Feed Pump Fluid Undersupply Detection via Rotational Speed

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic systems in motor vehicles do not effectively detect fluid undersupply, which can lead to transmission damage, and existing solutions like filling level sensors are costly and prone to interference.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses sensors to detect the actual rotational speed and current consumption of the feed pump, comparing these to reference values to determine fluid undersupply, and generates a warning message without additional components, using an evaluation unit and a filling level model to predict the filling state and simulate normal conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filling level sensor is arranged in the hydraulic oil sump to detect fluid undersupply, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual model (filling level model unit) that copies and simulates the physical filling level behavior in the oil sump. This digital twin approach allows the system to detect fluid levels through computational modeling rather than physical sensors, eliminating the need for additional hardware while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical filling level sensor with an electronic evaluation method. By using the control unit to calculate and predict filling levels based on operational parameters, the system substitutes a physical sensing mechanism with a computational approach, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a filling level sensor is arranged in the hydraulic oil sump to detect fluid undersupply, then the detection capability is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual model (filling level model unit) that copies and simulates the physical filling level behavior in the oil sump. This digital twin approach allows the system to detect fluid levels through computational modeling rather than physical sensors, eliminating the need for additional hardware while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical filling level sensor with an electronic evaluation method. By using the control unit to calculate and predict filling levels based on operational parameters, the system substitutes a physical sensing mechanism with a computational approach, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a filling level sensor is arranged in the hydraulic oil sump to detect fluid undersupply, then the detection capability is improved, but the sensor is susceptible to interference during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidinterference susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual model (filling level model unit) that copies and simulates the physical filling level behavior in the oil sump. This digital twin approach allows the system to detect fluid levels through computational modeling rather than physical sensors, eliminating the need for additional hardware while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical filling level sensor with an electronic evaluation method. By using the control unit to calculate and predict filling levels based on operational parameters, the system substitutes a physical sensing mechanism with a computational approach, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10948076B2Method for operating an electrically actuable feed pump in a hydraulic circuit

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 AUDI AG

AI summary

A method for operating an electrically actuable feed pump in a hydraulic circuit, which draws in fluid from a fluid sump with a normal supplying of fluid. The fluid circulated in the hydraulic circuit can be returned back, and air is sucked in at least partially with an undersupply of fluid. The electric motor is integrated in a control circuit, which is provided with a control unit, which actuates the electric motor based on an actual rotational speed and a setpoint rotational speed with an actuation rotational speed. The evaluation unit compares the actual rotational speed to a reference rotational speed and in particular always with an identical current consumption. The evaluation unit then determines based on the comparison whether a fluid undersupply is present.