Hollow-Shaft Electric Pump for Direct Oil Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electric pump systems in vehicles lack the ability to accurately monitor fluid temperature and condition, requiring frequent oil changes and occupying large physical space due to unwieldy design.
Innovation Solution
An electric pump system with a mechanical pump, electronic control unit, and motor, featuring a hollow shaft and integrated fluid passageways for precise temperature measurement and efficient fluid flow, including a thermistor and microcontroller for monitoring and controlling the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional temperature sensors are used outside the pump system or in regions representative of oil flowing through the pump, then the pump system structure is simpler, but the temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensor directly with the pump shaft, merging the measurement function into the structural component itself. The sensor is integrated within the hollow shaft, allowing direct temperature measurement of the oil while eliminating the need for separate external sensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow shaft acts as an intermediary structure that enables both mechanical rotation and thermal measurement. By placing the temperature sensor within the hollow shaft, the system uses the shaft as a mediator to access the oil temperature directly at the pump inlet region.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional oil pumps are designed with separate attachment mechanisms for different parts, then the components can be manufactured independently, but the pump becomes large and unwieldy requiring larger physical space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor housing and pump housing into a single integrated structure. The motor is positioned concentrically with the pump, and the housings are combined to form a unified assembly, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms and reducing overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is nested within the pump assembly in a concentric arrangement. The motor housing and pump housing share common structural elements, with the motor positioned at the center and the pump components arranged around it, creating a compact nested configuration.
3Productivity
If traditional oil pumps do not monitor oil condition, then the pump system is simpler, but oil changes are required frequently based on time rather than actual condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the temperature sensor continuously monitors oil temperature and provides data to a control unit. This feedback enables real-time assessment of oil condition, allowing the system to determine when oil changes are actually needed rather than following a fixed schedule.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/time-based oil change schedule with an electronic monitoring and control system. The temperature sensor and control unit work together to electronically assess oil condition and provide alerts or control signals based on actual oil state rather than mechanical timing mechanisms.
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
Enables accurate temperature assessment and efficient fluid management, reducing the need for frequent oil changes and optimizing space usage while enhancing system performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic control unit further including a thermistor to measure a temperature of a fluid exiting the shaft outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An electric pump system and method of operating the same involves pumping a fluid through a fluid passageway defined in a mechanical pump from a pump inlet to a hollow shaft of a motor, through the hollow shaft to an internal motor cavity defined by a housing of the motor, and through another fluid passageway defined in the motor housing and mechanical pump that leads to a pump outlet. The system and method further involve pumping the fluid through another fluid passageway defined in the mechanical pump from yet another pump inlet to the pump outlet. The temperature of fluid exiting the hollow shaft can be assessed and used by an electronic control unit (ECU) of the electric pump system to control the same. The electric pump system can be part of a cooling and lubrication system for an electric vehicle transmission, gearbox, differential or transfer case, for example.