Modular Parallel Pump System for Variable Oil Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle oil pumps struggle to provide a variable oil supply efficiently, leading to excessive fluid delivery at cold temperatures, which increases oil pressure and affects drive power and emissions, and require costly cut-off valves for pressure regulation.
Innovation Solution
A modular pump system comprising a constant volume flow gearwheel pump and a variably adjustable vane-type pump connected in parallel, allowing for adjustable fluid flow and bypass control to regulate oil pressure across temperature and rotational speed ranges without the need for cut-off valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fully variable vane-type pump is used to adjust volume flow, then the volume flow can be adapted to different operating conditions, but a cut-off valve is required to limit pressure during cold operation which increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into two independent pump units: a constant delivery volume pump (gearwheel pump) and a variable delivery volume pump (vane-type pump). Each pump unit has its own suction and pressure sides connected in parallel to the common hydraulic system. This segmentation allows the variable pump to provide flow adjustment while the constant pump ensures minimum pressure generation, eliminating the need for a cut-off valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel connection of both pump units creates a multi-functional system where the constant delivery pump serves as both a primary pressure source and a flow supplement during cold operation, while the variable pump handles flow regulation. This universal configuration allows the system to meet all operating conditions without additional pressure-limiting components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gearwheel pump is supplemented by a vane-type pump connected in parallel, then variable oil supply can be ensured, but the housing and fluid connections must be designed to accommodate both pump units which increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a first housing part containing the gearwheel pump and a second housing part containing the vane-type pump. Both housing parts have standardized suction and pressure side connections that interface with a common hydraulic system. This modular segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing independent production and assembly of pump units while ensuring proper fluid distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction sides and pressure sides of both pump units are merged into a common hydraulic system through the housing design. The first and second fluid connections from the pump units are connected to the same suction inlet and pressure outlet, creating an integrated parallel flow system that simplifies the overall fluid path and manufacturing process.
3Productivity
If a constant volume flow pump is used to satisfy maximum volume flow conditions, then the pump can meet peak demands, but excessive fluid is delivered during cold operation which increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into a constant delivery pump for maximum flow capability and a variable delivery pump for flow regulation. During cold operation, the variable pump reduces its delivery to match actual demand while the constant pump maintains adequate pressure, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to a constant high-flow system.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable delivery pump introduces dynamic flow adjustment capability to the system. Its delivery volume can be continuously varied based on operating conditions, allowing the system to optimize energy consumption during cold operation while maintaining the maximum flow capability of the constant pump when needed.
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 modular pump system ensures efficient and variable oil supply, regulating oil pressure effectively across all conditions, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for costly cut-off valves, thereby improving drive efficiency and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump unit (2, 11, 81) and having a second pump unit (3, 12, 82), the first pump unit (2, 11, 81) being connected hydraulically in parallel with respect to the second pump unit (3, 12, 82)
Data Source
AI summary
A pump (1) having a housing (15) with a suction-side fluid inlet (4) and with a pressure-side fluid outlet (5), having a first pump unit (2, 11) and having a second pump unit (3, 12), the first pump unit being connected hydraulically in parallel with respect to the second pump unit, wherein the housing (15) is of modular construction and has a first housing part (3), which houses the first pump unit (11), and also a second housing part (14), which houses the second pump unit (12), wherein the fluid inlet (4) of the housing (15) forms in each case one fluid connection to the first and to the second pump unit (2, 3, 11, 12), and wherein the fluid outlet (5) of the housing (15) forms in each case one fluid connection to the first and to the second pump unit (2, 3, 11, 12).