] 1-6, the fluid pump 10 can include an on-board control algorithm 98 that measures fluid temperature from the vehicle bus, voltage, motor torque / current constant (Kt), and current from the integrated controller 32, etc. These data points are inputs provided to estimate pressure as an output, in the form of torque of the motor 100. This allows the fluid pump 10 to receive an outlet pressure target that may be desired at any time during operation of the fluid pump 10. The fluid pump 10 can then operate to minimize errors or deviations between the estimated and commanded pressure or torque in the motor 100. Deviations between the estimated and commanded pressures can be communicated to the controller 32 and / or the vehicle 160 for later reporting. These deviations in pressure can indicate a larger problem within the fluid pump 10. Lower pressure of the fluid 14 can indicate a low level of the fluid 14 or a blockage at the inlet of the fluid pump 10, which can result in a starvation condition of the fluid pump 10. Conversely, excess pressure in the fluid pump 10 can indicate an excess of fluid 14 in the fluid pump 10 , which may be caused by a blockage on the outlet side 122 of the fluid pump 10 .

[0049] 1-6, the fluid pump 10 can include an on-board control algorithm 98 that captures fluid temperature, voltage, actual speed of the rotor 22, pump element 28 or fluid 14, such as from a vehicle bus of an electrical system 164 of a vehicle 160, and current from an integrated controller 32 for the fluid pump 10. These data points can be used as inputs and provided to generate an estimated volumetric flow rate or velocity of the fluid 14 as an output. This allows the fluid pump 10 to receive a target volumetric flow rate, or outlet flow rate target, such that a certain amount of fluid 14 needs to be moved by the fluid pump 10 from an inlet to an outlet. The fluid pump 10 can then operate to minimize errors or deviations between the estimated volumetric fluid flow rate and a desired or target volumetric fluid flow rate. Deviations between these estimated volumetric fluid flows and the target volumetric fluid flows can be communicated to the controller 32 and / or the vehicle 160 for later reporting.

[0050] Various aspects of the device described herein can be used to troubleshoot, diagnose, maintain, or otherwise monitor the status of the fluid pump 10, the fluid 14 moving therethrough, and the larger mechanical assemblies served by the fluid pump 10. It is understood that these solutions described herein can be used in combination to provide various diagnostic functions related to the fluid pump 10. In certain aspects of the device, a reading measured by one of the sensors 36 may indicate several possible conditions present within the fluid pump 10. Using a combination of the sensors 36, mechanisms, and control algorithms 98, layers of information can be analyzed and compared to rule out certain conditions that may have similar symptom presentations and diagnose a small set of possible conditions, or one possible condition, that may actually be present within the fluid pump 10.

[0051] As described herein, the various reporting functions of the sensors 36 contained within or around the fluid pump 10 may be reported to a memory 82 stored within the fluid pump 10, communicated to the vehicle 160 for later reporting, communicated to the vehicle 160 for immediate reporting such as to an operator, or recorded and delivered periodically and then overwritten after certain reporting benchmarks are achieved. The various reporting functions described herein may be accomplished through a heads-up display on the vehicle 160, various warning signals contained within the vehicle 160, various warning signals communicated during maintenance of the vehicle 160, combinations thereof, and other similar reporting timeframes. Whether an issue is reported to a user immediately, stored for later reporting, or both may depend on the severity of the condition. If a particular condition may affect a larger machine assembly, or the health of the vehicle 160, the issue will typically be communicated to a user immediately so that it can be addressed. If the problem may be related to efficiency issues or aging of the fluid pump 10, this information may be stored to be communicated and addressed during a subsequent service visit.

[0052] 1-24, describing various aspects of the device, a series of methods and subroutines are disclosed for operating a fluid pump 10 disposed within a vehicle 160 or other electromechanical assembly. The disclosed subroutines can be used to operate an on-board control algorithm 98 that is embedded within the controller 32 of the fluid pump 10. Typically, this on-board control algorithm 98 is utilized to generate a particular output that can be stored within the controller 32, transmitted to an external memory, or communicated to an external location, either automatically or on demand.

[0053] 1-8, a method 400 includes operating a fluid pump 10 in a vehicle 160, the vehicle 160 including a fluid delivery system 12, an electrical system 164, and a data and communication system 166, each in communication with the fluid pump 10. The method 400 includes operating a motor 100 using a controller 32 at step 402. As the motor 100 operates, a fluid 14 is moved through a hydraulic fluid path 30 in accordance with operation of pump elements (step 404). A number of parameters are monitored using a number of sensors 36 incorporated within or disposed in communication with the controller 32 of the fluid pump 10 (step 406). As described herein, the number of parameters are associated with at least one of the controller 32, the motor 100, the fluid 14, and the hydraulic fluid path 30 for the fluid pump 10. The on-board control algorithm 98 operates utilizing the controller 32 to determine an output associated with the operating conditions of the fluid pump 10 in cooperation with one or more of the multiple sensors 36 of the fluid pump 10 (step 408). Once the output is generated, a communication is delivered, the communication associated with the output (step 410). This output is delivered to one of an internal memory built into the controller 32, an external memory either within the vehicle 160 or external to the vehicle 160, or an external controller 32 within the vehicle 160 or external to the vehicle 160. As described herein, this output can be delivered upon a specific request by a user or a service technician operating on the vehicle 160. Additionally, the output can be delivered automatically during operation of the motor 100 and controller 32. In such aspects of the device, the output can be delivered in real time as the output is generated or after a certain number of outputs have been accumulated.

[0054] 9-24, an on-board control algorithm 98 implemented within the controller 32 executes one or more subroutines and operates utilizing various measurements and data provided by one or more of the plurality of sensors 36. This information may be combined with information obtained through the information tables 80 or information from the vehicle 160 associated with the fluid delivery system 12, the electrical system 164, and / or the data and communication system 166. Utilizing this information, the on-board control algorithm 98 analyzes and evaluates the various information to arrive at an output related to the operating conditions of the fluid pump 10. While exemplary subroutines are described and disclosed herein, it is contemplated that these subroutines of the on-board control algorithm 98 may operate simultaneously, contemporaneously, sequentially, independently, collectively, or in various other combinations and permutations. Additional aspects of the subroutines of the on-board control algorithm 98 are also contemplated that utilize various sensors 36 of the plurality of sensors 36 described herein.

[0055] 9, subroutine 500 is utilized to generate an output related to the operating conditions of fluid pump 10 in the form of rotational motion of the rotor, as measured using accelerometer 38 of the plurality of sensors 36. According to subroutine 500, the output is determined by analyzing whether an operational shock event has occurred based on the measurements of accelerometer 38 (step 502). After this analysis is completed, on-board control algorithm 98 determines whether the operational shock event is outside of internal tolerance thresholds (step 504). If outside of internal tolerance thresholds, the operational shock event is time-stamped and recorded in real-time or later as desired.

[0056] 10, a subroutine 520 of the operational control algorithm 98 generates an output related to the transparency of the fluid 14 moving through the hydraulic fluid path 30. According to the subroutine 520, the transparency is determined by operating an emitter to deliver emitted photons through the fluid 14 (step 522). The emitted photons are sensed using a receiver to determine sensed photons (step 524). The on-board control algorithm 98 then determines the relative change between the emitted photons and the sensed photons to obtain the transparency of the fluid 14 (step 526). As described herein, this output in the form of transparency can be used to determine the percentage of remaining life of the fluid 14 moving through the hydraulic fluid path 30.

[0057] 11, subroutine 540 utilizes the on-board control algorithm 98 to generate an output related to the percentage of remaining life of the fluid 14 in the hydraulic fluid paths 30. According to subroutine 540, the on-board control algorithm 98 monitors the current run time using the run time sensor 62 (step 542). The temperature of the fluid 14 is monitored using a temperature sensor (step 544). The current run time is then analyzed against the temperature of the fluid 14 to determine the percentage of remaining life of the fluid 14 in the hydraulic fluid paths 30 (step 546). As described herein, the current run time against the temperature of the fluid 14 may be analyzed against the various information tables 80 and the values ​​contained therein to arrive at the percentage of remaining life of the fluid 14.

[0058] 12, a subroutine 560 is disclosed in which the on-board control algorithm 98 generates an output related to the temperature of the fluid 14 moving through the restriction 84 in the hydraulic fluid path 30. According to the subroutine 560, the current drawn by the winding 20 is monitored using a current sensor (step 562). The speed or flow rate of the fluid 14 moving through the restriction 84 is monitored using a fluid flow sensor (step 564). The temperature of the fluid 14 based on an assessment of the flow rate of the fluid 14 through the restriction 84 is analyzed in relation to the current drawn by the winding 20 (step 566). The current drawn by the winding 20 analyzed in relation to the flow rate of the fluid 14 through the restriction 84 is indicative of the temperature of the fluid 14 in the hydraulic fluid path 30.

[0059] 13, a subroutine 580 is disclosed whose output relates to an estimate of the RMS phase current for each phase winding of the windings 20 of the stator 16. According to the subroutine 580, the current into one of the phase windings 20 is monitored using a current sensor (step 582). This current drawn by one of the phase windings 20 may be utilized to estimate the RMS phase currents of all three of the phase windings 20 to determine an estimated RMS phase current in each of the phase windings 20 (step 584).

[0060] 14, a subroutine 600 is disclosed whose output is related to the bridge temperature of the winding 20. According to the subroutine 600, a current is delivered through a PTC resistor (step 602). The change in resistance as the current traverses the PTC resistor over time is monitored (step 604). This change in resistance is indicative of the bridge temperature of the winding 20 during operation of the fluid pump 10.

[0061] 15, subroutine 620 generates outputs related to diagnostics of controller 32. According to subroutine 620, controller 32 performs an analysis of its own operation using field oriented control algorithm 98 (step 622). Based on this analysis, controller 32, being a self-monitoring controller, determines whether it is operating in one of a closed loop condition, an open loop condition, or a phase advance condition (step 624). Various modifications and changes can be made within controller 32 based on the use of field oriented control algorithm 98.

[0062] According to various aspects of the device, and as described herein, the on-board control algorithm 98 may incorporate or utilize various values ​​obtained from one or more information tables 80. Typically, these information tables 80 are indicative of normal operation of the fluid pump 10. When values ​​obtained by the on-board control algorithm 98 are above or below these normal operating values, this may indicate a problem such that an output is generated for the controller 32 to communicate to the memory 82 or an external source.

[0063] 16, a subroutine 700 is disclosed whose output relates to a condition of the hydraulic fluid path 30. According to the subroutine 700, the current drawn by the winding 20 is analyzed using the current sensor 42 to determine a current value (step 702). The current values ​​are then analyzed to determine if they are within the normal current values ​​of corresponding values ​​contained in the information table 80 (step 704). According to the subroutine 700, step 706 may include communicating that a possible inlet obstruction exists at the inlet of the hydraulic fluid path 30 when the current value is below the normal current value. Step 708 of the subroutine 700 includes communicating that a possible outlet obstruction exists at the outlet of the hydraulic fluid path 30 when the current value is above the normal current value.

[0064] 17, a subroutine 740 is utilized to generate an output related to the condition of the wire harness for the motor 100 of the fluid pump 10. According to the subroutine 740, the current drawn by the windings is analyzed to determine a current value (step 742). The voltage drawn by the windings 20 is also analyzed to determine a voltage value (step 744). The motor temperature of the motor 100 is determined (step 746). The current, voltage, and motor temperature are compared to derive a current resistance value (step 748). The current resistance value is compared to a normal resistance value contained within the set of values ​​in the information table 80 (step 750). Step 752 includes communicating that the wire harness may be defective when the current resistance value exceeds the normal resistance value by a predetermined threshold value.

[0065] 18, subroutine 760 is used to generate an output related to the level of fluid 14 in hydraulic fluid paths 30 and fluid delivery system 12 of vehicle 160. According to subroutine 760, the current drawn by winding 20 is analyzed to determine a current value (step 762). Controller 32 then determines whether the current value is within the normal current value of the set of values ​​in information table 80 (step 764). Subroutine 760 also includes step 766, which includes communicating that the level of fluid 14 in fluid delivery system 12 may be below a minimum threshold amount when the current value is outside of the normal current value.

[0066] 19, subroutine 780 is used to generate an output related to the calibration status of fluid pump 10. According to subroutine 780, one of the rotor rotational speed and the rotor torque output is analyzed to determine a rotor output value (step 782). Controller 32 then determines whether the rotor output value deviates outside of normal rotor operating values ​​of the set of values ​​in information table 80 (step 784). Controller 32 then determines whether such a deviation occurred for a preset period of time (step 786). Controller 32 then communicates that the calibration status is out of date when the rotor output value deviates outside of normal rotor operating values ​​for a preset period of time (step 788).

[0067] 20, subroutine 820 generates an output related to an estimated volumetric efficiency of pump element 28 of fluid pump 10. According to subroutine 820, controller 32 obtains a fluid temperature of fluid 14 in fluid delivery system 12 via a vehicle bus of electrical system 164 for vehicle 160 (step 822). Controller 32 then obtains a current voltage used in winding 20 of motor 100 via a voltage sensor of multiple sensors 36 (step 824). Controller 32 also obtains an estimated current rotational speed of the rotor via a rotational sensor of multiple sensors 36 (step 826). Controller 32 also obtains a current drawn by winding 20 using a current sensor of multiple sensors 36 (step 828). Controller 32 combines the fluid temperature, the current voltage, the estimated current rotational speed, and the current as inputs utilized by on-board control algorithm 98 (step 830). The on-board control algorithm 98 analyzes the inputs to determine an estimated volumetric efficiency of the pump element 28 for the fluid pump 10 (step 832).

[0068] 21, subroutine 840 generates an output related to an estimated overall efficiency of pump element 28. According to subroutine 840, controller 32 obtains a fluid temperature of fluid 14 in fluid delivery system 12 via a vehicle bus of electrical system 164 for vehicle 160 (step 842). Controller 32 also obtains a current voltage via a voltage sensor of multiple sensors 36 (step 844). Controller 32 obtains an estimated current rotational speed of the rotor via a rotational sensor of multiple sensors 36 (step 846). Controller 32 also obtains a current drawn by winding 20 using a current sensor of multiple sensors 36 (step 848). Controller 32 then obtains a motor torque / current constant (Kt) via the rotational and current sensors (step 850). According to step 852 of subroutine 840, controller 32 forms on-board control algorithm 98 and uses the fluid temperature, current voltage, estimated current rotational speed, current, and motor torque / current constant as inputs evaluated by the algorithm. The controller 32 then analyzes these inputs to determine an estimated overall efficiency of the pump elements (step 854).

[0069] 22, subroutine 860 generates outputs related to an estimated time to achieve a target fluid temperature of fluid 14 and fluid delivery system 12. According to subroutine 860, controller 32 obtains a fluid temperature of fluid 14 in fluid delivery system 12 via a vehicle bus of electrical system 164 for vehicle 160 (step 862). Controller 32 also obtains a current voltage via a voltage sensor (step 864). An estimated current rotational speed of the rotor is also obtained (step 866). A current drawn by winding 20 is obtained using a current sensor of multiple sensors 36 (step 868). A motor torque / current constant (Kt) is obtained via a rotational sensor and a current sensor (step 870). On-board control algorithm 98 utilizes these obtained values ​​as inputs (step 872). Controller 32 then analyzes these inputs to determine an estimated time to achieve a target fluid temperature of fluid 14 in fluid delivery system 12 (step 874).

[0070] 23, a subroutine 890 is utilized to obtain an output related to the estimated torque output of the pump element 28. According to the subroutine 890, the controller 32 obtains the fluid temperature of the fluid 14 in the fluid delivery system 12 via the vehicle bus of the electrical system 164 for the vehicle 160 (step 892). The controller 32 also obtains the current voltage of the motor 100 (step 894), obtains the torque output of the rotor (step 896), obtains the current drawn by the winding 20 (step 898), and obtains the motor torque / current constant (Kt) (step 900). The controller 32 then executes the on-board control algorithm 98, which uses these measurements as inputs (step 902). These inputs are analyzed to determine an estimated torque output of the pump element 28 (step 904). The controller 32 also obtains an output torque target (step 906). This output torque target may be obtained from a data table, or from an external controller 32 of the vehicle 160, or from some other source. Motor 100 is then operated to minimize the deviation between the estimated torque output and the output torque target (step 908).

[0071] 24, subroutine 920 generates an output related to the estimated flow output of pump element 28. According to subroutine 920, controller 32 obtains the fluid temperature of fluid 14 in fluid delivery system 12 (step 922), obtains the current voltage via a voltage sensor (step 924), obtains the actual rotational speed of the rotor via a speed sensor (step 926), and obtains the current drawn by winding 20 using a current sensor (step 928). Controller 32 then executes on-board control algorithm 98 that utilizes these measured parameters as inputs (step 930). These inputs are analyzed to determine an estimated flow output of pump element 28 (step 932). An output flow target is obtained either from a data table, from vehicle 160, or from an external source (step 934). Motor 100 then operates to minimize the deviation between the estimated flow output and the output flow target (step 936).

[0072] The various data points and benchmarks described herein may be utilized to maintain operation of the vehicle 160 during its useful life. This data may also be used as troubleshooting information for future fluid pump 10 designs that may mitigate certain issues that may be experienced within a certain percentage of the fluid pumps 10. The various information may be uploaded to the manufacturer at a central location for future production of the fluid pumps 10. This information may be communicated directly within the vehicle 160 or delivered to the manufacturer from various service stations, manufacturers, and other vehicle related businesses via a remote connection.

[0073] The fluid pumps 10 described herein may be, but are not limited to, any of the following fluid pumps 10 having a single pump element 28, dual pump / single motor fluid pumps, rotary fluid pumps, piston type fluid pumps, and other similar fluid pumps used to provide cooling / lubrication to various components of a vehicle 160.

[0074] It should also be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the structure described above without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless those claims expressly state otherwise by their language.

Claims

1. 1. A fluid pump comprising: An outer housing; a motor disposed within the outer housing, the motor including a stator and a rotor in electromagnetic communication with the stator, the stator having windings disposed thereon for receiving electrical current to define the electromagnetic communication; a pump element attached to the rotor via a drive shaft, the pump element operative with the rotor to deliver fluid through a hydraulic fluid path; a plurality of sensors that measure information related to at least one of the stator, the windings, the rotor, the pump element, the fluid, and the hydraulic fluid path; a controller in communication with the windings to deliver the current to the windings, the controller also in communication with the plurality of sensors to measure and record the information and communicate the information to one of an external memory and an external controller.

2. The plurality of sensors includes an accelerometer in communication with at least one of the rotor, the drive shaft, and the pump element, the controller and the accelerometer cooperating to monitor the pump element for operational shock events, the controller and the accelerometer: comparing the operational shock event to an internal tolerance threshold; 2. The fluid pump of claim 1, configured to: time stamp the operational shock event when the operational shock event exceeds the internal tolerance threshold; and communicate the operational shock event to an internal memory as a mechanical shock risk event.

3. The fluid pump of claim 2 , wherein the controller isolates and compares the operational shock event to the internal tolerance threshold to derive the mechanical shock risk event.

4. The fluid pump of claim 2 , wherein the controller collectively compares the operational shock event and previously recorded shock events to the internal tolerance threshold to trigger the mechanical shock risk event.

5. The fluid pump of claim 1 , wherein the operational shock event is indicative of debris within the fluid that at least partially interrupts operation of the pump element.

6. 2. The fluid pump of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors includes an optical sensor positioned relative to the hydraulic fluid paths to monitor the fluid and detect a clarity of the fluid flowing through the hydraulic fluid paths.

7. The fluid pump of claim 6 , wherein the optical sensor detects the transparency of the fluid by monitoring a relative change in light detection through the fluid.

8. 7. The fluid pump of claim 6, wherein the optical sensor includes an emitter and a receiver, and photons generated at the emitter are detected by the receiver after passing through the fluid flowing in the hydraulic fluid path.

9. The fluid pump of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors includes a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the fluid traveling through the hydraulic fluid path.

10. 10. The fluid pump of claim 9, wherein the temperature of the fluid measured by the temperature sensor is compared to run-time readings produced by a run-time sensor, and the controller analyzes the temperature of the fluid against the run-time readings to determine a percentage of remaining life of the fluid.

11. 10. The fluid pump of claim 9, wherein the plurality of sensors includes a current sensor in communication with the windings, and the temperature of the fluid at restriction as measured by the current sensor is compared to the current delivered to the windings, and the temperature and the current are compared to each other to derive a percentage of remaining oil life.

12. 2. The fluid pump of claim 1, wherein the winding includes three separate windings, and the plurality of sensors includes a current sensor each in communication with at least one of the three separate windings.

13. 13. The fluid pump of claim 12, wherein the three separate windings include a U-phase winding, a V-phase winding, and a W-phase winding, and the current sensor cooperates with the controller to operate a single-shunt field oriented control algorithm in communication with a U-phase winding that includes an estimate of RMS phase current for each of the U-phase winding, the V-phase winding, and the W-phase winding.

14. 13. The fluid pump of claim 12, wherein the three separate windings include a U-phase winding, a V-phase winding, and a W-phase winding, and the current sensor cooperates with the controller to operate a single-shunt field oriented control algorithm in communication with a V-phase winding that includes an estimate of RMS phase current for each of the U-phase winding, the V-phase winding, and the W-phase winding.

15. 13. The fluid pump of claim 12, wherein the three separate windings include a U-phase winding, a V-phase winding, and a W-phase winding, and the current sensor cooperates with the controller to operate a single-shunt field oriented control algorithm in communication with a W-phase winding that includes an estimate of RMS phase current for each of the U-phase winding, the V-phase winding, and the W-phase winding.

16. The fluid pump of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors comprises positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistors.

17. 17. The fluid pump of claim 16, wherein the PTC resistor is located in close proximity to a field effect transistor (FET) of the motor to determine a bridge temperature of the PTC resistor by monitoring a resistance change across the PTC resistor.

18. 10. The fluid pump of claim 1, wherein the controller operates a field oriented control algorithm that monitors operation of itself and the motor to determine when the motor is in closed loop control.

19. 10. The fluid pump of claim 1, wherein the controller operates a field oriented control algorithm that monitors operation of itself and the motor to determine when the motor is in open loop control.

20. 10. The fluid pump of claim 1, wherein the controller operates a field oriented control algorithm that monitors operation of itself and the motor to determine when the motor is in a phase advance state.

21. 2. The fluid pump of claim 1, wherein the controller includes an internal memory including a read-only memory containing a manufacture date of the controller and the motor.

22. 22. The fluid pump of claim 21, wherein the read-only memory includes a random access memory that records whether the controller software has been updated since the date of manufacture of the controller.

23. 23. The fluid pump of claim 22, wherein the random access memory is a single-bit memory.

24. 2. The fluid pump of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors includes a current sensor coupled to the winding for monitoring a current drawn by the winding, and the controller compares the current to a value in an information table indicative of normal operation of the motor.

25. 25. The fluid pump of claim 24, wherein the controller communicates a signal indicative of a restriction in an inlet side of the hydraulic fluid path when the current falls below the value in the information table.

26. 25. The fluid pump of claim 24, wherein the controller communicates a signal indicative of a restriction in an outlet side of the hydraulic fluid path when the current exceeds the value in the information table.

27. 25. The fluid pump of claim 24, wherein the plurality of sensors also includes a voltage sensor and a temperature sensor, and wherein the controller operates an on-board control algorithm that monitors an input voltage measured by the voltage sensor, the current, and a temperature of one of the motor and the fluid to derive an electrical resistance value, and wherein the controller compares the electrical resistance value to the values ​​in the information table to determine whether an increase in the electrical resistance value is indicative of a defective wire harness associated with the winding.

28. 25. The fluid pump of claim 24, wherein the controller monitors the current to determine if the current is below the value in the information table and communicates a signal indicating that the level of the fluid traveling through the hydraulic fluid path is below a normal operating level.

29. The fluid pump of claim 1 , wherein the fluid is one of a coolant and a lubricant.

30. 2. The fluid pump of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors includes a rotational speed sensor and a torque sensor in communication with the motor, and wherein the controller executes an on-board control algorithm to monitor at least one of a commanded speed of the rotor and a torque output of the rotor, the commanded speed and the torque output being compared to values ​​in an information table indicative of normal operation of the motor.

31. 31. The fluid pump of claim 30, wherein the controller communicates a signal indicating a need to calibrate the motor when at least one of the commanded speed and the torque output deviates outside the values ​​in the information table.

32. 2. The fluid pump of claim 1, wherein the hydraulic fluid path includes a switching valve, and the plurality of sensors includes a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the fluid, a current sensor for measuring a current drawn by the windings, and a speed sensor for measuring a rotational speed of the rotor, and the controller compares the temperature of the fluid, the current, and the rotational speed of the rotor to values ​​in an information table indicative of normal operation of the motor.

33. 32. The fluid pump of claim 31, wherein when the temperature of the fluid, the current, and the rotational speed of the rotor deviate from the values ​​in the information table by a predetermined amount for a predetermined period of time, the controller communicates a signal indicating that a switching valve is inoperable.

34. 2. The fluid pump of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors includes a run time sensor that measures the length of time the motor is operating and a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the fluid traveling through the hydraulic fluid path, and wherein the controller, when operating an on-board control algorithm, monitors the length of time the motor is operating at a particular temperature to derive a monitored run time / temperature value and compares the monitored run time / temperature value to an information table of acceptable run time / temperature values ​​to determine the percentage of remaining life of the fluid.

35. A fluid pump as described in any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the controller operates an on-board control algorithm that monitors the operating conditions of the motor and the hydraulic fluid paths and also monitors for internal fault conditions of the controller, and if the internal fault condition cannot be corrected, the controller communicates a signal indicating that the fluid pump requires replacement.

36. 2. The fluid pump of claim 1, wherein the controller operates an on-board control algorithm that cooperates with the plurality of sensors to selectively sample operating parameters at a rate ten times faster than baud rate communication and deliver the operating parameters to an on-board memory.

37. 37. The fluid pump of claim 36, wherein when the operating parameters are communicated to the external memory, the on-board memory is subsequently overwritten with the recorded operating parameters.

38. 37. The fluid pump of claim 36, wherein the operating parameters include current, voltage, rotational speed of the rotor, temperature of the fluid, temperature of the motor, and fault occurrence.

39. 2. The fluid pump of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a recessed cavity that gravitationally traps large debris and prevents the ingress of large debris from entering the pump element.

40. 10. The fluid pump of claim 1, wherein the pump element is a polymer-based pump element, and metal debris within the fluid is at least partially embedded and trapped within a polymer material of the polymer-based pump element.

41. A vehicle, A fluid delivery system; an electrical system including a data system, the fluid system and the electrical system each in communication with a fluid pump, the fluid pump comprising: An outer housing; a motor disposed within the outer housing, the motor including a stator and a rotor in electromagnetic communication with the stator, the stator having windings disposed thereon that receive current from the electrical system to define electromagnetic communication; a pump element attached to the rotor via a drive shaft, the pump element operating with the rotor to deliver fluid from the fluid delivery system through a hydraulic fluid path of the fluid pump; a plurality of sensors that measure information related to at least one of the stator, the windings, the rotor, the pump element, the fluid, and the hydraulic fluid path; a controller in communication with the windings to deliver the current to the windings, the controller also in communication with the plurality of sensors to measure and record the information and communicate the information to one of an external memory of the electrical system and an external controller of the electrical system.

42. 42. The vehicle of claim 41, wherein the fluid pump is configured to operate an on-board control algorithm that obtains a fluid temperature of the fluid in the fluid delivery system via a vehicle bus of the electrical system, and wherein the controller cooperates with the plurality of sensors to determine a voltage utilized by the windings, a rotational speed of the rotor, and a current drawn by the windings, and wherein the controller utilizes the fluid temperature, the voltage, the rotational speed, and the current to provide an estimated volumetric efficiency of the fluid pump that is communicated to the data system.

43. 43. The vehicle of claim 42, wherein the estimated volumetric efficiency is communicated as an efficiency percentage during operation of the fluid pump.

44. 42. The vehicle of claim 41, wherein the fluid pump is configured to operate an on-board control algorithm that obtains a fluid temperature of the fluid in the fluid delivery system via a vehicle bus, and the controller cooperates with the plurality of sensors to determine a voltage utilized by the windings, an estimated rotational speed of the rotor, a motor torque / current constant (Kt), and a current drawn by the windings, and the controller utilizes the fluid temperature, the voltage, the rotational speed, the motor torque / current constant, and the current to provide an estimated time required to achieve a target fluid temperature of the fluid in the fluid delivery system, and the estimated time is communicated to the data system.

45. 42. The vehicle of claim 41, wherein the controller operates an on-board control algorithm that obtains a fluid temperature of the fluid in the fluid delivery system via a vehicle bus of the electrical system, the controller cooperates with the plurality of sensors to determine a voltage utilized by the windings, an estimated rotational speed of the rotor, a motor torque / current constant (Kt), and a current drawn by the windings, and the controller utilizes the fluid temperature, the voltage, the rotational speed, the motor torque / current constant, and the current to provide an estimated overall efficiency as an output in the form of (estimated outlet pressure x estimated flow) / (input voltage x input current).

46. 46. ​​The vehicle of claim 45, wherein the estimated overall efficiency is communicated to the data system as an efficiency percentage during operation of the fluid pump.

47. 42. The vehicle of claim 41, wherein the controller operates an on-board control algorithm that obtains a fluid temperature of the fluid in the fluid delivery system via a vehicle bus of the electrical system, the controller cooperates with the plurality of sensors to determine a voltage utilized by the windings, a motor torque / current constant (Kt), and a current drawn by the windings, and the controller utilizes the fluid temperature, the voltage, the motor torque / current constant, and the current to provide an estimated overall efficiency as an output in the form of an estimated torque output.

48. 48. The vehicle of claim 47, wherein the controller operates to use a target torque value and to minimize deviation between the estimated torque and the target torque value.

49. 49. The vehicle of claim 48, wherein deviations between the estimated torque and the target torque value that exceed a threshold deviation are communicated to the data system during operation of the fluid pump.

50. 49. The vehicle of claim 48, wherein deviations between the estimated volumetric flow rate and the target volumetric flow rate that exceed a threshold deviation are communicated to the data system during operation of the fluid pump.

51. 51. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 50, wherein the controller operates an on-board control algorithm that obtains a fluid temperature of the fluid in the fluid delivery system via a vehicle bus of the electrical system, the controller cooperates with the plurality of sensors to determine a voltage utilised by the windings, a rotational speed of the rotor and a current drawn by the windings, and the controller utilises the fluid temperature, the voltage, the rotational speed and the current to provide as an output an estimated volumetric flow rate of the fluid.

52. 52. The vehicle of claim 51, wherein the controller uses a target volumetric flow rate and operates the motor to minimize deviation between the estimated volumetric flow rate and the target volumetric flow rate.

53. 1. A fluid pump comprising: a stator disposed within the outer housing, the windings being disposed on the stator; a rotor positioned relative to the stator; a pump element attached to the rotor via a drive shaft, the pump element operative with the rotor to deliver fluid through a hydraulic fluid path; a plurality of sensors that measure information related to at least one of the stator, the windings, the rotor, the pump element, the fluid, and the hydraulic fluid path; a controller in communication with the windings to deliver current to the windings, the controller also in communication with the plurality of sensors to measure and record the information and communicate this information for reporting.

54. 1. A method for operating a fluid pump in a vehicle having a fluid delivery system, an electrical system, and a data system each in communication with the fluid pump, comprising: operating a motor using a controller, the motor having a rotor in electromagnetic communication with a stator having windings disposed thereon, the rotor rotatably operating a pump element; moving fluid through a hydraulic fluid path using the pump element; monitoring a plurality of parameters using a plurality of sensors in communication with the controller, the plurality of parameters relating to at least one of the controller, the motor, the fluid, and the hydraulic fluid path; operating an on-board control algorithm using the controller and the plurality of sensors to determine an output related to an operating condition of the fluid pump; delivering a communication associated with the output to one of an internal memory, an external memory, and an external controller.

55. the output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump is a rotational motion of the rotor measured using an accelerometer of the plurality of sensors, the output comprising: analyzing whether an operational shock event has occurred based on the accelerometer measurements; and 55. The method of claim 54, wherein the operational shock event is determined by determining whether it is outside an internal tolerance threshold.

56. the output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump is a transparency of the fluid moving through the hydraulic fluid path using an optical sensor of the plurality of sensors, the output comprising: activating an emitter to deliver radiated photons through the fluid; sensing the emitted photons using a receiver to determine sensed photons; and 55. The method of claim 54, wherein the transparency of the fluid is determined by determining a relative change between the emitted photons and the sensed photons to obtain the transparency.

57. the output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump is a percentage of remaining life of the fluid in the hydraulic fluid path as determined by a runtime sensor and a temperature sensor of the plurality of sensors, the output being: monitoring a current execution time using said execution time sensor; monitoring the temperature of the fluid using the temperature sensor; 55. The method of claim 54, wherein the remaining life percentage of the fluid in the hydraulic fluid path is determined by analyzing a current run time against the temperature of the fluid.

58. the output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump is a temperature of the fluid moving through a restriction in the hydraulic fluid path using a current sensor and a fluid flow sensor of the plurality of sensors, the output being: monitoring the current drawn by the winding using the current sensor; monitoring the flow rate of the fluid through the restriction using the fluid flow sensor; 55. The method of claim 54, wherein the temperature of the fluid is determined by analyzing the temperature of the fluid based on an evaluation of the flow rate of the fluid through the restriction associated with the current drawn by the winding.

59. the output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump is an estimate of RMS phase current in each phase winding of the stator winding using a current sensor and a single shunt field oriented control algorithm phase, the output comprising: monitoring a current to one of the phase windings using the current sensor; and 55. The method of claim 54, wherein the RMS phase current is determined by estimating the RMS phase current in each of the phase windings.

60. The output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump is a bridge temperature of the winding, the output being: Delivering a current through a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistor; and 55. The method of claim 54, wherein the current is determined by monitoring the change in resistance as the current traverses the PTC resistor.

61. The output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump is a diagnostic of the controller, the controller comprising: Uses field-oriented control algorithms to perform unique behavior analysis, 55. The method of claim 54, wherein based on the analysis, the controller determines whether the controller is operating in one of a closed loop condition, an open loop condition, and a phase advance condition.

62. 55. The method of claim 54, wherein the on-board control algorithm includes a set of information table values ​​indicative of normal operation of the fluid pump.

63. the output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump is a condition of the hydraulic fluid path using a current drawn by the winding monitored by a current sensor of the plurality of sensors, the output being: analyzing the current drawn by the windings to determine a current value; determining whether the current value is within a normal current value of the set of values ​​of the information table; communicating a possible inlet obstruction at the inlet of the hydraulic fluid path when the current value is below the normal current value; and 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the presence of a possible outlet obstruction at an outlet of the hydraulic fluid path is determined by communicating when the current value is above the normal current value.

64. the output being related to the operating condition of a wiring harness coupled to the winding of the motor using a current drawn by the winding, a voltage used by the winding, and a temperature of the motor, which are monitored by a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and a temperature sensor, respectively, of the plurality of sensors; and the output being: determining the current drawn by the winding to determine a current value; determining the voltage used by the winding to determine a voltage value; determining a motor temperature of the motor; comparing the current, the voltage and the motor temperature to derive a current resistance value; comparing said current resistance value with a normal resistance value of said set of values ​​in said information table; and 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the wire harness is determined to be possibly defective by communicating when the current resistance value exceeds the normal resistance value by a predetermined threshold value.

65. the output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump is a level of the fluid in the hydraulic fluid path monitored by a current sensor of the plurality of sensors, the output comprising: analyzing the current drawn by the windings to determine a current value; determining whether the current value is within a normal current value of the set of values ​​in the information table; and 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the determination is made by communicating that a fluid level of the fluid may be below a minimum threshold amount.

66. a calibration status of the fluid pump, the output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump being monitored by one of a rotational speed sensor and a torque sensor of the plurality of sensors, the output comprising: analyzing one of a rotational speed of the rotor and a torque output of the rotor to determine a rotor output value; determining whether said rotor output value deviates outside of normal rotor operating values ​​of said set of values ​​of said information table; Determining whether such deviations have occurred within a preset period of time; and 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the calibration status is determined to be out of date by communicating when the rotor output values ​​deviate outside the normal rotor operating values ​​for the preset period of time.

67. a calibration status of the fluid pump, the output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump being monitored by one of a rotational speed sensor and a torque sensor of the plurality of sensors, the output comprising: analyzing one of a rotational speed of the rotor and a torque output of the rotor to determine a rotor output value; determining whether said rotor output value deviates outside of normal rotor operating values ​​of said set of values ​​of said information table; Determining whether such deviations have occurred within a preset period of time; and 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the calibration status is determined to be out of date by communicating when the rotor output values ​​deviate outside the normal rotor operating values ​​for the preset period of time.

68. The output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump is an estimated volumetric efficiency of the pump element, and the controller obtaining a fluid temperature of the fluid in the fluid delivery system via a vehicle bus of the electrical system; acquiring a current voltage via a voltage sensor among the plurality of sensors; obtaining a current estimated speed of the rotor via a rotation sensor of the plurality of sensors; using a current sensor of the plurality of sensors to obtain a current drawn by the winding; Executing an on-board control algorithm that uses the fluid temperature, the current voltage, the current estimated speed, and the current as inputs; 55. The method of claim 54, further comprising analyzing the inputs to determine the estimated volumetric efficiency of the pump element.

69. The output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump is an estimated overall efficiency of the pump elements, and the controller obtaining a fluid temperature of the fluid in the fluid delivery system via a vehicle bus of the electrical system; acquiring a current voltage via a voltage sensor among the plurality of sensors; obtaining a current estimated speed of the rotor via a rotation sensor of the plurality of sensors; using a current sensor of the plurality of sensors to obtain a current drawn by the winding; A motor torque / current constant (Kt) is obtained via the rotation sensor and the current sensor; Executing an on-board control algorithm that uses as inputs the fluid temperature, the current voltage, the current estimated speed, the current, and the motor torque / current constant (Kt); 55. The method of claim 54, further comprising analyzing the input to determine an estimated overall efficiency of the pump element.

70. the output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump is an estimated time to achieve a target fluid temperature of the fluid in the fluid delivery system, and the controller obtaining a fluid temperature of the fluid in the fluid delivery system via a vehicle bus of the electrical system; acquiring a current voltage via a voltage sensor among the plurality of sensors; obtaining a current estimated speed of the rotor via a rotation sensor of the plurality of sensors; using a current sensor of the plurality of sensors to obtain a current drawn by the winding; A motor torque / current constant (Kt) is obtained via the rotation sensor and the current sensor; Executing an on-board control algorithm that uses as inputs the fluid temperature, the current voltage, the current estimated speed, the current, and the motor torque / current constant (Kt); 55. The method of claim 54, further comprising analyzing the input to determine an estimated time for achieving the target fluid temperature of the fluid in the fluid delivery system.

71. The output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump is an estimated torque output of the pump element, and the controller obtaining a fluid temperature of the fluid in the fluid delivery system via a vehicle bus of the electrical system; acquiring a current voltage via a voltage sensor among the plurality of sensors; acquiring a torque output of the rotor via a torque sensor among the plurality of sensors; using a current sensor of the plurality of sensors to obtain a current drawn by the winding; A motor torque / current constant (Kt) is obtained via the rotation sensor and the current sensor; Executing an on-board control algorithm that uses the fluid temperature, the current voltage, the current estimated speed, the current, and the motor torque / current constant (Kt) as inputs; analyzing the input to determine the estimated torque output of the pump element; Obtain the output torque target, 55. The method of claim 54, further comprising operating the motor to minimize deviation between the estimated torque output and the output torque target.

72. The output related to the operating condition of the fluid pump is an estimated flow output of the pump element, and the controller further comprises: obtaining a fluid temperature of the fluid in the fluid delivery system via a vehicle bus of the electrical system; acquiring a current voltage via a voltage sensor among the plurality of sensors; acquiring an actual rotational speed of the rotor via a speed sensor among the plurality of sensors; using a current sensor of the plurality of sensors to obtain a current drawn by the winding; Executing an on-board control algorithm that uses the fluid temperature, the current voltage, the actual rotational speed, and the current as inputs; analyzing the input to determine the estimated flow output of the flow element; Obtain the output flow target, 55. The method of claim 54, further comprising operating the motor to minimize deviation between the estimated flow output and the output flow target.

73. 73. A method according to any one of claims 54 to 72, wherein the output is delivered automatically during operation of the motor and the controller and in response to specific request by a user.

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