Electric Water Pump Decoupling Coolant Flow from Engine Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical water pumps are inefficient at low engine speeds, leading to suboptimal operation of vehicle heaters and radiators, and increase fuel consumption when engine speed is increased to compensate, while electric water pumps require sufficient waterproofing to maintain performance and durability.
Innovation Solution
An electric water pump design featuring a stator and rotor with a magnetic field, an impeller, and bearings to reduce friction, along with a ceramic thrust ring and rubber cup for interference prevention, and a Hall sensor for position detection and control signal management, all sealed within a bulk mold compound case for improved durability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mechanical water pump is used, then the pump is driven by engine rotation, but the coolant flow amount is insufficient at low engine speeds, causing poor heater and radiator operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical water pump driven by engine rotation with an electric water pump driven by an electric motor. This substitution allows the pump to operate independently of engine speed, maintaining adequate coolant flow at low engine speeds while eliminating the need to increase engine speed for proper heater and radiator operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable speed control of the electric motor based on operating conditions. The control apparatus adjusts the motor rotation speed according to coolant temperature, engine load, and other parameters, enabling optimal coolant flow regulation across different operating conditions without being tied to engine speed.
2Productivity
If engine speed is increased to improve coolant flow, then heater and radiator operation improves, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the engine-driven mechanical pump with an electric motor-driven pump. This allows coolant flow to be controlled by the electric motor independently of engine speed, enabling adequate coolant circulation for heater and radiator operation without increasing engine speed and associated fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from engine speed to electric motor speed. The control apparatus regulates motor rotation speed based on coolant temperature and system demands, decoupling coolant flow control from engine operation and allowing optimal fuel efficiency while maintaining required coolant circulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electric components are used in the water pump, then independent coolant flow control is achieved, but waterproofing requirements increase to maintain performance and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water pump into separate sealed chambers: an electric component chamber housing the motor and control electronics, and a coolant chamber containing the impeller and coolant flow paths. Sealing walls and gaskets isolate these chambers, preventing coolant contact with electric components while maintaining independent coolant flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sealing elements (gaskets, sealed barriers, and waterproof membranes) as intermediaries between the coolant environment and electric components. These sealing intermediaries protect sensitive electronics from coolant exposure while allowing the electric pump to maintain independent coolant flow control, thus preserving both adaptability and reliability.
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 electric water pump achieves improved performance and durability by allowing independent coolant flow control, reducing rotational friction, and enhancing waterproofing, thus optimizing heater and radiator operation without increasing fuel consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a stator generating a magnetic field according to a control signal
Implementation Method 2
a rotor enclosed by the stator and rotated by the magnetic field generated at the stator
Implementation Method 3
an impeller fixed to a front portion of the shaft so as to rotate together with the shaft, pressurizing the coolant having flowed in through the inlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electric water pump having improved performance and durability. The electric water pump may include a stator generating a magnetic field according to a control signal, a rotor rotated by the magnetic field, a pump cover having an inlet and an outlet, a body having a front surface forming a volute chamber, a stator chamber, and a rotor chamber, the stator mounted in the stator chamber and the rotor mounted in the rotor chamber, a shaft having a central axis, fixed to the rotor and mounted in the rotor chamber, and an impeller fixed to the shaft so as to rotate together with the shaft, pressurizing the coolant having flowed in through the inlet, and mounted in the volute chamber, wherein the rotor chamber is fluidly connected to the volute chamber, and the stator chamber is fluidly closed and sealed from the rotor chamber.