Fluid Pump Pressure Regulation via Dynamic Valve Spool Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine lubrication systems consume excessive energy due to maintaining high oil pump pressure across all operating regimes, despite only reduced oil volume and pressure being required in many conditions, which negatively impacts fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pump pressure regulation system utilizing a hydraulic valve with a valve spool and linear actuator to dynamically adjust the pressure threshold, connecting fluid pump outlets to a control port, allowing for precise control of oil pressure within a predetermined range based on engine speed, thereby optimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single pressure relief valve is used to limit maximum pump pressure, then the engine receives adequate lubrication in all operating conditions, but the pump's energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic pressure control system where the relief valve threshold is not fixed but can be adjusted based on operating conditions. The control system varies the relief pressure setting dynamically, allowing the pump to operate at lower pressures during light-load conditions while maintaining high pressure thresholds for heavy-load conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable lubrication and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically by adjusting the relief valve threshold pressure based on engine operating conditions. The control system monitors parameters such as engine load and speed, and accordingly modifies the pressure at which the relief valve activates, enabling the pump to adapt its output pressure to match actual lubrication needs rather than maintaining a constantly high threshold.
2Use of energy by moving object
If pump output is varied as a function of pump outlet pressure, then fuel economy improves, but the capability to maintain pressure within a predetermined range across all operating regimes is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors pump outlet pressure and adjusts the relief valve threshold accordingly. The control system receives feedback about actual pressure conditions and engine operating parameters, then modulates the relief valve setting to maintain pressure within the desired range, ensuring both fuel economy and reliable pressure control across all operating regimes.
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 ensures reliable engine lubrication while reducing energy consumption and improving fuel economy by maintaining optimal oil pressure and flow across varying engine speeds, promoting efficient engine operation.
Implementation Method 1
A linear actuator is adjacent the valve body and operatively coupled to the valve spool
Implementation Method 2
A first spring biases the valve spool with respect to the valve body toward a second position when the first pressure level at the first port is less than a given threshold level
Implementation Method 3
a valve, the valve having a valve body with a bore and a valve spool slideably received within the bore. The valve body has a first port, a second port and a third port in fluid communication with the bore
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid pump pressure regulation systems and methods have a valve body with a bore and a valve spool. The valve spool connects a first and second port to a third port in different valve spool positions. The first port is in fluid communication with an output of a fluid pump to receive a first fluid pressure from the fluid pump. The second port is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir. The third port is in fluid communication with a fluid pump input to provide a second fluid pressure to the fluid pump to control the first fluid pressure from the fluid pump. A linear actuator is adjacent the valve body, with a first spring and a second spring biasing the valve spool in a first or second direction.