Dual Input Pump One-Way Clutch Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump systems lack the ability to efficiently operate in multiple modes using both internal combustion engine and electric motor power sources, limiting their adaptability and efficiency in applications like hybrid vehicles and automatic transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A dual input fluid pump system with one-way clutch bearings in external gears, allowing the pump to operate in engine-only, motor-only, combined, and overdrive modes by selectively transmitting and preventing rotation between the internal combustion engine and electric motor power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pump system uses a single power source connection, then the structure is simple, but it cannot operate efficiently in multiple modes with both engine and motor power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into two independent pumping elements (first and second pumping elements) that can be driven by different power sources. Each pumping element has its own drive mechanism, allowing the system to selectively engage engine or motor power without requiring complete system redesign for different operating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system is designed with universal functionality to accept both engine and motor power sources through a common housing and fluid pathway. The system can operate in multiple modes (engine-only, motor-only, combined) without requiring separate pump systems, achieving multi-functionality through a unified design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external clutches are used to connect power sources to the pump, then the pump can switch between power sources, but the clutch mechanism adds complexity outside the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is merged with the pump housing, integrating the power source selection functionality directly into the pump structure. The one-way clutch bearings are positioned within the housing and work in conjunction with the pumping elements, eliminating the need for separate external clutch assemblies and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
One-way clutch bearings serve as intermediary elements between the power sources and pumping elements. These bearings selectively transmit or block rotational motion based on the operating mode, providing intelligent power source routing without requiring complex control mechanisms or external clutch assemblies.
3Productivity
If the pump operates at fixed displacement, then the design is simple, but it cannot optimize efficiency across different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system transitions from fixed displacement to dynamic displacement control by enabling independent operation of two pumping elements. The system can adjust total displacement by varying the contribution of each pumping element based on operating conditions, such as running only the motor-driven element at low speeds or both elements at high speeds, thereby optimizing efficiency across the operating range.
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
Enables efficient operation in various modes, enhancing adaptability and reducing power loss by allowing the pump to adjust displacement based on power source usage, leading to improved performance and compact packaging.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the external gears of the second pump includes a one-way clutch bearing therein. The one way clutch bearing of the first external gear of the second pump receives the connecting shaft and is configured to (a) transmit rotation of the connecting shaft to the first external gear of the second pump for rotation in the pumping direction thereof, and (b) prevent rotation of the first external gear of the second pump in the pumping direction thereof from being transmitted to the connecting shaft.
Implementation Method 2
The one-way clutch bearing of the second external gear of the second pump receives the input shaft thereof and is configured to (a) transmit rotation of the input shaft of the second pump to the second external gear of the second pump for rotation in the pumping direction thereof, and (b) prevent rotation of the second external gear of the second pump in the pumping direction thereof from being transmitted to the input shaft of the second pump.
Implementation Method 3
The second pump is an external gear pump that has a housing, at least first and second intermeshed external gears rotatably mounted in the housing, an inlet, an outlet, and an input shaft for coupling the electrical motor power source to the second external gear thereof for rotating the gears in counter-rotating pumping directions to pump fluid from the inlet to the outlet through the housing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dual input fluid pump system for coupling to a transmission or an engine and an electrical motor is disclosed. The system may include a first external gear, vane, internal gear, or gerotor-type pump, a second external gear pump, and connecting shaft. Gears of the second pump include one-way clutch bearings that enable operation of the system in multiple modes including engine-only; motor-only; a combined mode where the engine operates the first pump via the shaft and the motor operates the second pump with an external gear rotating in its pumping direction at a rate greater than the shaft; inlet boost; and a disconnection mode. Also noted is a pump that has a first shaft for coupling the engine to a first external gear and a second shaft for coupling the motor to a second external gear, as well as a one-way clutch bearing that performs in a similar manner.