Vehicle Coolant Pump Layout for Variable Speed in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle engine cooling fluid recirculation pumps face challenges in achieving variable speed rotation, compact dimensions, high torque at low speeds, and ease of production and installation, particularly in small engine compartments and secondary cooling circuits.
Innovation Solution
The pump design features a pulley mounted on the outer edge of a circular ring forming part of an electromagnetic friction coupling, with a bearing outside the pump body, allowing for compact axial dimensions and flexible design of movement take-up means and electromagnetic coupling, enabling adaptable speed control through an independent electric motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the friction coupling is positioned axially on the outside of the pulley to enable controlled speed rotation, then the speed control capability is improved, but the axial dimensions of the assembly increase making it incompatible with small engine compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the friction coupling from an axial arrangement to a radial arrangement. The pulley is positioned radially outward from the drive shaft, and the friction coupling is arranged radially between the pulley and the drive shaft, converting the problem from axial space consumption to radial space utilization. This dimensional change allows compact axial dimensions while maintaining speed control capability through the friction coupling's engagement and disengagement.
2Length of moving object
If the pump is designed with compact dimensions for small engine compartments, then the space utilization is improved, but the ability to produce high torques at low speeds is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging the friction coupling radially between the pulley and the drive shaft, the invention maximizes the radial distance (lever arm) from the drive shaft center to the friction coupling contact point. This increased radial distance enables higher torque transmission capability within a compact axial envelope, as torque is the product of force and radial distance. The radial configuration allows the pump to produce high torques at low speeds without increasing axial dimensions.
3Length of moving object
If the movement take-up means are positioned radially more outer lying than the electromagnet and armature, then the axial compactness is improved, but the design flexibility of electromagnetic coupling dimensions is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention positions the movement take-up means (pulley) radially outward from the electromagnetic coupling components, creating a radial hierarchy rather than an axial one. This radial arrangement allows the electromagnetic coupling (electromagnet and armature) to be positioned closer to the drive shaft center, reducing axial dimensions, while the pulley extends radially outward to provide the necessary belt engagement surface. This spatial reorganization maintains design flexibility for the electromagnetic coupling while achieving axial compactness.
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 configuration allows for efficient recirculation of cooling fluid with variable speed, compact size, high torque at low speeds, and ease of production and installation, suitable for high-performance vehicles and secondary cooling circuits, while ensuring reliable operation and reduced wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic friction coupling comprising a fixed electromagnet (22) and an armature (23) arranged facing the electromagnet (22) on the opposite side relative to the impeller (1)
Implementation Method 2
a friction coupling for transmission of a rotational movement depending on the revolutions of the drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A Pump for recirculating a cooling fluid of a vehicle comprises a pump body, which is fixed during use; an impeller mounted on a driven shaft; with a friction coupling of the electromagnetic type, made of a fixed electromagnet, a rotor and an armature. A pulley for taking up a rotational movement is connected to a movement source such as a shaft of the combustion engine of the vehicle and mounted on an outer bearing keyed onto the pump body. An electric motor is provided for driving the driven shaft independently of the movement take-up pulley; and a bell member is fastened to an end of the driven shaft opposite to that which carries the impeller.The friction coupling is designed to rotationally couple/decouple the pulley and bell member and the electric motor is arranged inside the bell member on the opposite side to the impeller relative to friction coupling.