Integrated Filter Plate for Vehicle Transmission Pump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid pumps used in motor vehicle transmission systems face challenges in preventing impurities from entering the pump and lubrication points, while also requiring protection against malfunction and maintaining a simplified assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A filter plate with precise filter openings and a pressure-limiting valve is integrated into the pump housing, where the filter plate acts as a mounting component for the spring of the valve, eliminating the need for additional parts and allowing for easy assembly and filtering, with optional features like spring-centring means and latching lugs for enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate filter component is added to prevent impurities, then filtering performance is improved, but device complexity and assembly cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering performanceVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter plate is merged with the pump housing into a single integrated component. The filter plate serves dual functions: it acts as a mounting surface for the pressure-limiting valve and simultaneously provides filtering function through integrated filter openings. This eliminates the need for separate filter components and reduces assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter plate is designed as a multi-functional component that combines three functions: (1) serving as a mounting base for the pressure-limiting valve, (2) providing filtering action through integrated filter openings, and (3) acting as a structural element of the pump housing. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for filtering and valve mounting, then functional requirements are met, but assembly procedure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional requirementsVSAvoidassembly procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter plate integrates the valve mounting function and filtering function into a single component. The pressure-limiting valve is mounted directly on the filter plate, which is already integrated into the pump housing. This reduces the number of assembly steps from multiple separate component installations to a single integrated unit installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If a robust filter plate is used to support the spring, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidfilter opening precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The filter plate incorporates filter openings with specific pore sizes (0.05 mm to 0.5 mm) that provide both structural integrity and filtering capability. The porous structure allows the plate to maintain strength while enabling precise filtering action through the controlled geometry of the filter openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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 solution effectively prevents impurities from entering the pump, protects it from malfunction, and simplifies the assembly process by using a single component for filtering and mounting, reducing costs and ensuring precise filtering action.

Implementation Method 1

a filter plate (40) which covers the at least one intake opening (24) is attached to the pump housing (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a pressure-limiting valve (32), which has a valve body (34) and a spring (36)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3832136B1Liquid pump, in particular for providing a supply to a transmission of an electric or hybrid drive module of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 FTE AUTOMOTIVE GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a liquid pump, in particular for providing a supply to a transmission of an electric or hybrid drive module of a motor vehicle, having a pump housing (22) in which a pump chamber and a pump rotor (18) are arranged, wherein the pump housing (22) has at least one intake opening (24), characterized in that a filter plate (40) which covers the at least one intake opening (24) is attached to the pump housing (22).