Combined Generator and Pump Assembly for Utility Vehicle Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zero turn radius utility vehicles face challenges in efficiently cooling and powering components using conventional hydraulic pump and motor drive systems, which often require separate cooling circuits and lack a compact, integrated solution for electrical power generation and cooling.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle drive and cooling system that incorporates a combined generator and circulating pump assembly for electrical power generation and cooling, along with separate hydraulic pump and circulating pump assemblies, utilizing multiple coolant fluid sources to efficiently cool various vehicle components, and a pulley system for compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hydraulic pump and motor drive systems are used, then the vehicle can operate, but the system lacks integrated electrical power generation and cooling functions, requiring separate systems that increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the generator and circulating pump into a single integrated assembly driven by the prime mover output shaft. This merging eliminates the need for separate cooling circuits and power generation systems, directly resolving the technical contradiction by providing integrated functionality while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined generator and circulating pump assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: generating electrical power and providing cooling circulation. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate systems, thereby increasing adaptability while managing complexity.
2Reliability
If separate cooling circuits are used for each component, then each component can be cooled independently, but the system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple circuits that can be independently controlled. The combined generator and circulating pump assembly can selectively activate different cooling circuits based on which components require cooling, providing independent control while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cooling circuits are merged into a single integrated cooling system housed within the combined generator and circulating pump assembly. This allows independent control of each circuit while avoiding the volume increase that would result from completely separate cooling systems for each component.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact pulley system is used to drive multiple components, then space is saved, but the mechanical complexity of the drive system increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single belt and pulley system is designed to drive multiple components simultaneously: the generator, the circulating pump, and the hydraulic pumps. This universal drive mechanism achieves compactness by consolidating multiple drive functions into one system, while the integrated design manages the mechanical complexity through shared components.
4Temperature
If multiple coolant fluid sources are used, then cooling effectiveness for different components is improved, but the system complexity and fluid management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system uses multiple separate coolant fluid sources that can be selectively activated based on which components require cooling. The combined generator and circulating pump assembly manages these multiple fluid sources through segmented control, allowing independent activation of different cooling circuits to maintain effectiveness while managing complexity through selective operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system provides a compact and efficient means of powering and cooling zero turn radius utility vehicles, enabling continuous electrical charge and independent control of cooling for multiple components, enhancing performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle drive and cooling system that includes hydraulic drive, electrical power generation... combined generator and circulating pump assembly wherein components on the vehicle are powered by the generator
Implementation Method 2
one or more of these same (or other) components are cooled by the circulating pump utilizing a first coolant fluid source
Implementation Method 3
the hydraulic pump utilizes a hydraulic fluid source to drive a wheel of the vehicle
Implementation Method 4
at least two separate cooling circuits used to cool two or more components of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle having a combined generator and coolant circulating pump assembly and at least one combined hydraulic pump and circulating pump is disclosed herein. An auxiliary pump may be disposed on a second hydraulic pump on the vehicle. A plurality of coolant reservoirs may be provided on the vehicle. The vehicle may also include a receiver for receiving signals from a remote operator transmitter, permitting remote operation of the vehicle, and an operator platform for permitting direct user control.