Oil pan system for stable oil supply

Abstract

The present invention is an oil pan system including a housing, an oil pump capable of pumping oil, an inlet connected to the oil pump via a first piping system, a second piping system for circulating oil pumped by the oil pump back to the housing for use in lubricating internal components contained by the housing, an oil pan attachment including a mesh screen, and an oil pan cover, the mesh screen being preferably positioned above the inlet such that when the oil level is caused to drop onto a first portion of the mesh screen located near the inlet when the oil pan system is subjected to a first temporary G load, surface tension forces on the oil within the mesh screen maintain the oil level above the first portion at the mesh screen.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to oil pan (also referred to as "oil sump" or "oil reservoir") systems, and more particularly to oil pan systems for electric vehicles, especially racing cars, sports cars and other vehicles subjected to high transient G load conditions.

[0002] [Citation to Related Applications] This application is a claim of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 346,060, filed May 26, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0003] A vehicle under high transient G-loads due to acceleration or high speed turns may experience cavitation or air injection into the oil pan pump inlet, which may cause problems with oil distribution throughout the engine. For example, FIG. 1 shows a typical prior art system under forward acceleration where the G-loads caused by forward acceleration may be sufficient to cause the oil level near the inlet in the drive unit housing to drop below the upper lip of the oil pump inlet, which may cause air ingestion or oil aeration. For example, FIG. 1 shows an oil pan pump system including a drive unit housing where an oil pump inlet 11 has piping 12 leading to a pump 13 which circulates oil through a return piping 14 which is re-pumped to the motor via the return piping until the oil is collected and circulated back to the inlet 11. Under normal operation, the system may have a normal oil level at 17. However, when the system is subjected to temporary G loads, for example due to rapid acceleration or hard cornering, the oil level may be pulled into the triangular shape 17', causing the oil level to drop below the upper lip of the inlet, which may cause air to be sucked into the oil pump and may result in cavitation, oil aeration and other such problems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The disclosed concepts attempt to address this problem by utilizing the surface tension properties of the oil interacting with the mesh screen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The following provides a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various embodiments disclosed herein. The summary is not an extensive overview of every detail of every embodiment. It is not intended to identify key or essential elements of every embodiment, nor is it intended to delineate the scope of every disclosed embodiment. Its sole purpose is to provide some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided later.

[0006] In one embodiment, an oil pan system can include a housing, an oil pump capable of pumping oil, an inlet connected to the oil pump via a first piping system, a second piping system for circulating oil pumped by the oil pump back to the housing for use in lubricating internal components housed by the housing, an oil pan attachment including a mesh screen, and an oil pan cover, the mesh screen can be positioned above the inlet.

[0007] In one embodiment, an oil pan attachment for an oil pan system can include a body and a mesh screen. The oil pan attachment can be positionable within a housing of the oil pan system such that the mesh screen is disposed above an inlet of the oil pan system.

[0008] In one embodiment, a vehicle can have an oil pan system including a housing, an oil pump capable of pumping oil, an inlet connected to the oil pump via a first piping system, a second piping system for circulating oil pumped by the oil pump back to the housing for use in lubricating internal components contained by the housing, an oil pan attachment with a mesh screen, and an oil pan cover, the mesh screen can be positioned above the inlet.

[0009] In one embodiment, a method of maintaining oil supply to an oil pan attachment can include providing a vehicle with an oil pan system including a housing, an oil pump capable of pumping oil, an inlet connected to the oil pump via a first piping system, a second piping system for circulating oil pumped by the oil pump back to the housing for use in lubricating internal components contained by the housing, an oil pan attachment including a mesh screen, and an oil pan cover. The method can further include positioning the mesh screen over the inlet.

[0010] The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain exemplary aspects of the invention. These aspects are, however, illustrative of but a few of the various ways in which the disclosed principles can be employed. Other advantages and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a prior art oil pan system. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an oil pan system in accordance with the disclosed concepts. [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic diagram of the oil pan system of FIG. 2 under transient G loads. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of an oil topography in accordance with the disclosed concepts. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a wire mesh in accordance with the disclosed concepts. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top view photograph of a metal wire mesh and oil in accordance with the disclosed concepts. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 illustrates a topography map overlay on a photograph of a 100 micron metal wire mesh and oil in accordance with the disclosed concepts. [Figure 8]FIG. 13 illustrates a topography map overlay on a photograph of a 100 micron nylon wire mesh and oil in accordance with the disclosed concepts. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a graph showing fixed angle test results using various wire meshes in accordance with the disclosed concepts. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a graph showing sway test results using various wire meshes in accordance with the disclosed concepts. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows angle parameters for the sway test of FIG. 10 . [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of an oil pan system in accordance with the disclosed concepts; [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an oil pan system in accordance with the disclosed concepts. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a photograph of an alternative embodiment of an oil pan attachment including a mesh frame and mesh screen in accordance with the disclosed concepts. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an oil pan mesh frame in accordance with the disclosed concepts. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an oil pan mesh frame in accordance with the disclosed concepts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The following detailed description and the accompanying drawings describe and illustrate several embodiments for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the present invention. Therefore, the detailed description and illustration of these embodiments are purely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention or its protection scope in any way. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some cases may omit details that are not necessary for understanding the present invention, such as details of manufacture and assembly. With respect to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same components.

[0013] In one embodiment, the oil pan system can include a housing, an oil pump capable of pumping oil, an inlet connected to the oil pump via a first piping system, a second piping system for circulating oil pumped by the oil pump back to the housing for use in lubricating internal components housed by the housing, an oil pan attachment with a mesh screen, and an oil pan cover, the mesh screen can be positioned above the inlet.

[0014] In some embodiments, the oil pan system can further include oil with an oil level located above the mesh screen when the oil pan system is at rest, the oil level descending onto a portion of the mesh screen when the oil pan system is subjected to a temporary G load, the oil level descending onto a first portion of the mesh screen located near the inlet when the oil pan system is subjected to a first temporary G load, and surface tension forces on the oil within the mesh screen maintain the oil level at the mesh screen and on the first portion of the mesh screen.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the oil pan system may further include oil with an oil level located above the mesh screen when the oil pan system is at rest, such that as the oil is drawn into the inlet, air bubbles in the oil may collect and float to the surface of the oil level, accumulating at nucleation sites on the top surface of the mesh screen, thereby minimizing the amount of air bubbles entering the inlet and passing through the pump.

[0016] In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be made of metal. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be made of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be made of nylon. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings ranging from about 50 microns to about 600 microns. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings of about 73 microns. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings of about 125 microns. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings of about 590 microns.

[0017] In some embodiments, the oil pan attachment can further include a frame on which the mesh screen rests. The frame can provide structural support for the mesh screen. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be sealed to the frame. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be sealed to the oil pan attachment. In some embodiments, a sealant can be applied to the oil pan attachment. In some embodiments, the sealant can seal the oil pan attachment to the housing. In some embodiments, the sealant can seal the oil pan attachment to the oil pan cover.

[0018] In certain embodiments, an oil pan attachment for an oil pan system can include a body and a mesh screen, the oil pan attachment being positionable within a housing of the oil pan system such that the mesh screen is disposed above an inlet of the oil pan system.

[0019] In some embodiments, the oil pan system can include oil with an oil level located above the mesh screen when the oil pan system is at rest, the oil level may descend onto a portion of the mesh screen when the oil pan system is subjected to a temporary G load, and when the oil pan system is subjected to a first temporary G load, the oil level descends onto a first portion of the mesh screen located near the inlet, and surface tension on the oil within the mesh screen maintains the oil level at the mesh screen and above the first portion of the mesh screen.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the oil pan system may contain oil with an oil level located above the mesh screen when the oil pan system is at rest, such that as the oil is drawn into the inlet, air bubbles in the oil can collect and float to the surface of the oil level, accumulating at nucleation sites on the top surface of the mesh screen, thereby minimizing the amount of air bubbles entering the inlet and passing through the pump.

[0021] In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be made of metal. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be made of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be made of nylon. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings ranging from about 50 microns to about 600 microns. The mesh screen can have openings of about 73 microns. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings of about 125 microns. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings of about 590 microns.

[0022] In some embodiments, the oil pan attachment can further include a frame upon which the mesh screen can rest, the frame providing structural support for the mesh screen. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be sealed to the frame. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be sealed to the oil pan attachment. In some embodiments, a sealant can be applied to the oil pan attachment. In some embodiments, the sealant can seal the oil pan attachment to the housing. In some embodiments, the sealant can seal the oil pan attachment to the oil pan cover.

[0023] In one embodiment, a vehicle can have an oil pan system including a housing, an oil pump capable of pumping oil, an inlet connected to the oil pump via a first piping system, a second piping system for circulating oil pumped by the oil pump back to the housing for use in lubricating internal components housed by the housing, an oil pan attachment including a mesh screen, and an oil pan cover, the mesh screen can be positioned above the inlet.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the oil pan system may further include oil with an oil level located above the mesh screen when the oil pan system is at rest, and the oil level may descend onto a portion of the mesh screen when the oil pan system is subjected to a temporary G load. When the oil pan system is subjected to a first temporary G load, the oil level descends onto a first portion of the mesh screen located near the inlet, and surface tension forces on the oil within the mesh screen maintain the oil level at the mesh screen and above the first portion of the mesh screen.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the oil pan system may further include oil with an oil level located above the mesh screen when the oil pan system is at rest, such that as the oil is drawn into the inlet, air bubbles in the oil may collect and float to the surface of the oil level, accumulating at nucleation sites on the top surface of the mesh screen, thereby minimizing the amount of air bubbles entering the inlet and passing through the pump.

[0026] In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be made of metal. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be made of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be made of nylon. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings ranging from about 50 microns to about 600 microns. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings of about 73 microns. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings of about 125 microns. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings of about 590 microns.

[0027] In some embodiments, the oil pan attachment can further include a frame upon which the mesh screen can rest, the frame providing structural support for the mesh screen. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be sealed to the frame. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be sealed to the oil pan attachment. In some embodiments, a sealant can be applied to the oil pan attachment. In some embodiments, the sealant can seal the oil pan attachment to the housing. In some embodiments, the sealant can seal the oil pan attachment to the oil pan cover.

[0028] In one embodiment, a method of maintaining oil supply to an oil pan attachment can include providing a vehicle with an oil pan system including a housing, an oil pump capable of pumping oil, an inlet connected to the oil pump via a first piping system, a second piping system for circulating oil pumped by the oil pump back to the housing for use in lubricating internal components contained by the housing, an oil pan attachment including a mesh screen, and an oil pan cover. The method can further include positioning the mesh screen over the inlet.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method may further include providing oil to the oil pan system, the oil having an oil level located above the mesh screen when the oil pan system is at rest, the oil level descending onto a portion of the mesh screen when the oil pan system is subjected to a temporary G load, and the method may further include applying a first temporary G load to the oil pan system, the oil level descending onto a first portion of the mesh screen located near the inlet, and surface tension created on the oil within the mesh screen maintains the oil level at the mesh screen and on the first portion of the mesh screen.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method may further include providing oil to the oil pan system, the oil having an oil level located above the mesh screen when the oil pan system is at rest, and the method may further include operating the vehicle, such that as the oil is drawn into the inlet, air bubbles in the oil are allowed to collect and float to the surface of the oil level, and the air bubbles are allowed to accumulate at nucleation sites on the top surface of the mesh screen, thereby minimizing the amount of air bubbles entering the inlet and passing through the pump.

[0031] In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be made of metal. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be made of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be made of nylon. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings ranging from about 50 microns to about 600 microns. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings of about 73 microns. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings of about 125 microns. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can have openings of about 590 microns.

[0032] In some embodiments, the oil pan attachment can further include a frame upon which the mesh screen can rest, the frame providing structural support for the mesh screen. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be sealed to the frame. In some embodiments, the mesh screen can be sealed to the oil pan attachment. In some embodiments, a sealant can be applied to the oil pan attachment. In some embodiments, the sealant can seal the oil pan attachment to the housing. In some embodiments, the sealant can seal the oil pan attachment to the oil pan cover.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an oil pan system according to the disclosed concepts. The oil pan system 10 may include a drive housing 18, an inlet 11, inlet piping 12 leading to a pump 13, and circulation piping 14 leading back to the drive housing 18 to deliver oil to internal components of the drive housing (not shown). The system 10 may further include a mesh screen 15 located a distance above the inlet 11. The mesh screen may include a seal 16 at its outer boundary that seals the mesh screen against a portion of the drive housing 18 and may include a frame [##], or at rest and / or during normal operation the system may include a quantity of oil defining a rest oil level 17 located above the pump inlet 11 and above the mesh screen 15. As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 12-17, the mesh screen 15 may include a frame or may be mounted on a frame to provide structural support for the mesh screen.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the oil pan system of FIG. 2 under a temporary G load. When a temporary G load is applied to the system 10, for example due to rapid acceleration or high speed turning, the G load pushes the oil level 17 in the direction in which the temporary G load is being applied. If the temporary G load is applied in a direction away from the inlet 11, as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the oil level 17 (17′ in FIG. 1) is pushed in that direction to create an angular gradient. In such a situation, the mesh screen 15 acts to trap the oil in the holes between the mesh screen components (metal wire, nylon string, or any other suitable material). The surface tension of the oil inside the mesh screen 15 helps to keep the oil level 17 near and above the inlet of the mesh screen 15 to prevent air from being entrained in the inlet tubing 12 and into the pump.

[0035] An additional advantage of the disclosed concept relates to filtering air bubbles out of the oil as it passes through the mesh screen. When oil is circulated by the oil sump pump, air bubbles are drawn into the oil supply. As the oil is drawn through the mesh screen to the inlet, the air bubbles accumulate at the surface of the mesh screen, which acts as a filter for the air bubbles. This creates a nucleation field where air bubbles in the oil collect and accumulate above the mesh, eventually allowing the air bubbles to float to the top of the mesh and pop out, releasing the air into the housing. In this way, the amount of air bubbles drawn into the pump is minimized and / or eliminated, thereby reducing oil foaming and maintaining the amount of oil being fed to the system.

[0036] The operating principle relies on a delicate balance between the surface tension of the fluid and its viscosity. When the mesh is "wetted" and a temporary load is pushing the oil surface 17 against the mesh screen 15 at least partially across the mesh screen, surface tension can create an unbroken web of oil that effectively seals the openings in the mesh. Figures 4-6 show the oil wetting of these openings. Figure 5 shows what a predicted cross section of the mesh would look like with oil underneath. The meniscus shows the surface tension of the oil creating a web of oil that seals the opening.

[0037] 4 is a plan view of one embodiment of an oil topography in accordance with the disclosed concepts. The material of the mesh screen 15, whether metal wire, nylon string, or another suitable material, is capable of producing pockets of oil in the mesh with a generally circular topography.

[0038] 5 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a wire mesh according to the disclosed concepts. The oil pockets formed in the mesh screen 15 between the mesh materials when the system 10 is under a G load may have a surface with a concave shape when viewed from the side.

[0039] 6 is a top view photograph of a metal wire mesh screen 15 and oil in accordance with the disclosed concepts. The surface 17 of the oil within the mesh is visible with pockets of oil forming in the holes formed between the metal wires of the mesh screen 15.

[0040] 7 and 8 show the topography map overlay on top-view photographs of 100 micron meshes made of metal wire and nylon, respectively.

[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates a topography map overlay on a photograph of a 100 micron metal wire mesh and oil in accordance with the disclosed concepts.

[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates a topography map overlay on a photograph of a 100 micron nylon wire mesh and oil in accordance with the disclosed concepts.

[0043] To evaluate the optimum mesh size for one embodiment of the disclosed concepts, various meshes were tested. Figure 9 is a graphical representation of constant-angle test results using various wire meshes in accordance with the disclosed concepts. To simulate transient G-loads, the test bag with the dwell oil level 17 on the mesh screen 15 was tilted at various angles and the oil pressure drop at the inlet was monitored. The test was then repeated with the various meshes. All of the tested meshes showed a significant improvement in reducing the measured pressure drop. The meshes tested were as follows: TIFF2025517525000002.tif50153 The best performance for mesh screen 15 in the fixed angle test was 9318T23 with a metal frame backing and 9656T19 mesh.

[0044] A second "sway" test was then conducted with the best performing mesh from the fixed angle test. In the sway test, the test bag with the screen was moved quickly from the rest position to a 20° angle, held there for a period of time, then moved quickly back to the rest position and back to the 20° angle again several times. The oil pressure at the inlet was monitored throughout the test. Figure 10 shows the sway test results using various wire meshes according to the disclosed concepts, with the 9656T19 mesh outperforming the 9318T23 mesh.

[0045] The ideal mesh size for any given embodiment may vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to the type of oil used in the system, the flow rate of the oil through the inlet, and the distance of the mesh from the inlet. The ideal mesh size may also require balancing the surface tension and the required oil flow rate through the mesh. In general, the smaller the holes in the mesh screen 15, the better it will maintain the surface tension of the oil within the holes, while the larger the holes in the mesh screen, the more oil can flow through the mesh. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to use a mesh screen 15 with holes between 50 and 600 microns in size. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to use a mesh screen 15 with holes 73 microns in size. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to use a mesh screen 15 with holes 125 microns in size. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to use a mesh screen 15 with holes 590 microns in size.

[0046] FIG. 11 shows the angular parameters for the sway test of FIG. 10, indicating the length of time the test bag was held at 20° and the speed at which the test bag was moved between rest and 20°.

[0047] 12 is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of an oil pan system according to the disclosed concepts. In this exemplary embodiment, the oil pan system 10 may include a housing 18, an oil pan attachment 20, a body 21, and an oil pan cover 23. The body 21 may include a mesh screen 15 (not shown in FIG. 12) according to the disclosed concepts. The mesh frame may be fixedly connected to the oil pan attachment by a sealant (e.g., RTV paste or other suitable sealant), mechanical connectors (e.g., bolts, crimps, welded connections, and other suitable mechanical connectors), and / or other methods known or discovered in the art. The oil pan cover 23 may be connected to the oil pan attachment 20 by bolts, other mechanical connectors, and / or other methods and devices known or discovered in the art.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a cutaway perspective view of the oil pan system 10 of FIG. 12 in a fully assembled condition.

[0049] 14 is a photograph of an alternative embodiment of an oil pan attachment with a mesh frame and mesh screen in accordance with the disclosed concepts. This embodiment is designed for a dual motor system with a central oil pump inlet. The oil pan attachment 20 may have a body 21 and a mesh screen 30. The mesh screen may have a notch 32 to accommodate the inlet of the oil pan pump 13. Due to testing results of this embodiment, a 590 micron mesh was selected for this implementation.

[0050] 15 and 16 show alternative embodiments of the oil pan attachment according to the disclosed concepts. FIG. 15 shows a bottom perspective view of the oil pan attachment 20. FIG. 16 shows a top perspective view of the oil pan attachment 20. The oil pan attachment 20 may have a body 21 with cutouts around which mesh screens 30a, 30b may be attached. The mesh screens 30a, 30b may have outer rims 30a′, 30b′ that extend beyond the cutouts so that the mesh screens 30a, 30b may be attached to the body 21 by adhesives, mechanical methods, bolts, welds, and / or other methods known or discovered in the art. FIG. 15 and 16 further show the oil pan attachment with a pump inlet 40 and a temperature sensor 41 attached to the oil pan attachment 20. A sealant 31 may be applied to the outer rim of body 21 to seal the oil pan attachment to housing 18 and / or to oil pan cover 23 .

[0051] The above description is illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, in addition to those disclosed herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description. Such modifications are also within the scope of the technical ideas disclosed herein. Each of the patents, patent applications, and publications cited or described in this document is hereby incorporated by reference, and the disclosures thereof are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0052] The above description of possible embodiments consistent with the present disclosure does not represent a comprehensive list of all such embodiments or all variations of the described embodiments. The description of some embodiments should not be interpreted as excluding other embodiments described. For example, a person skilled in the art will recognize how the disclosed embodiments can be embodied in many other ways using equivalents and modifications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, unless the disclosure indicates to the contrary, no particular component described with respect to the embodiments is essential to the present invention. Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein should be interpreted as illustrative, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being determined based on the following claims.

Claims

1. It is an oil pan system, Housing and An oil pump capable of pressurizing oil, An inlet connected to the oil pump via the first piping system, A second piping system that circulates the oil pumped by the oil pump back into the housing so that it can be used to lubricate the internal components housed in the housing, Oil pan mounting fixture with mesh screen, Including the oil pan cover, The mesh screen is located above the inlet in the oil pan system.

2. The oil pan system further contains oil having an oil surface located above the mesh screen when the oil pan system is in a resting state, wherein the oil surface descends above a portion of the mesh screen when the oil pan system is subjected to a temporary G load. The oil pan system according to claim 1, wherein when the oil pan system is subjected to a first temporary G load, the oil surface of the oil descends onto a first portion of the mesh screen located near the inlet, and the surface tension generated on the oil within the mesh screen maintains the oil surface of the oil on the first portion of the mesh screen at the mesh screen.

3. The oil pan system according to claim 1, further comprising oil having an oil surface located above the mesh screen when the oil pan system is idle, wherein when the oil is drawn into the inlet, the bubbles in the oil accumulate in a nucleating field on the top surface of the mesh screen so that the bubbles can gather and float to the surface of the oil surface, thereby minimizing the amount of bubbles that enter the inlet and pass through the pump.

4. The oil pan system according to claim 1, wherein the mesh screen is made of metal.

5. The oil pan system according to claim 4, wherein the mesh screen is made of stainless steel.

6. The oil pan system according to claim 1, wherein the mesh screen is made of nylon.

7. The oil pan system according to claim 1, wherein the mesh screen has openings ranging from about 50 microns to about 600 microns.

8. The oil pan system according to claim 7, wherein the mesh screen has an opening of approximately 73 microns.

9. The oil pan system according to claim 7, wherein the mesh screen has an opening of about 125 microns.

10. The oil pan system according to claim 7, wherein the mesh screen has an opening of approximately 590 microns.

11. The oil pan system according to claim 1, wherein the oil pan mounting fixture further comprises a frame on which the mesh screen is mounted, and the frame serves as a structural support for the mesh screen.

12. The oil pan system according to claim 11, wherein the mesh screen is sealed to the frame.

13. The oil pan system according to claim 1, wherein the mesh screen is sealed to the oil pan mounting fixture.

14. The oil pan system according to claim 1, wherein a sealant is applied to the oil pan mounting fixture.

15. The oil pan system according to claim 14, wherein the sealant seals the oil pan mounting fixture against the housing.

16. The oil pan system according to claim 14, wherein the sealant seals the oil pan mounting fixture against the oil pan cover.

17. A vehicle comprising the oil pan system according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A method for maintaining oil supply to the oil pan mounting fixture, The step includes providing a vehicle equipped with an oil pan system, the oil pan system is Housing and An oil pump capable of pressurizing oil, An inlet connected to the oil pump via the first piping system, A second piping system that circulates the oil pumped by the oil pump back into the housing so that it can be used to lubricate the internal components housed in the housing, Oil pan mounting fixture with mesh screen, Including the oil pan cover, A method comprising the step of positioning the mesh screen above the entrance.

19. The further step includes supplying oil to the oil pan system, wherein the oil has an oil level located above the mesh screen when the oil pan system is idle, and the oil level is configured to descend above a portion of the mesh screen when the oil pan system is subjected to a temporary G load. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of applying a first temporary G load to the oil pan system, such that the oil surface of the oil descends onto a first portion of the mesh screen located near the inlet, and the surface tension generated on the oil within the mesh screen maintains the oil surface of the oil on the first portion of the mesh screen at the mesh screen.

20. The step further includes providing oil to the oil pan system, wherein the oil has an oil surface located above the mesh screen when the oil pan system is in a resting state. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of operating the vehicle, wherein the bubbles in the oil accumulate in a nucleating field on the top surface of the mesh screen so that they can gather together and float to the surface of the oil when the oil is drawn into the inlet, thereby minimizing the amount of bubbles that enter the inlet and pass through the pump.

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