Hydraulic Pump Unit With Integrated Reservoir For Towed Vehicle Brakes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-hydraulic braking systems for towed vehicles require multiple electrical connections and an external reservoir, which can be cumbersome and limit versatility in mounting configurations.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic pump unit with an internal reservoir and axial piston pump that can be assembled in various configurations, allowing the inlet to be positioned at a low point within the reservoir, reducing the need for external connections and enhancing mounting flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an external reservoir is mounted to the towed vehicle, then hydraulic fluid supply is ensured, but the system becomes cumbersome and mounting flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the external reservoir and pump into a single integrated pump unit that mounts to the towed vehicle as one assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate reservoir mounting while maintaining hydraulic fluid supply functionality, thereby reducing system complexity and improving mounting flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the hydraulic fluid reservoir and the pump mechanism, while also providing mounting provisions for the towed vehicle. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple electrical connections are required, then electro-hydraulic control is achieved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump unit integrates the motor and pump mechanism into a single assembly with unified mounting provisions. This combination reduces the number of separate electrical connections required, as the motor mounting and electrical connections are consolidated into one integrated unit rather than requiring separate connections for discrete components.
3Productivity
If the inlet is positioned at a high point in the reservoir, then fluid flow to pump is simplified, but gravitational feed to pump inlet is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses inlet positioning by considering three-dimensional orientation of the pump unit during mounting. The housing includes mounting provisions that allow the unit to be installed in various orientations, enabling the inlet to be positioned at an appropriate level relative to the reservoir based on the specific mounting location and vehicle orientation, thus maintaining gravitational feed while accommodating different installation scenarios.
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 hydraulic pump unit provides a versatile solution for supplying pressurized fluid to hydraulic brake systems, simplifying installation and operation by integrating the reservoir and pump within a single, adaptable unit, reducing the complexity of electrical connections and improving mounting options.
Implementation Method 1
an axial piston pump supported within the housing assembly and connectable to a motor, the pump having an inlet and an outlet connectable to a pressure line of the brake system for supplying pressurized fluid thereto
Implementation Method 2
The first housing member has a pump cavity in which the pump is supported and a reservoir cavity at least partially surrounding the pump cavity... an inlet passageway connecting the reservoir to the pump inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic pump unit that includes a pump and an internal reservoir that is mountable as a unit to a towed vehicle. The hydraulic pump unit can be assembled in a plurality of configurations such that an inlet to the pump is located at a relatively low point within the internal reservoir depending on the orientation in which the unit is mounted to the towed vehicle. Thus, the power unit can be adapted for use in a plurality of applications thereby making the unit versatile.