Modular Fluid Pump Assembly for Flexible Packaging and Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water and oil pumps are difficult to customize for specific applications due to unique suction and pressure ports, requiring custom design for each pump/motor combination, and face challenges in packaging within restricted spaces with electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid pump design featuring a stator with stator teeth and windings, a rotor with a central shaft and magnets, and a housing with end caps that allow for alignment and balance, along with a gerotor mechanism and integral twist-lock mechanism for secure assembly without fasteners, enabling flexible orientation and hydraulic output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pumps are custom designed for each particular application, then the pump can be optimized for specific performance requirements, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into modular components: a motor assembly with stator and rotor, a pump assembly with inlet/outlet ports, and a housing. These modules can be independently manufactured and then assembled in different configurations to meet specific application requirements, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly and pump assembly are designed as universal modules that can be used across multiple applications. The standardized interfaces and mounting configurations allow the same basic modules to serve different functions in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and other fluid transfer applications
2Reliability
If pumps are custom designed for each pump/motor combination, then performance can be optimized, but the manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into separately manufacturable modules (motor assembly, pump assembly, housing) that can be produced through standardized processes and then assembled, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining performance optimization capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly and pump assembly are pre-designed and pre-manufactured as standardized modules before final assembly. This preliminary preparation of modular components streamlines the manufacturing process and reduces overall production time and cost
3Volume of moving object
If pumps must fit into restricted spaces, then packaging efficiency improves, but the ease of assembly with electrical connections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly and pump assembly are merged into a single integrated modular unit with built-in electrical connections and mounting features. This combination eliminates the need for separate electrical connection assemblies, simplifying installation in restricted spaces while maintaining packaging efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The modular assembly incorporates universal mounting interfaces and electrical connection points that simplify installation across different vehicle platforms, making assembly easier despite space constraints
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 design facilitates customization for various applications, maximizes component reuse, and ensures efficient operation with reduced wear and friction, allowing for scalable power outputs and flexible packaging.
Implementation Method 1
A rotor has a central shaft and substantially hemispheric ends and a plurality of magnets that define an electromagnetic communication with the windings
Data Source
AI summary
A modular fluid pump includes a stator having a plurality of stator teeth and windings that are positioned on the stator teeth. A rotor has a central shaft and substantially hemispheric ends and a plurality of magnets that define an electromagnetic communication with the windings. A housing surrounds the stator and includes a fixed end cap that receives one of the hemispheric ends of the central shaft and defines a rotational axis of the rotor. A securing end cap that receives the other hemispheric end of the central shaft. The central shaft and the fixed and securing end caps define the rotational axis of the rotor. Engagement of the hemispheric end with the central shaft and the fixed and securing end caps maintains the rotor and the central shaft aligned with the rotational axis and balanced within the stator.