Electromagnetic Valve Control for Coolant Pump Switching Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control arrangements for coolant pumps in internal combustion engines require increased space and effort for implementation, with slow switching times and reliance on compression springs for actuation, which limits the ability to quickly adjust coolant flow and maximize delivery quantity.

Innovation Solution

A control arrangement featuring a 3/2-way electromagnetic valve with integrated flow housing and channels within the coolant pump housing, allowing for direct fluid connections and eliminating the need for additional lines, enabling rapid adjustment of the control slide with reduced actuation forces and compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a 3/2-way electromagnetic valve with integrated flow housing is used, then switching time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching timeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electromagnetic valve and flow housing into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate valve bodies and external piping. This integration reduces the number of components and connections, thereby reducing device complexity while enabling faster switching times through direct fluid pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (such as separate valve bodies, external piping, and compression springs) by implementing a direct electromagnetic actuation system. This extraction simplifies the overall device structure while achieving rapid response through direct control of the control slide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If compression springs are used for actuation, then reliable return to original position is ensured, but actuation force increases and switching time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereturn to original positionVSAvoidactuation force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical compression spring system with an electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnetic valve directly controls the pressure differential across the control slide, eliminating the need for mechanical springs. This substitution reduces actuation force requirements while enabling faster switching times through direct electromagnetic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses hydraulic pressure differentials generated by the control pump to actuate the control slide, replacing mechanical spring forces. The electromagnetic valve controls the hydraulic pressure to move the control slide to the desired position, providing reliable actuation without compression springs while reducing overall actuation force and switching time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional piping and channels are used for fluid connections, then flexible routing is achieved, but installation space increases and assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid connection flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple fluid connection functions into the integrated electromagnetic valve housing, eliminating the need for separate piping and channels. The valve body incorporates direct fluid pathways that connect the control pump to the control slide, reducing installation space while maintaining flexible fluid routing through integrated channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic valve housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the valve body, provides fluid pathways, houses the electromagnetic actuator, and facilitates direct connection to both the control pump and control slide. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing installation space and assembly time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If a control pump with side-channel or servo pump design is used, then coolant flow control is achieved, but device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant flow controlVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of coolant flow control from complex side-channel or servo pump designs and implements it through a simpler control pump configuration. The control pump directly generates pressure to move the control slide without requiring complex internal channels or additional actuation mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective coolant flow control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution achieves rapid and precise control of coolant flow with minimized installation space, reduced assembly time, and short reaction times, allowing for efficient coolant delivery and reduced pollutant emissions.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic valve with two valve seats and three flow ports as well as a closing element which is connected to an armature of the electromagnetic valve and is axially movable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a control pump via which a hydraulic pressure can be generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

a closing element which is connected to an armature of the electromagnetic valve and is axially movable, wherein the first flow port is fluidically connected to an outlet of the control pump and the second flow port is fluidically connected to the first pressure chamber of the control slide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical sealing: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP3371463B1Control arrangement for a mechanically controllable coolant pump of an internal combustion engine
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 PIERBURG GMBH
  • EP3371463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3371463B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3371463B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to control arrangements for mechanically controllable coolant pumps comprising an adjustable control slide (56), by means of which a through-flow cross-section of an annular gap (60) between an outlet (62) of a coolant pump impeller (20) and a surrounding conveying channel (12) can be controlled, a control pump (36), by means of which a hydraulic pressure can be generated in a flow channel (42), a first pressure chamber (72) of the control slide (56) which is formed on a first axial side of the control slide (56), a solenoid valve (78) having two valve seats (110, 112), three flow connections (118, 120, 122), and a closing member (76) which is connected to an armature (96) of the solenoid valve (76) and is axially movable, wherein the first flow connection (118) is fluidically connected to an outlet (46) of the control pump (36) and the second flow connection (120) is fluidically connected to the first pressure chamber (72) of the control slide (56). In order to be able to design such a control arrangement for the fastest possible control, according to the invention the third flow connection (122) is connected fluidically to an inlet (14) of the coolant pump (11), wherein the first valve seat (110) is formed between the first flow connection (118) and the second flow connection (120) and the second valve seat (112) is formed between the second flow connection (120) and the third flow connection (122).