Hydraulic Pump Segmentation for Electro-Mechanical Transmission Power Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric tracked vehicles face challenges in maintaining critical functions like braking and steering, as well as cooling and lubrication, when electrical power fails, as traditional hydraulic systems are not designed to operate independently of electrical power.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with an electrically-powered main pump, a battery-powered auxiliary pump, and a mechanically-powered output pump, which ensures fluid pressure is maintained even in the event of electrical failure, using a multi-stage centrifugal pump and various valves to optimize fluid flow and pressure for cooling, lubrication, and torque-transmitting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the hydraulic system uses an electrically-powered main pump, then the system can provide sufficient fluid pressure for transmission operations, but the system fails to operate when electrical power is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pump system is segmented into three distinct pumps: an electrically-powered main pump for normal operations, a battery-powered auxiliary pump for emergency torque-transmitting mechanism engagement, and a mechanically-powered output pump for sustained backup operation. This segmentation allows each pump to serve specific functions and ensures continuous operation across different power availability scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power source parameter from solely electrical to a multi-source configuration. The main pump operates on electrical power for high-performance requirements, while the auxiliary and output pumps provide mechanical and battery power alternatives. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to varying power availability conditions while maintaining reliable fluid pressure generation.
2Reliability
If the hydraulic system includes multiple backup pumps, then the system maintains reliability during power failures, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The output pump serves multiple functions: it provides backup fluid pressure when the main pump fails, powers transmission components during towing operations through mechanical connection to the output member, and can operate independently of electrical power. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated backup systems, thereby managing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The output pump is mechanically powered by the transmission output member itself, creating a self-service backup system. When the transmission is operated (either under power or being towed), the output member's rotation automatically drives the output pump to provide necessary fluid pressure, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems for backup operation.
3Reliability
If the main pump operates continuously to provide fluid for all transmission components, then all components receive adequate lubrication and cooling, but energy is wasted when fluid is not needed for specific functions
Solution Approach 1:
The main pump is designed with variable speed capability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its operation based on actual system requirements. The pump controller monitors transmission operating conditions and modulates pump speed accordingly, providing high flow when needed for lubrication and cooling while reducing speed to minimize spin losses during periods of lower demand or when specific functions are not active.
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 system ensures continuous operation of critical vehicle functions by providing redundant fluid pressure sources, minimizing energy losses, and maintaining functionality during towing and electrical power outages, thereby ensuring reliable braking, steering, cooling, and lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically powered main pump provides fluid to transmission components
Implementation Method 2
a battery-powered auxiliary pump that is selectively operable, when the electric power to the main pump is unavailable, for providing sufficient fluid pressure to engage one of the torque-transmitting mechanisms
Implementation Method 3
An output pump is operably connected to the transmission output member and is mechanically-powered by the rotation of the output member to provide fluid to the transmission components for brake cooling, lubrication during towing
Implementation Method 4
the hydraulic system usually utilizes a pump and various valves, to direct fluid in response to vehicle operating requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system for an electro-mechanical transmission includes an electrically-powered main pump, a battery powered auxiliary pump and an output pump. The main pump provides fluid to transmission components such as a torque-transmitting mechanism. The auxiliary pump provides fluid pressure to engage the torque-transmitting mechanism when electric power to the main pump is unavailable or the main pump is otherwise inoperable. The engaged torque-transmitting mechanism enables rotation of an output member which mechanically powers the output pump so that it may provide fluid to the transmission components in lieu of the main pump. A method of providing fluid to transmission components is also provided.