Integrated Fluid Pump Valve Switch for Coolant Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coolant circuits in vehicles face inefficiencies due to the shutdown of mechanical coolant pumps during start-stop systems, leading to temperature issues and excessive coolant flow, resulting in parasitic energy losses and high component costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated assembly of a fluid pump and valve switch that can be selectively energized using an electrical motor and actuator, allowing for on-demand fluid pumping and flow control with a minimal component setup, including a housing with fluid inlets, a valve switch, and an impeller, which is rotated by an electrical motor to accelerate fluid and control flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical coolant pump is used in conventional coolant circuits, then coolant circulation is maintained during engine operation, but the pump stops during engine shutdown in start-stop systems, causing temperature issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mechanical coolant pump and an electric auxiliary pump into a single integrated pump assembly. The electric auxiliary pump is activated when the mechanical pump stops during engine shutdown, ensuring continuous coolant circulation without temperature issues while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric auxiliary pump acts as an intermediary device that takes over the coolant circulation function when the mechanical pump stops. This intermediary pump ensures continuous coolant flow during engine shutdown periods, preventing temperature rise while the engine is stopped.
2Temperature
If a high flow rate coolant pump is used to provide high coolant flow rate under severe conditions, then overheating is prevented, but excessive coolant flow occurs under normal operating conditions, resulting in parasitic energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pump system where the electric auxiliary pump can be selectively activated or deactivated based on operating conditions. During normal operation, only the mechanical pump operates at appropriate flow rates. During severe conditions or engine shutdown, the electric auxiliary pump activates to provide additional flow, optimizing energy usage across different operating scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by introducing a second pump that can be activated or deactivated based on thermal conditions. This allows the total coolant flow rate to be dynamically adjusted - high flow during severe conditions for temperature control, and reduced flow during normal conditions to minimize parasitic energy losses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate auxiliary pumps and inlet switching valves are used to provide auxiliary fluid pump flow and switch coolant flow, then coolant flow control is achieved, but component costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the auxiliary pump and inlet switching valve functions into a single integrated pump assembly. The electric auxiliary pump is positioned to receive coolant directly from the mechanical pump outlet, eliminating the need for separate switching valves and branched circuit lines. This integration reduces component quantity and cost while maintaining coolant flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump assembly performs multiple functions: the mechanical pump provides primary coolant circulation, the electric auxiliary pump provides supplemental flow during shutdowns or severe conditions, and the unified structure eliminates the need for separate switching valves. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity and component costs.
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 enables efficient coolant circulation during engine stoppages, preventing overheating and reducing energy losses by allowing selective operation of the fluid pump and valve switch, thus optimizing coolant flow and minimizing component costs.
Implementation Method 1
An impeller contained in the pump cavity is arranged to be rotated on demand by an electrical motor to accelerate the fluid in the pump cavity out of the fluid outlet
Implementation Method 2
A valve switch located in the housing is arranged to selectively switch the flow of the fluid between the second fluid inlet and the pump cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly comprising a housing having a first and a second fluid inlet for directing fluid to a pump cavity. A valve switch located in the housing is arranged to selectively switch the flow of the fluid between the second fluid inlet and the pump cavity. A fluid outlet is fluidically connected to the pump cavity and an impeller contained in the pump cavity is arranged to be rotated on demand by an electrical motor that accelerates the fluid in the pump cavity out of the fluid outlet.