Dual Command Module Pump Group for Vehicle Cooling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current pump groups for vehicle cooling systems lack versatility in managing variable amounts and flow rates of cooling liquid, often resulting in complex and bulky designs.

Innovation Solution

A pump group with axial flow stator and dual command modules, each with a radial impeller and rotor, controlled by an electromagnetic stator and electronic control unit, allowing for both series and parallel operation configurations to manage cooling liquid efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single pump module is used to manage cooling liquid, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to manage variable amounts and flow rates is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to manage variable amounts and flow rates of cooling liquidVSAvoidcomplexity of pump group structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump group is divided into two independent command modules, each capable of operating autonomously. Each module contains its own impeller and control mechanism, allowing independent adjustment of cooling liquid flow rates. This segmentation enables versatile flow management (from 0 to maximum flow rates in various combinations) without requiring a completely different pump design for each operating condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pump modules are added to increase versatility in managing cooling liquid, then the adaptability improves, but the device becomes bulky and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to manage variable amounts and flow rates of cooling liquidVSAvoidsize of pump group
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Two command modules are integrated into a single compact pump group assembly with shared housing, drive mechanism, and control electronics. The modules are positioned to operate in parallel within the same structural envelope, allowing the system to achieve versatile flow management capabilities without proportionally increasing the overall volume. The combined design enables flow rates from 0 to twice the single-module maximum through various operating configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pump modules are added to increase versatility in managing cooling liquid, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to manage variable amounts and flow rates of cooling liquidVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both command modules utilize identical impeller designs, electromagnetic drive mechanisms, and control interfaces. This universal design allows the control system to manage both modules using the same control logic and algorithms, significantly reducing the complexity of the control architecture. The modules can operate independently or in combination, providing four distinct operating modes (both off, first only, second only, both on) without requiring complex switching mechanisms or different control strategies for each mode.

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

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 solution provides a compact, versatile, and efficient cooling system capable of managing variable cooling liquid amounts and flow rates, reducing noise and axial stresses while maintaining balanced operation in series and parallel modes.

Implementation Method 1

an axial flow stator 2 which produces an electromagnetic action in a direction parallel to the main axis X-X

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic action: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

it receives cooling liquid in a direction parallel to the main axis X-X to perform a thrust action thereon in the radial direction with respect to the main axis X-X

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrust action: Impeller

Data Source

PatentEP3894707B1Pump group comprising two command modules
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 IND SALERI ITALO
  • EP3894707B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3894707B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3894707B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention is a pump group (1) of a cooling system of a vehicle, preferably for cooling the engine group of the vehicle. The pump group (1) has a main axis (X-X) and comprises an axial flow stator (2) which produces an electromagnetic action in a direction parallel to the main axis X-X. Moreover, the pump group (1) comprises two command modules (3) positioned at the two opposite axial ends of the stator 2. Each command module (3) comprises an impeller (4), an impeller shaft (5) which extends along the main axis (X- X) and comprises an impeller end (51) on which the impeller (4) is integrally connected and a control portion (52) adapted to receive a rotational control action and a rotor (6) integrally connected to said control portion (52) controllable in rotation by the action of the stator (2).