Dual-Source Fluid Pump with Planetary Gear and Plastic Ring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pumping systems in vehicles are inefficient as they often rely solely on the internal combustion engine, wasting energy during low output demands and lacking efficiency in hybrid vehicles where the engine is frequently switched off, and pumps driven by electric motors do not match the mechanical efficiency of engine-driven pumps.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pumping system with a dual energy source utilizing a planetary gear set with a pulley made of sheet metal and a plastic ring gear, allowing for cost-effective production and a bearing arrangement that eliminates the need for end-face seals and saves installation space with a double-row ball bearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a fixed displacement pump is dimensioned for peak demand, then maximum flow rate and pressure are provided, but energy is wasted during low output demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable displacement pump mechanism that dynamically adjusts the pump's output flow rate based on actual system demand. The pump's swash plate or inclined surface angle is variable, allowing the displacement per revolution to change. This enables the pump to deliver high flow rates when needed (peak demand) while reducing flow rate during normal operation, thereby eliminating energy waste associated with delivering constant high flow regardless of demand.
2Loss of energy
If the internal combustion engine is switched off frequently in hybrid vehicles, then fuel economy is improved, but pumps driven solely by the engine cannot operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-power source pump system where the pump can be driven by either the internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The pump is mechanically coupled to the engine through a belt drive system while also having an electric motor coupled to its input shaft. This multi-functionality allows the pump to operate reliably whether the engine is running or switched off, ensuring continuous fluid pumping capability in hybrid vehicles while maintaining fuel economy benefits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pump is driven by an electric motor, then operation during engine shutdown is enabled, but operating efficiency is reduced compared to mechanical drive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable displacement pump mechanism that dynamically optimizes the pump's operating characteristics. When driven by the electric motor during engine shutdown, the pump can adjust its displacement to match actual system demand, improving efficiency compared to a fixed displacement design. Additionally, the system includes a control unit that monitors pump operation and adjusts the displacement mechanism accordingly, ensuring efficient energy utilization regardless of the drive source.
4Reliability
If complex sealing arrangements are used in the pump, then sealing integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from complex mechanical seal arrangements and implements it through simplified magnetic coupling. The pump utilizes magnetically coupled seals where magnetic fields transmit rotational motion across a sealed interface without physical contact. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical seal components such as seal rings, springs, and adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining sealing integrity while significantly reducing manufacturing cost and assembly complexity.
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 and cost-effectiveness by enabling efficient fluid pumping during various vehicle operations with reduced energy consumption and simplified assembly, while maintaining mechanical efficiency and sealing integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear with a first member that can be driven by the internal combustion engine, a second member driven by the electric motor, and a third member; and a pump driven by the third element of the planetary gear set
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid pumping system for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, the fluid pumping system comprising: a housing; an electric motor; a planetary gear with a first member that can be driven by the internal combustion engine, a second member driven by the electric motor, and a third member; and a pump driven by the third element of the planetary gear set, the housing being closed by a pump flange and a pulley with pulley cover, wherein at least the pulley and/or a ring gear disposed in the pulley is made of plastic.