Integrated Actuator Pump Cooling for Thermal Soak Back
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pressure-controlled pump systems fail to maintain actuator operability and service life under high temperature conditions due to thermal management inadequacies.
Innovation Solution
An integrated pump within the actuator network provides cooling flow during both engine operation and shutdown, mitigating thermal soak back by directing fluid from a fluid source through the actuator network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pressure-controlled pump systems are used without integrated cooling, then system simplicity is maintained, but actuator operability and service life deteriorate under high temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling pump function with the actuator housing into an integrated unit. The pump is positioned within the actuator housing and uses the actuator's mechanical structure to drive fluid circulation through cooling channels, merging thermal management functionality with the actuator assembly itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator housing serves multiple functions: it houses the actuator mechanism, provides structural support, and incorporates cooling channels and pump functionality. This multi-functional design integrates thermal management into the existing actuator structure without requiring completely separate cooling systems.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If cooling systems are added to manage actuator temperature, then actuator service life is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling pump is integrated within the actuator housing, combining thermal management components with the actuator assembly. This merger eliminates the need for separate cooling system infrastructure and reduces overall system complexity while extending actuator service life through effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the actuator's own mechanical operation to drive the cooling pump, which in turn circulates coolant through channels in the actuator housing. The actuator essentially cools itself by utilizing its operational motion to power the cooling circulation, reducing external control requirements.
3Temperature
If cooling flow is directed through the actuation network, then actuator temperature is maintained within operational limits, but fluid flow requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling channels are strategically positioned within the actuator housing to target specific high-heat-generation areas. The cooling flow is directed locally where thermal management is most critical, rather than uniformly throughout the entire system, optimizing temperature control while minimizing fluid flow requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling pump operates continuously or in synchronized cycles with actuator operation to maintain constant coolant circulation through the cooling channels. This continuous cooling action prevents temperature buildup during extended operation, keeping actuator temperature within operational limits throughout the service cycle.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated pump system maintains actuator temperature within operational limits, ensuring continuous cooling and preventing thermal degradation during engine shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
The techniques of this disclosure include using an integrated pump housed within the actuator network to provide cooling flow during engine shutdown
Implementation Method 2
cooling flow (e.g., cooling fuel) keeps the actuator network at an appropriate temperature for operation
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid system includes a fluid inlet, a boost pump fluidically coupled to the fluid inlet, a check valve network fluidically coupled to the boost pump and to the fluid inlet, and an actuation network fluidically coupled to the check valve network. The actuation network comprises at least one actuator having an integrated pump. The fluid system further includes a fluid outlet path fluidically coupled to the actuation network. The integrated pump within the actuation network allows for thermal cooling of actuators within the actuation network. This allows for mitigation of thermal soak back effects when the engine housing the fluid system is in an off condition.