Multi-Pump Lubrication Layout for Smooth Cold-Start Oil Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubrication systems struggle to smoothly supply oil to electric machines due to high viscosity and pressure issues, especially at startup, leading to inefficient oil flow and lubrication.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication system with a first pump for supplying oil, a second pump for returning oil, a relief valve for pressure regulation, a third pump for temperature adjustment, and a switching valve controlled by a valve control unit to optimize oil flow paths based on pressure and temperature sensors, allowing for efficient oil circulation and temperature management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump is used to supply oil to the lubrication target, then the device complexity is reduced, but the oil supply smoothness and temperature control capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is divided into multiple functional segments: a first pump for supplying oil to the lubrication target, a second pump for draining oil from the target, and a third pump for temperature control. This segmentation allows each pump to perform its specific function optimally, ensuring smooth oil supply while enabling independent temperature management without requiring a single complex pump to handle all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The third pump serves multiple functions: it can draw oil from the tank to increase temperature, or draw oil from the lubrication target for temperature control. The switching valve enables the third pump to adapt its intake source based on system needs, providing multi-functionality that enhances overall system reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If oil is supplied at high pressure to ensure lubrication, then the lubrication effectiveness is improved, but the oil flow smoothness deteriorates due to viscosity and pressure issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure conditions through the relief valve and switching valve based on real-time temperature and pressure sensor feedback. The relief valve opens when pressure exceeds a threshold to prevent excessive pressure buildup, while the switching valve dynamically redirects oil flow paths. This dynamic control ensures adequate lubrication pressure without causing flow disruption from sudden pressure changes or viscosity effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The third pump changes the temperature parameter of the oil by drawing it from the tank or lubrication target and circulating it. Temperature changes directly affect oil viscosity, and by controlling temperature, the system optimizes both lubrication effectiveness and flow smoothness. The valve control unit adjusts operational parameters based on sensor feedback to maintain optimal oil properties.
3Reliability
If multiple pumps and valves are used to optimize oil flow, then the oil supply smoothness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature and pressure sensors that provide continuous feedback to the valve control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the switching valve and relief valve positions, and controls the third pump operation. This feedback mechanism enables the complex multi-pump system to operate smoothly and adaptively, ensuring reliable oil supply while managing complexity through intelligent control rather than purely mechanical 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
The system ensures rapid oil temperature increase and smooth oil supply to lubrication targets by effectively utilizing multiple pumps and valves, enhancing lubrication efficiency and reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump configured to draw oil from a tank and supply the oil to a lubrication target to be lubricated by the oil
Implementation Method 2
a second pump configured to draw the oil from the lubrication target and discharge the oil to the tank
Implementation Method 3
a relief valve configured to release the oil to the tank from a first flow path between the first pump and the lubrication target via a second flow path different from the first flow path in a case that a pressure value of the oil in the first flow path becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value
Implementation Method 4
a third pump configured to discharge the oil drawn via an intake opening to the tank
Implementation Method 5
a switching valve configured to selectively switch a connection destination of the intake opening between the lubrication target and the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A lubrication system includes: a first pump capable of supplying oil drawn from the tank to the lubrication target; a second pump capable of discharging the oil drawn from the lubrication target to the tank; a relief valve capable of releasing the oil in the first flow path to the tank; a third pump capable of discharging the oil drawn through the intake opening to the tank, a switching valve capable of selectively switching a connection destination of the intake opening to either the lubrication target or the tank; and a valve control unit for switching the connection destination of the intake opening by controlling the switching valve.