Dual-Impeller Switch Pump for Independent Vehicle Coolant Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling systems in vehicles require multiple pumps and valves to manage coolant flow for heat generating components and cabin temperature modulation, leading to high component costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pump with two impellers and a valve system that can switch between chilling, heating, isolated, and linked states, allowing for independent control of coolant flow through multiple loops using a minimal set of components, eliminating the need for separate valves and additional fluid lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumps and valves are used to manage coolant flow for heat generating components and cabin temperature modulation, then the system can achieve independent control of coolant flow through multiple loops, but the component count and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pump functions and valve control mechanisms into a single integrated pump assembly. The pump includes a first impeller for charging the coolant reservoir and a second impeller for circulating coolant through loops, with a common shaft allowing coordinated operation. This merging eliminates the need for separate pumps and reduces valve complexity, directly resolving the contradiction between control versatility and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump assembly performs multiple functions: the first impeller charges the coolant reservoir, the second impeller circulates coolant through one or more loops, and the integrated valve system directs flow to different destinations. This multi-functionality allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, achieving independent loop control without increasing overall system complexity.
2Temperature
If separate valves and additional fluid lines are used to direct coolant flow, then precise temperature regulation can be achieved, but component costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is integrated directly into the pump housing, combining flow direction control with the pumping function. The valve assembly includes a first outlet for discharging coolant to a first loop, a second outlet for discharging coolant to a second loop, and a third outlet for discharging coolant to a reservoir, all controlled from the pump assembly itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate valve bodies and additional fluid lines, maintaining temperature regulation capability while reducing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing serves as an intermediary structure that integrates both the pumping mechanism and the valve control system. The valve assembly is positioned within the pump housing, using the pump's internal passages and structure to route coolant flow. This intermediary integration allows precise flow direction control to multiple destinations without requiring external valve assemblies and additional piping.
3Device complexity
If a single pump with integrated valve functions is used, then component costs and complexity are reduced, but the ability to independently control coolant flow through multiple loops may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is segmented into functionally independent components: a first impeller for reservoir charging, a second impeller for loop circulation, and a multi-position valve system. Each segment can operate independently or in coordination, allowing the single pump to achieve the versatility of multiple separate pumps while maintaining reduced component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing the valve member to be positioned in different orientations to direct coolant flow to different outlets. This dynamic control, combined with the variable displacement mechanism that can independently control the operation of the first and second impellers, enables a single pump to provide the adaptive coolant flow control traditionally requiring multiple separate pumping systems.
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
This solution reduces component costs and complexity by integrating valve functions within the pump, enabling efficient temperature regulation of heat generating components and vehicle cabins with reduced component count and increased flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
pumping a coolant fluid from a pump having a first impeller and a second impeller
Data Source
AI summary
A process for cooling a heat generating component of a vehicle including pumping a coolant fluid from a pump having a first impeller and a second impeller, the pump switchable from a chilling mode, a heating mode, an isolated state, and a linked state; and while the pump is in the chilling mode and the isolated state, pumping the coolant fluid with the first impeller through a first loop of a heater module, and a cabin heat exchanger, and pumping the coolant fluid with the second impeller through a second loop of a component heat exchanger and a chiller module.