Dual Power Fluid Pump with Planetary Gearset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pumping systems in vehicles are inefficient as they often operate at peak demand levels even when lower output is required, leading to energy waste, and hybrid vehicles face challenges with internal combustion engines being turned on and off frequently, while electric motor-driven pumps lack the efficiency of mechanically driven pumps.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pumping system with a dual power source, utilizing a planetary gearset driven by both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, with a controller to adjust the electric motor's speed based on fluid demand, optimizing energy use and providing efficient fluid delivery across various vehicle operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed displacement pump is used to minimize cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates because the pump operates at peak demand levels even when lower output is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system transitions from fixed displacement to variable displacement operation through the use of a variable stroke mechanism. The stroke volume is dynamically adjusted based on actual fluid demand, allowing the pump to operate efficiently across varying load conditions rather than running at constant peak output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the pump by adjusting the stroke volume of the pistons. By varying the stroke length according to demand, the pump can deliver different flow rates and pressures, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining the same basic pump structure.
2Loss of energy
If the internal combustion engine is turned on and off frequently to maximize fuel economy in hybrid vehicles, then fuel consumption is improved, but pump operation reliability deteriorates because the engine cannot continuously drive the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is designed to accept multiple power sources - it can be driven by the internal combustion engine when available, or by an electric motor when the engine is off. This multi-functionality ensures continuous pump operation regardless of engine status, maintaining system reliability while enabling fuel economy improvements through engine shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
An electric motor is introduced as an intermediary power source to drive the pump when the internal combustion engine is not running. This intermediary ensures uninterrupted pump operation during engine-off periods, bridging the gap between fuel economy goals and operational reliability requirements.
3Reliability
If a pump is solely powered by an electric motor to enable operation when the engine is off, then pump operation continuity is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates compared to mechanically driven pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two power delivery methods - mechanical drive from the internal combustion engine and electrical drive from the motor - into a single integrated pump system. The pump can utilize the more efficient mechanical drive when available, while falling back to electrical drive when necessary, combining the advantages of both approaches.
4Power
If the pump is sized to provide maximum flow rate and pressure for peak demand, then system capability is improved, but energy waste increases during normal operation when peak demand is not required
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system dynamically adjusts its output by varying the stroke volume based on actual demand conditions. During normal operation, the stroke is reduced to match lower fluid requirements, eliminating energy waste associated with delivering excessive flow. During peak demand, the full stroke capability provides the required maximum output.
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 system achieves improved energy efficiency by matching fluid demand closely, reducing energy consumption, and maintaining pump output stability even when the internal combustion engine is off, while ensuring efficient operation across different vehicle modes.
Implementation Method 1
A planetary gearset includes a first member adapted to be driven by the internal combustion engine, a second member driven by the electric motor and a third member
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor and a planetary gearset including a first member adapted to be driven by the internal combustion engine, a second member driven by the electric motor
Implementation Method 3
A controller is operable to electrically interconnect fields of the electric motor to provide an electrical brake
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid pumping system for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine includes a housing, an electric motor, a controller to control the speed of the electric motor, a planetary gearset including a first member adapted to be driven by the internal combustion engine, a second member driven by the electric motor and a third member. A pump is driven by the third member of the planetary gearset. The housing contains the electric motor, the pump and the controller.