Hybrid Coolant Pump With Axial Motor-Coupling Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps for recirculating cooling liquids in engines face challenges in varying speed of rotation according to engine requirements, requiring small dimensions, high torque output at low speeds, ease of production, and compatibility with compact engine compartments.
Innovation Solution
A pump design featuring an electromagnetic friction coupling and an electric motor with a unique arrangement of movement transmission devices, including a pulley and electromagnetic coupling, allows adjustable impeller speed and compact radial dimensions, enabling efficient recirculation with high torque output and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the friction coupling is positioned axially concentric with the electric motor, then the transmission of rotational movement is simplified, but the radial dimensions of the assembly increase beyond compatible limits with engine compartment seats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a radial/concentric arrangement to an axial/staggered arrangement. The friction coupling is positioned axially offset from the electric motor, utilizing the axial dimension rather than radial space. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the components to be stacked along the axial direction, dramatically reducing the radial footprint while maintaining functional connectivity through the shaft assembly.
2Reliability
If the pump operates at full speed constantly, then the cooling requirement is met, but power consumption and wear of component parts increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that adjusts the pump's rotational speed based on actual cooling requirements. The friction coupling can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the driving shaft, allowing the pump to operate at variable speeds rather than constant full speed. This dynamic operation matches the cooling demand with the pump output, reducing energy consumption during low-demand periods while maintaining reliable cooling when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the pump by varying its rotational speed according to engine temperature and cooling requirements. Through the friction coupling mechanism, the pump can operate across a range of speeds rather than a fixed parameter, optimizing the balance between cooling performance and energy consumption based on real-time conditions.
3Device complexity
If the friction coupling and electric motor are positioned axially concentric, then the assembly structure is simplified, but the radial dimensions exceed the small dimensions of seats for housing the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the spatial arrangement from a radial/concentric configuration to an axial/staggered configuration. The friction coupling is positioned at a different axial level than the electric motor, utilizing the axial dimension to accommodate both components without increasing radial footprint. This allows the assembly to fit within compact engine compartment seats while maintaining structural functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the pump is designed for high torque output at low speeds, then applicability to high-capacity pumps of heavy vehicles is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal pump system that can serve multiple engine types and applications through its hybrid control architecture. The friction coupling mechanism allows the pump to adapt to different operating conditions - whether requiring high torque at low speeds for heavy vehicles or standard operation for conventional engines. This multi-functional design enables a single pump model to be applicable across diverse engine configurations, reducing the need for application-specific variants.
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 pump efficiently recirculates cooling liquids with adjustable speed, maintaining compact dimensions and high torque output, suitable for various engine conditions, including low-revolution engines, and supports continuous operation with reduced wear and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first device (100) for transmitting the movement generated by the shaft of the combustion engine and a second device (200) for generating a movement independent of that of the combustion engine, in particular comprising an electric motor (250)
Implementation Method 2
a second device (200) for generating a movement independent of that of the combustion engine, in particular comprising an electric motor (250)
Implementation Method 3
the first device (100) for transmitting the movement generated by the shaft of the combustion engine
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Pump for recirculating a cooling liquid of a vehicle, comprising: a pump body (11) and an impeller (1) mounted on a driven shaft (2), coaxial with each other a first device (100) for transmitting to the driven shaft (2) the movement generated by the shaft of the combustion engine of the vehicle and comprising movement receiving means suitable for connection (103) with said shaft of the combustion engine; - a friction coupling (120) of the electromagnetic type, connected to said movement receiving means (121); - a second device (200) for generating a movement for the driven shaft (2) independently of the first movement transmission device (100) and comprising an electric motor (250) with stator (251) and rotor (253); - connection means (3,4,4a) rotationally integral with the driven shaft (2); wherein - the rotor (253) of the electric motor (250) is rotationally integral with the means for connection to the driven shaft (2); - the electromagnetic friction coupling (120) is arranged so as to connect/disconnect the first device (10) for transmission of the movement to the means (3,4,4a) for connection to the driven shaft; and - said electric motor (250) is arranged in a position axially on the outside of the electromagnetic friction coupling (120) and on the opposite side to the latter with respect to the impeller ( 1 ).