Flotation Oil Sump Valve for Reliable Circulation in Shallow Pans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems with wet or dry sumps for vehicle engines require multiple oil pumps, increasing complexity, mass, and cost, while existing one-way valves are not effective in preventing oil egress during vehicle maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A flotation-based valve system with a buoyant member that rotates about a pivot point to open and close an oil sump opening, using oil buoyancy to prevent oil egress and allow ingress, allowing for a shallower oil sump design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple oil pumps are used in a dry sump system, then oil circulation reliability is improved, but device complexity and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple oil pumps into a single oil pump system by using a flotation-based valve to manage oil flow distribution. The valve automatically directs oil flow to different locations based on vehicle orientation, eliminating the need for multiple pumps while maintaining reliable oil circulation throughout the motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The flotation-based valve operates autonomously using buoyancy forces to respond to changes in oil level and vehicle orientation. It automatically opens or closes oil passages based on physical conditions without requiring external control systems, sensors, or additional power, thereby simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable oil distribution.
2Quantity of substance
If a deeper oil sump is used, then oil capacity is increased, but motor height and packaging volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the oil sump by using a wider, shallower design instead of a deeper one. The flotation-based valve compensates for the reduced depth by dynamically managing oil flow and pressure distribution, allowing the system to maintain adequate oil capacity while reducing the vertical dimension of the motor for better packaging.
3Device complexity
If a flotation-based valve is used, then device complexity is reduced, but valve reliability under varying vehicle conditions may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The flotation-based valve uses buoyancy as a counterbalancing force to gravity, allowing it to automatically respond to changes in oil level and vehicle orientation. The buoyant force on the floating element provides a natural counterweight mechanism that ensures the valve opens or closes appropriately under varying vehicle conditions without requiring complex control systems.
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 solution reduces the depth of the oil sump, enabling a more compact motor design, improved oil circulation under varying vehicle conditions, and reduces the need for multiple oil pumps, thereby lowering mass and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the valve member enclosing an air cavity for buoyancy, wherein the valve member is configured to rotate about the pivot point due to being buoyed by the oil
Data Source
AI summary
An oil pan is attached to a motor to form an oil sump. An oil sump can have one or more valves. Oil can buoy a rotatably mounted valve member into a closed position, and gravity can rotate the valve into an open position. A valve can have a stadium shape. Valves can be placed symmetrically or asymmetrically with regard to a forward-reverse travel direction axis or to a left-right lateral acceleration axis. A bulbous portion of a valve member can enclose an air cavity and can extend into a valve opening. A valve can be placed at an oil pickup, wherein oil can buoy the valve to an open position and otherwise the valve member can be rotated to a closed position.