Dual Pump Oil Pump for Aged Engine Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines, especially those used in heavy machinery, experience low oil pressure due to increased wear over time, which can lead to engine damage and reduced performance, as existing solutions like larger capacity oil pumps can cause air entrainment when their capacity approaches that of the scavenge pump.
Innovation Solution
The oil pump incorporates dual pump mechanisms with different flow rates, a high-capacity pump for main lubrication and a low-capacity pump for piston cooling, designed for engines with varying cylinder counts, ensuring optimal oil pressure distribution and preventing air entrainment by maintaining the oil pump's capacity below that of the scavenge pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a larger capacity oil pump is used to increase oil pressure in aged engines, then oil pressure is improved, but air entrainment occurs when the pump capacity approaches the scavenge pump capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The oil pump is divided into two separate pump mechanisms: a first pump mechanism for main lubrication and a second pump mechanism for piston cooling. This segmentation allows each pump to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a combined capacity that does not exceed the scavenge pump capacity, thereby preventing air entrainment while still improving oil pressure.
2Productivity
If the oil pump capacity is increased to meet increased oil flow demands from engine wear, then lubrication capacity is improved, but the scavenge pump cannot return spent oil fast enough, introducing air into the oil
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into two separate oil circulation loops: one for main lubrication and another for piston cooling. Each loop has its own dedicated pump mechanism, allowing independent optimization of flow rates to match actual system demands while keeping the total pump capacity below the scavenge pump's return capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pump mechanisms are assigned to different lubrication zones based on their specific requirements. The first pump mechanism serves main lubrication points requiring higher flow, while the second pump mechanism serves piston cooling requiring lower flow. This local differentiation optimizes overall system efficiency.
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 maintains optimal oil pressure, reduces engine wear, and extends the engine's lifespan by ensuring the oil pump's capacity remains below the scavenge pump's, preventing air introduction and improving overall engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
an oil pump that distributes oil throughout the engine via one or more oil galleries
Implementation Method 2
as the oil pump outlet pressure increases at the outlets during engine operation, pressure relief valves open at respective pressure control settings. The valves direct excess oil flow to a common reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
An oil pump for an engine is disclosed. The oil pump may include a first pump mechanism configured to supply oil to a main lubrication gallery of the engine, and a second pump mechanism configured to supply oil to a piston cooling gallery of the engine. The first pump mechanism may be designed for a first type of engine and the second pump mechanism may be designed for a second type of engine. The first type of engine may have a greater quantity of cylinders than the second type of engine.