Dual Inlet Vane Pump Cooling Electric Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric motor driven pumps face challenges in efficiently cooling the motor and associated electronics while minimizing size, weight, and cost, often requiring separate scavenging pumps which increase complexity and weight.
Innovation Solution
A dual inlet vane pump configuration that scavenges power from an electric motor to enhance hydraulic fluid flow for cooling, combining fluid from the pump case and a cooling loop to provide efficient cooling to both the motor and hydraulic pump components, reducing the need for separate pumps and optimizing flow rates for each path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate scavenging pumps are used to cool the motor and electronics, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function for both the motor and electronics into a single scavenging pump system. The pump draws fluid from a common sump and distributes it through separate cooling passages to both the motor and electronics, eliminating the need for multiple separate pumps and reducing system complexity while maintaining effective cooling of both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single scavenging pump performs multiple functions: it cools the motor, cools the electronics, and circulates fluid through both cooling paths. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated pumps for each cooling requirement, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If separate scavenging pumps are used for motor and electronics cooling, then cooling reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the cooling functions into a single scavenging pump system, the overall weight is reduced compared to using separate pumps. The single pump design eliminates redundant components while maintaining reliable cooling through a well-designed fluid distribution system that serves both the motor and electronics.
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used for both cooling paths, then device complexity is reduced, but flow rate control for each path becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality control by providing separate cooling passages with independently adjustable flow characteristics for the motor and electronics paths. Each passage can be designed with specific flow resistance, restrictors, or passage geometry tailored to the unique cooling requirements of each component, allowing optimized flow distribution from a single pump source.
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 configuration effectively prevents overheating of the hydraulic pump, reduces pump size and weight, and enhances reliability by simplifying the system while maintaining cooling efficiency, thereby achieving a compact, dependable, and cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
A dual inlet vane pump configuration that scavenges power from an electric motor to enhance hydraulic fluid flow for cooling
Implementation Method 2
enhance hydraulic fluid flow for cooling, combining fluid from the pump case and a cooling loop to provide efficient cooling to both the motor and hydraulic pump components
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric motor driven pump assembly configuration that includes an electric motor, a hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor is provided. The hydraulic pump is driven by the electric motor to convert electrical power into hydraulic power. A multi-inlet hydraulic pump enhances cooling flow through a pump case of the assembly and also enhances cooling flow for cooling the electric motor and corresponding drive/control components.