Immersed Motor-Pump Hydraulic Unit for Cooling and Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic power units for self-propelled vehicles suffer from bulkiness due to complex cooling systems, vibrations, and noise caused by the combined operation of electric motors and hydraulic pumps, which are unpleasant for users.
Innovation Solution
A compact hydraulic power unit design where the motor-pump unit is partially or fully immersed in hydraulic fluid, equipped with temperature sensors and probes to regulate fluid and motor temperatures, reducing the need for a dedicated cooling system and minimizing vibrations through elastic mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a dedicated cooling system with radiator is added to cool the electric motor, then the motor temperature is controlled, but the device becomes bulkier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the hydraulic system by immersing the motor-pump unit in the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The hydraulic fluid serves dual purposes: hydraulic medium and cooling medium, eliminating the need for separate cooling components like radiators and cooling fans.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic fluid performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits hydraulic power through the pump and cools the motor-pump unit through thermal conduction. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by combining what would traditionally require separate systems.
2Power
If the motor and hydraulic pump operate together, then hydraulic power is generated, but high-frequency vibrations and noise are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic fluid acts as an intermediary damping medium between the motor-pump unit and the vehicle chassis. The fluid absorbs and dissipates high-frequency vibrations through viscous damping, reducing the transmission of vibrations and noise to the vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs elastic mounting elements that provide flexible coupling between the motor-pump unit and the vehicle chassis. These elastic elements absorb vibrations and isolate noise, reducing the transmission of harmful vibrations while maintaining mechanical support.
3Reliability
If the reservoir is made larger to provide sufficient suction for the hydraulic pump, then the pump can operate reliably, but the overall size of the hydraulic power unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function with the hydraulic reservoir by immersing the motor-pump unit in the hydraulic fluid. This integration allows the reservoir to serve dual purposes: providing hydraulic fluid for pump operation and serving as a cooling medium, thereby reducing the need for additional cooling components that would increase overall system volume.
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 design achieves reduced vibrations, noise, and compactness while effectively cooling the components, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the hydraulic pump can be easily cooled by the hydraulic fluid present in the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic fluid can also serve to reduce the vibrations and noise generated by the motor-pump unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hydraulic power unit comprising a hydraulic circuit equipped with a reservoir containing a hydraulic fluid and at least one pump unit (20) comprising a first part (22), a second part (24), a motor (26), and a hydraulic pump (30) driven by the motor (26). The pump unit (20) is positioned in the reservoir such that the first part (22) of the pump unit (20) is immersed in the hydraulic fluid.