Dual Pump Housing with Segmented Drives for Compact Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiple pump systems face challenges with size, weight, and cost due to the need for large drive assemblies and heavy components to transmit torque, and lack the ability to vary fluid output according to component requirements, leading to potential overheating or parasitic losses.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system with two pumps, one driven by an electric motor and the other by an internal combustion engine, housed within a single pump housing with a dividing wall, allowing for independent operation and variable fluid supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single drive assembly is used to actuate multiple pumping assemblies, then the system complexity is reduced, but the drive assembly size and weight increase significantly to handle the torsional loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drive function into separate drive assemblies for each pump, rather than using one large drive assembly. Each drive assembly is sized appropriately for its specific pump, reducing overall weight and complexity while maintaining functional integration through the common housing.
2Device complexity
If a single drive assembly acts on multiple pumps, then the number of drive assemblies is reduced, but the shafts and couplings must be oversized to transmit sufficient torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission system so that each pump has its own drive assembly and shaft, eliminating the need for oversized shafts and couplings that would be required to transmit torque from a single drive assembly to multiple pumps.
3Device complexity
If the shaft is directly coupled to the drive assembly shaft, then the mechanical linkage is simple, but the fluid output cannot be varied independently of drive assembly speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs variable displacement pump mechanisms that allow the fluid output to be dynamically adjusted independent of the drive assembly rotational speed. This enables the system to adapt fluid delivery to actual component needs regardless of engine or motor operating conditions.
4Reliability
If multiple separate housings are used to enclose multiple pumps, then each pump has its own dedicated enclosure, but the overall system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pump enclosures into a single common housing that accommodates multiple pumps with separate drive assemblies. This consolidates the overall system volume while maintaining proper enclosure and separation of individual pump components through internal partitioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid delivery system includes a first pump having a first drive assembly, a second pump having a second drive assembly, and a pump housing. At least a portion of each of the first and second pumps are located in the housing.