Magnetorheological Pump Valve Control for Stable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps in motor vehicles lack effective and cost-efficient control mechanisms, as they often rely on complex and expensive solutions that fail to reliably set intermediate positions, particularly when driven by the engine speed, which does not correlate with required performance.
Innovation Solution
A pump design incorporating a magnetorheological braking element and a vacuum or pressure actuator to control a rotary valve element, allowing for precise adjustment of fluid flow from maximum to minimum with a simple and inexpensive configuration, enabling reliable operation even with brief or unstable actuator positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple actuator is used to set the valve element, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the valve element cannot be reliably held in intermediate positions
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetorheological braking element is introduced as an intermediary between the simple actuator and the valve element. This braking element uses magnetorheological fluid that changes viscosity under magnetic field influence, providing controllable braking torque to hold the valve element stably in intermediate positions without requiring a complex actuator
2Use of energy by moving object
If a controllable pump is implemented to adjust fluid flow according to operating conditions, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump achieves controllability by changing the physical state of magnetorheological fluid through magnetic field application. The magnetorheological fluid transitions from a low-viscosity state to a high-viscosity state under magnetic influence, enabling the braking element to control valve element position and thus fluid flow rate without complex mechanical control systems
3Ease of operation
If the pump is driven by the drive engine at engine speed, then the power transmission is simplified, but the pump performance cannot be adjusted to match required fluid flow demands
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system combines a simple engine-driven configuration with a dynamic control mechanism. The valve element can be dynamically positioned by the magnetorheological braking element in response to control signals, enabling real-time adjustment of fluid flow while maintaining the simplicity of engine-driven operation
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 solution provides reliable and cost-effective control of fluid flow in motor vehicle pumps, allowing for precise adjustment of fluid flow from maximum to minimum, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by using a magnetorheological braking element and actuator to securely articulate the valve element.
Implementation Method 1
The setting of the valve element (10) can be influenced by a magnetorheological braking element (17)
Implementation Method 2
The actuator can be a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator that can be loaded with pressure or with a vacuum to adjust or set the valve element (10). Actuators of this type are actuable between two end positions
Data Source
AI summary
A pump (1, 100) has a pump housing (2) with an intake opening (3) and an outlet opening (4). A drivable impeller (5) is arranged in the pump housing (2) and conveys a fluid from the intake opening (3) toward the outlet opening (4). A valve element (10) is provided in the pump housing (2) and can be set by an actuator (15, 115) to set the fluid flow that is conveyed by the pump (1, 100). The setting of the valve element (10) can be influenced by a magnetorheological braking element (17, 117).