Integrated Coolant Pump-Switch for Continuous Start-Stop Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle coolant systems face inefficiencies in coolant circulation during engine stop-start conditions, leading to overheating, and require separate auxiliary pumps and valves, increasing component costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated pump and switch system that includes an electrically driven auxiliary pump and a switch to control coolant flow, allowing selective operation based on vehicle conditions, ensuring coolant circulation even during engine shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical coolant pump driven by the engine is used, then coolant circulation is maintained during engine operation, but coolant circulation stops during engine shutdown in start-stop systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mechanical coolant pump driven by the engine with an electric auxiliary coolant pump into a single integrated pumping system. The mechanical pump handles coolant circulation during engine operation, while the electric auxiliary pump takes over during engine shutdown, ensuring continuous coolant circulation under all operating conditions including start-stop scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-pump system provides multi-functionality by enabling coolant circulation through two different driving mechanisms. The mechanical pump serves the traditional engine-driven function, while the electric auxiliary pump adds the capability to maintain circulation during engine shutdown, making the system adaptable to both conventional and start-stop operating modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate auxiliary pumps and inlet switching valves are used to control coolant flow, then coolant flow can be directed to heat absorbing components, but component costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the electric auxiliary coolant pump and the inlet switching valve into a single integrated component. The integrated unit includes a pump housing with a pump chamber for coolant circulation and a switch chamber containing the switching mechanism, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining full coolant flow control capability to multiple heat absorbing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump and switch unit performs multiple functions within a single component: it provides auxiliary coolant pumping during engine shutdown, controls flow distribution to multiple heat absorbing components through its switching mechanism, and maintains system pressure. This multi-functional design reduces component count and overall system complexity.
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
Maintains optimal component temperatures while enhancing fuel efficiency by ensuring continuous coolant circulation, reducing parasitic losses, and minimizing component costs.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically driven auxiliary pump and a switch to control coolant flow, allowing selective operation based on vehicle conditions
Implementation Method 2
pumping a coolant from a first pump to at least a first heat absorbing device when the heat generating component is operating
Data Source
AI summary
A process and apparatus for cooling a heat generating component of a vehicle comprises a first pump operated to pump a coolant to at least a first beat absorbing device when the heat generating component is operating. A second pump is operated to pump the coolant to at least the first heat absorbing device when the heat generating component is caused to stop operating.