Electromagnetic Coolant Pump Layout for Compact High-Torque Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps for recirculating cooling fluids in vehicles face challenges in achieving variable speed rotation, compact dimensions, and high torque at slow engine speeds, while being easy and inexpensive to produce and install, especially for high-performance vehicles with limited engine compartment space.
Innovation Solution
The pump design features a pulley formed on the outer edge of a circular ring of an electromagnetic friction coupling, mounted radially outside the electromagnet and armature, allowing for compact axial dimensions and flexible design, with an independent electric motor for controlled speed adjustment, and a fail-safe configuration to ensure continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the friction coupling is positioned axially on the outside of the pulley, then the pump can achieve variable speed rotation, but the axial dimensions of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention repositions the pulley from an axial arrangement to a radial arrangement. The pulley is formed on the outer circumferential edge of a shaped circular ring that forms part of the rotor, placing it in a radially more outer-lying position than the electromagnet and armature. This dimensional reconfiguration allows variable speed rotation capability while maintaining compact axial dimensions suitable for engine compartment constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulley is integrated into the rotor structure as part of the shaped circular ring, nesting the movement take-up means within the existing rotor assembly. This nested configuration eliminates the need for separate axial mounting space while maintaining all functional capabilities including variable speed control through the electromagnetic friction coupling.
2Length of moving object
If the pump is designed with compact dimensions, then it fits in limited engine compartment space, but it becomes difficult to produce high torques at slow engine speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs an independent electric motor that can operate at high speeds to drive the electromagnetic friction coupling, which then transmits rotational movement to the impeller. This dynamic system allows the electric motor to generate high torque at slow impeller speeds by operating at higher rotational speeds, effectively decoupling the torque-generation speed from the impeller rotation speed. The friction coupling acts as a speed-reducing torque-multiplying mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional direct mechanical connection between the drive shaft and impeller with an electromagnetic friction coupling system. This substitution allows for controlled torque transmission and speed variation, enabling the system to produce high torques at slow speeds through the electromagnetic coupling mechanism while maintaining compact dimensions.
3Length of moving object
If the pulley is positioned radially outside the electromagnet and armature, then the axial dimensions are reduced, but the design flexibility of the electromagnetic coupling is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the pulley to a radial position outside the electromagnet and armature, the invention creates design freedom in the axial direction. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the electromagnetic coupling components to be arranged optimally along the axial axis without spatial constraints from the pulley, enhancing design flexibility for the electromagnetic coupling while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
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 design enables a compact, adaptable, and efficient cooling fluid recirculation system that can handle varying engine speeds and conditions, ensuring effective cooling while maintaining small dimensions and high torque, with a fail-safe operation to prevent malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic friction coupling, which comprises a fixed electromagnet and an armature arranged facing the electromagnet on the opposite side relative to the impeller
Implementation Method 2
The armature is connected to a resilient recall lamina designed to displace the armature axially when the electromagnet is de-energized
Implementation Method 3
a belt connected to a movement source such as in particular a drive shaft
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Pump for recirculating a cooling fluid for a vehicle, comprising: a pump body (11 ), which is fixed during use; an impeller (1 ) mounted on a driven shaft (2); at least one friction coupling (20) of the electromagnetic type, comprising a fixed electromagnet (22), a rotor (21;121 ) and an armature (23); movement take-up means (21 c;121 c) for taking up a rotational movement, configured to be connected to a movement source such as a shaft of the combustion engine of the vehicle and mounted on an outer bearing (40) keyed onto the pump body (11 ); an electric motor (50) for driving the driven shaft (2) independently of the movement take-up means (21 c;121 c); and a bell member (14;153) fastened to an end of the driven shaft opposite to that which carries the impeller. The friction coupling is designed to rotationally couple/decouple the movement take-up means (21 c;121 c) and the bell member (14;153) and said electric motor (50) is arranged inside the bell member (14) on the opposite side to the impeller (1 ) relative to the friction coupling (20). The movement take-up means (21 c;121 c) are formed on an outer circumferential edge of a shaped circular ring (21 a;121 a) which forms part of said rotor (21 ) and are arranged in a position radially more outer lying than the electromagnet (22) and/or the armature (23) of the friction coupling.