Dual Gerotor Pump Assembly for Bubble-Free Reverse Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powertrain systems in electrified vehicles face challenges with active lubrication, particularly when mechanical pumps are used, as they introduce bubbles into the hydraulic fluid circuit during reverse direction movement, reducing lubrication efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dual gerotor apparatus is designed with a housing containing two gerotor pumps that operate in opposite directions, ensuring continuous hydraulic fluid generation with appropriate pressure for active lubrication without introducing bubbles, and is configured for simple, low-cost implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical pumps are used for active lubrication in powertrain systems, then the lubrication function works fine in forward direction, but bubbles are introduced into the hydraulic fluid circuit in reverse direction, reducing lubrication efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump is segmented into two distinct gerotor pumps (first and second pumps) with separate pumping chambers. Each pump is dedicated to handling fluid in a specific rotational direction, preventing bubble introduction regardless of the overall rotation direction of the drive shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single pump that works in one direction, the invention inverts the approach by using two pumps that work in opposite rotational directions. The first pump handles clockwise rotation while the second pump handles counter-clockwise rotation, ensuring continuous bubble-free operation.
2Reliability
If electric pumps are used to ensure active lubrication, then lubrication is maintained, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gerotor pumps are mechanically driven by the powertrain system's own rotation, eliminating the need for separate electric motors or power sources. The pumps automatically engage and disengage based on the rotation direction, providing self-service operation without additional cost-intensive electrical components.
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used for both forward and reverse directions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pump cannot operate effectively in reverse direction without introducing bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate gerotor pumps are merged into a single integrated housing with a common drive shaft connection. The pumps share the same mechanical drive interface but operate independently based on rotation direction, combining the benefits of simple integration with reliable bidirectional operation.
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 dual gerotor apparatus ensures effective active lubrication in both forward and reverse vehicle directions, maintaining hydraulic fluid pressure and preventing bubble introduction, thus enhancing lubrication efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a gerotor assembly coupling with a rotatable shaft, the gerotor assembly is configured to transfer a hydraulic fluid flowing through the first or second hydraulic fluid circuit from the single inlet to the single outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a dual gerotor apparatus. The dual gerotor apparatus comprises a housing configured to provide a first and second hydraulic fluid circuit sharing a single inlet and a single outlet. The dual gerotor apparatus further comprises a gerotor assembly coupling with a rotatable shaft, the gerotor assembly is configured to transfer a hydraulic fluid flowing through the first or second hydraulic fluid circuit from the single inlet to the single outlet. The gerotor comprises a first gerotor pump and a second gerotor pump, the first gerotor pump will be in operation when the rotatable shaft rotates in a first direction, and the second gerotor pump will be in operation when the rotatable shaft rotates in a second direction.