Hybrid Engine Coolant Pump Layout for Compact High-Torque Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps for recirculating cooling liquids in engines face challenges in varying speed of rotation according to engine requirements, have large radial dimensions, and are not suitable for high-capacity vehicles with low engine revolutions, requiring a compact and efficient solution that can produce high torques at low speeds.
Innovation Solution
A pump design featuring an electromagnetic friction coupling and an electric motor with a unique arrangement allowing adjustable impeller speed, compact dimensions, and high torque output, utilizing a pulley and belt system with an electromagnetic coupling and an external electric motor to transmit movement independently of the combustion engine's shaft, enabling efficient recirculation with reduced radial size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the friction coupling is positioned axially concentric with the electric motor, then the transmission of rotational movement is simplified, but the radial dimensions of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the friction coupling axially adjacent to rather than concentric with the electric motor, transitioning from a radial arrangement to an axial arrangement. This dimensional change allows the components to be stacked along the axial direction, reducing the radial footprint while maintaining functional connectivity through the bell member and shaft assembly.
2Reliability
If the pump operates at full speed constantly, then the cooling requirement is always met, but the power consumption and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid control system that dynamically adjusts the pump's operating mode based on actual cooling requirements. The system transitions between friction coupling engagement (engine-dependent speed) and electric motor activation (controlled speed), allowing the pump to operate at variable speeds rather than constant full speed, thereby reducing power consumption and wear while maintaining adequate cooling performance.
3Length of moving object
If the friction coupling and electric motor are positioned concentrically, then the assembly is compact axially, but the radial dimensions become incompatible with engine compartment constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts an axial stacking arrangement where the friction coupling is positioned adjacent to the electric motor along the axial direction rather than concentrically. This repositioning redistributes the spatial requirements from the radial dimension to the axial dimension, resulting in increased axial length but reduced radial footprint, making the assembly compatible with engine compartment constraints.
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 pump efficiently recirculates cooling liquids with adjustable speed, maintaining compact dimensions and high torque capabilities, suitable for various engine conditions, including low-revolution engines and temporary stoppages, while being easy to produce and install without special adaptations.
Implementation Method 1
a bell member (4) which carries a ring (4a) with a suitable axial thickness for connection to movement generating means so as to transmit said movement to the pump shaft (2); said movement generating means comprise a first device (100) for transmitting the movement generated by the shaft of the combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor which instead is activated when the friction coupling is disengaged, so as to perform a rotation at a controlled speed independent of the driving shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A pump for recirculating the cooling liquid of combustion engines, in particular of vehicles, with a hybrid control system that includes an electromagnetic friction coupling and electric motor. The pump is capable of recirculating cooling liquids to produce a variation in the speed of the rotation of the impeller depending on the requirements of the engine.