Coolant Pump Seal Cooling via Recess Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumps for internal combustion engine cooling systems face challenges in effectively cooling the pump drive shaft seal, leading to thermal stress and reduced seal life due to low fluid flow characteristics and conductive heat transfer mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The pump housing design includes a volute chamber with sequentially arranged first and second ramps, a wall section, and a protrusion within the recess, which directs fluid flow to increase velocity and induce separation, creating a cross-flow that convectively cools the seal and reduces swirl, thereby enhancing seal life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pumps use radially spaced anti-vortex tabs or simple housing designs, then the device complexity is reduced, but the seal life is significantly reduced due to thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The housing recess is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first ramp for initial flow direction, a second ramp for velocity increase, a wall section for flow guidance, and a protrusion for separation induction. This segmentation transforms the simple recess into a complex flow control structure that actively cools the seal, resolving the contradiction between structural complexity and seal life extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure implements local quality by creating specific geometric features (ramps, wall section, protrusion) at precise locations within the recess to optimize fluid flow characteristics at different zones. The first ramp is positioned to catch incoming flow, the second ramp accelerates it, the wall section guides it, and the protrusion induces separation - each zone performing a specific function to collectively cool the seal.
2Temperature
If the pump housing includes sequentially arranged ramps, wall section, and protrusion features, then convective cooling of the seal is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow control functions (flow direction, velocity increase, flow guidance, separation induction) that would traditionally require separate components are merged into a single integrated housing structure. The first ramp, second ramp, wall section, and protrusion are all formed as part of the housing recess, simplifying manufacturing compared to using separate attached components while achieving comprehensive seal cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it contains the seal, directs fluid flow, accelerates coolant velocity, guides flow patterns, induces separation, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated cooling components, making the design both effective for temperature control and relatively ease to manufacture as an integrated unit.
3Reliability
If conventional pumps rely on conductive heat transfer for seal cooling, then the cooling mechanism is simple, but the cooling effectiveness is insufficient leading to reduced seal life
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from conductive heat transfer (thermal contact) to convective cooling (fluid flow-based heat removal). The housing features are specifically designed to optimize fluid flow dynamics - the ramps accelerate the coolant, the wall section guides it along the seal surface, and the protrusion induces separation to ensure thorough cooling coverage, dramatically improving cooling effectiveness and seal life.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the key parameter of coolant velocity from low (in conventional designs) to high (through the ramp structures). The first ramp directs flow onto the second ramp, which is angled to accelerate the fluid to high velocity before it contacts the seal area, transforming the cooling mechanism from weak conduction to strong convection with enhanced heat removal capability.
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 design achieves a threefold improvement in seal life compared to conventional pumps with radially spaced anti-vortex tabs or those without flow control features, by effectively managing fluid flow and pressure differentials to reduce thermal stress on the seal.
Implementation Method 1
directs fluid flow to increase velocity and induce separation, creating a cross-flow that convectively cools the seal
Implementation Method 2
Fluid flow is directed from a volute chamber through a gap formed between an impeller and an impeller face and into a recess
Data Source
AI summary
A pump is provided with a pump housing defining a volute chamber positioned between a central inlet and an impeller face, with the housing defining a recess intersecting the face and surrounding an aperture, and the housing defining sequentially first and second ramps, a wall section, and a protrusion extending into the recess. An impeller is positioned within the chamber adjacent to the face, with the impeller connected to a drive shaft extending through the aperture. A method is provided for cooling a drive shaft sealing member by controlling fluid flow through the pump.