Dual-Circuit Fluid Pump Control for Suspension and Engine Oil Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension systems for vehicles compromise on-road and off-road performance due to different terrain requirements, and existing fluid control systems for vehicles are complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A dual-pump fluid control system that separates fluid circuits for suspension dampers and internal combustion engine, with a controller managing fluid flow to optimize performance and reduce complexity by using a single pump for both systems, including redundancy and adaptive pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fluid pumps are used for suspension dampers and engine oil circulation, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate fluid pump systems into a single integrated pump unit that serves both the suspension damper circuit and the engine oil circulation circuit. This single pump includes multiple outlets that can independently direct fluid to either the suspension dampers or the engine, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of having dedicated fluid pathways for each system.
2Device complexity
If a single fluid pump is used for both suspension and engine, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system with a valve assembly that can real-time redirect fluid flow between different circuits. The controller monitors system conditions and dynamically switches the pump output between suspension dampers and engine oil circulation, ensuring that if one circuit fails or requires maintenance, the other can continue to operate. This dynamic adaptability maintains reliability while using a single pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fluid pump is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can pump fluid to suspension dampers for active damping control, it can circulate oil to the engine for lubrication, and it can switch between these functions based on system needs. This universal design reduces the number of components while ensuring both systems remain operational through intelligent resource allocation.
3Reliability
If conventional separate fluid control systems are used, then reliability is maintained, but device complexity and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate fluid control systems into an integrated unit where a single pump with multiple outlets and a valve assembly replaces what would traditionally be separate pump systems. This consolidation maintains reliability by preserving dedicated fluid pathways for each system while eliminating the complexity of having entirely separate pumping mechanisms, control valves, and fluid reservoirs for each circuit.
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
Enhances vehicle performance by optimizing suspension and engine fluid management, reducing system complexity, and preventing failure points while improving efficiency and safety through adaptive fluid circulation.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid pump, wherein the fluid pump comprises at least two distinct pump circuits including first and second distinct pump circuits; where the first distinct pump circuit of the fluid pump is in fluid communication with the at least one fluid damped suspension damper; where the second distinct pump circuit of the fluid pump is in fluid communication via the valve control block with an oil circulation system of an internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
a valve control block; where the second distinct pump circuit of the fluid pump is in fluid communication via the valve control block with an oil circulation system of an internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 3
at least one fluid damped suspension damper, wherein the first distinct pump circuit of the fluid pump is in fluid communication with the at least one fluid damped suspension damper
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an apparatus and system including a fluid control system for suspension control that is also employed to circulate lubricating oil for an internal combustion engine. A vehicle may include a fluid pump that includes at least two distinct pump circuits, namely, a first distinct pump circuit and a second distinct pump circuit; a valve control block; and at least one fluid damped suspension damper. The first distinct pump circuit of the fluid pump is in fluid communication with at least one fluid damped suspension damper. The second distinct pump circuit of the fluid pump is in fluid communication via the valve control block with an oil circulation system of an internal combustion engine.