Electric Drive Train Fluid Supply with Selectable Auxiliary Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid supply systems for electric drive trains in motor vehicles face inefficiencies due to fixed displacement pumps leading to undersupply or oversupply, which can cause component failure, increased leakage, and reduced efficiency, while variable displacement pumps are costly and require additional installation space.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a main and auxiliary fixed displacement pump mechanically driven by the transmission, with the auxiliary pump selectively connected via a controllable actuator to adapt fluid supply to demand, using a controllable valve to manage fluid flow based on pressure or data signals, ensuring sufficient fluid supply without excess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed displacement pump is used to supply fluid to the electric drive train, then the pump structure is simple and cost-effective, but the fluid supply cannot adapt to varying demand leading to undersupply or oversupply
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump system is segmented into multiple fixed displacement pumps (first pump and second pump). Each pump can be independently controlled to deliver fluid to the electric drive train. This segmentation allows the system to adapt fluid supply by selectively activating one or both pumps based on demand, while maintaining the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of fixed displacement pump design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a variable displacement pump is used to adapt fluid supply to demand, then fluid supply adaptability is improved, but the cost and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex variable displacement pump, the system segments the function across multiple simple fixed displacement pumps. The adaptability is achieved through the selective operation of these simpler pumps rather than through variable displacement mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity and installation space while maintaining fluid supply adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages fluid supply by selectively activating pumps based on detected demand conditions (such as temperature or pressure thresholds). This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex variable displacement mechanisms while achieving adaptive fluid supply through intelligent control of multiple fixed displacement pumps.
3Reliability
If the auxiliary pump is always connected to deliver fluid, then sufficient fluid supply is ensured, but fluid oversupply occurs leading to increased leakage and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors fluid supply conditions (such as temperature, pressure, or flow rate) and uses this feedback to selectively activate or deactivate the auxiliary pump. When monitoring indicates sufficient fluid supply, the auxiliary pump is deactivated to prevent oversupply and energy waste. When monitoring indicates insufficient supply, the auxiliary pump is activated to ensure adequate fluid delivery, thereby maintaining reliability while optimizing energy efficiency.
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 system provides efficient fluid supply with reduced installation space and cost, maintaining optimal fluid levels by adapting to varying demands, preventing undersupply and oversupply, and ensuring continuous operation regardless of vehicle speed or direction.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump (10) configured as a hydraulic fixed displacement pump for delivering fluid from a fluid reservoir (40) to the electric drive train; at least one auxiliary pump (20) configured as a hydraulic fixed displacement pump
Implementation Method 2
The auxiliary pump (20) can be selectively connected by means of a controllable actuator (30) for supplying fluid to the electric drive train
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (100) for supplying fluid to an electric drive train for a motor vehicle, preferably for cooling and lubricating a transmission (50) and/or for supplying oil to an electric motor of the electric drive train. The device (100) comprises a main pump (10) configured as a hydraulic fixed displacement pump for delivering fluid from a fluid reservoir (40) to the electric drive train. The apparatus (100) further comprises at least one auxiliary pump (20) configured as a hydraulic fixed displacement pump. The main pump (10) and the auxiliary pump (20) are mechanically driven by the transmission (50) of the electric drive train in such a way that a fixed transmission ratio exists between a pumping rotation speed of the main pump (10) and a pumping rotation speed of the auxiliary pump (20), wherein the auxiliary pump (20) can be selectively connected by means of a controllable actuating device (30) for supplying fluid to the electric drive train.