Dual-Drive Pump Group with Unidirectional Clutches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling pumps for vehicles lack flexibility in cooling management, have limited delivery power, and complex structures, with mechanical pumps being oversized and electric pumps lacking 'fail-safe' features, while dual drive pumps are cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A dual-action pump group with a compact structure, featuring a radial impeller with both mechanical and electric drives, an electromagnetic pulley for seamless drive switching, and unidirectional clutches for efficient power management, allowing for flexible cooling control and operation in various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electric drive is used to regulate impeller speed, then cooling management versatility is improved, but delivery power is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both electric drive and mechanical drive systems into a single pump unit, allowing the system to leverage the versatility of electric speed regulation while maintaining the high power delivery capability of mechanical drive through the impeller
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electric drive is used for impeller rotation, then cooling control flexibility is improved, but reliability in case of failure is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic drive selection system where the pump can switch between electric drive mode for flexible cooling control and mechanical drive mode for reliable operation, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements and maintain functionality even when one drive system fails
3Power
If a mechanical drive is used for impeller rotation, then delivery power is improved, but device size is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical drive and electric drive systems into a compact integrated pump assembly, reducing the overall volume compared to separate systems while maintaining high power delivery capability through the shared impeller mechanism
4Reliability
If a dual drive system is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates automatic drive selection mechanisms and control systems that autonomously manage the switching between electric and mechanical drives based on operational conditions, reducing the complexity of manual management while maintaining high reliability through redundant drive capabilities
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 pump group provides flexible and efficient cooling management, is compact and reliable, operates effectively in 'after-run' conditions, and reduces power absorption, offering a simplified and versatile cooling solution for vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic pulley for seamless drive switching
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 2'
AI summary
A pump group (1) for a cooling system of an engine of a vehicle, comprising: - an impeller (2) rotatable around an axis (X-X); - a mechanical drive (3) and a mechanical shaft (300) rotatable by the mechanical drive (3); - an electric drive (4) and an electric shaft (400) rotatable by the electric drive (4) wherein the electric drive (4) comprises an electric motor (40). In the pump group (1) the mechanical shaft (300) and electric shaft (400) extend along the axis (X-X) and are operationally connected to the impeller (2) respectively by means of a first unidirectional clutch (51) and a second unidirectional clutch (52).