Magnetic Coupling Pump with Fluid Actuator for Coolant Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive engine coolant pumps face challenges in independently controlling their speed from engine speed, requiring substantial axial distances in magnetic couplings and complex seals, which are prone to damage and obstruction.
Innovation Solution
A pump design utilizing a magnetic coupling with a fluid-controlled actuator, featuring a non-rotating piston within a cylinder, allowing precise control of the magnetic field interaction and eliminating the need for rotary seals, along with a fail-safe biasing mechanism for maximum torque transmission in case of actuator failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a magnetic coupling with a lever actuator is used to control pump speed independently of engine speed, then pump speed control is achieved, but a substantial axial distance is required between the coupling parts to accommodate the lever
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lever actuator system with a fluid-controlled actuator that uses hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to move the magnetic coupling elements. This substitution eliminates the need for a substantial axial distance, as the fluid pressure can be applied more compactly within the coupling structure, thereby achieving pump speed control without increasing the axial dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a fluid-controlled actuator utilizing hydraulic or pneumatic principles to actuate the magnetic coupling. The fluid pressure directly moves the coupling elements to adjust the magnetic field interaction, enabling compact design with reduced axial distance while maintaining independent pump speed control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lever actuator is used to actuate the magnetic coupling, then pump speed control is achieved, but the actuator may obstruct parts of the engine assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fluid-controlled actuator within the internal structure of the magnetic coupling assembly, nesting the actuator components inside the coupling housing. This nested arrangement allows the actuator to be contained within the existing pump envelope, preventing obstruction of engine assembly parts while maintaining pump speed control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a mechanical lever actuator that extends outward in space to a fluid-controlled actuator that operates within the internal pressure dimension. By using fluid pressure applied through ports and passages within the coupling structure, the actuation mechanism no longer requires external spatial extension, thus avoiding obstruction of surrounding engine components.
3Reliability
If a housing seal is provided to protect the magnetic coupling from debris, then protection is achieved, but the seal is awkward and vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable seal component from the magnetic coupling housing design. By using a fluid-controlled actuator with internal pressure containment, the need for complex external seals is eliminated. The fluid pressure system inherently contains the actuation mechanism, removing the requirement for awkward and damage-prone seal arrangements while maintaining protection from debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid medium (hydraulic or pneumatic) as an intermediary between the actuator and the magnetic coupling elements. This fluid intermediary transmits force through sealed ports and passages that are simpler and more robust than mechanical seals, providing protection from debris while reducing seal complexity and vulnerability to damage.
4Force
If a mechanical connection is used between the engine output shaft and pump, then direct torque transmission is achieved, but the pump speed is directly correlated with engine speed and cannot be independently controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a magnetic coupling with variable interaction strength instead of a fixed mechanical connection. By dynamically adjusting the gap between the magnetic coupling elements using fluid pressure, the torque transmission can be modulated while maintaining independent speed control. The magnetic coupling provides continuous variable coupling rather than fixed mechanical engagement, enabling both torque transmission and speed independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical connection with a magnetic field-based coupling system actuated by fluid pressure. This substitution allows torque to be transmitted through magnetic interaction rather than direct mechanical contact, enabling independent control of pump speed while maintaining torque transmission capability through adjustable magnetic field strength.
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
Enables accurate control of coolant flow and pump speed, reduces the risk of seal damage, and ensures continuous operation by maintaining maximum torque transmission even when the actuator fails, thus improving efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the second part being provided with an element for generating a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the degree of interaction between a magnetic field generated by the element and the electrically conductive material
Implementation Method 3
a fluid controlled actuator which includes a piston moveable within a cylinder
Implementation Method 4
the actuator may be a pneumatic actuator
Implementation Method 5
the two parts being moveable relative to one another. One part of the coupling is connected to and driven by an engine output shaft... the amount of torque transmitted from the engine output shaft to the pump depends upon the proximity of the magnetic element to the electrically conductive material
Data Source
AI summary
A pump may include a rotatable pumping part, a drive shaft, and a coupling for transmitting rotational movement of the drive shaft to the pumping part. The coupling may include a first part which is connected to the pumping part and a second part which is connected to the drive shaft, the first part having an electrically conductive material and the second part having an element for generating a magnetic field. The second part may be moveable relative to the first part to vary the degree of interaction between a magnetic field generated by the element and the electrically conductive material. Movement of the second part relative to the first part may be caused, at least in part, by a fluid controlled actuator having a piston moveable within a cylinder which is substantially non-rotating, such that the drive shaft and the second part are rotatable relative to the cylinder.