Multifunctional pump assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle cooling circuit pumps are inefficient as they operate at a single optimal point for speed, flowrate, and head pressure, leading to high energy consumption and ineffective cooling under varying driving and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional pump assembly with an integrated valve system that allows fluid flow to be adjusted between low and high flowrates by switching between different pump stages and fluid outlets, enabling efficient operation across different cooling demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump operates at one optimal point for speed, flowrate, and head pressure, then the pump structure is simple, but the energy consumption is high and cooling effectiveness is insufficient under varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into two distinct pump stages: a first pump stage for normal flowrate operation and a second pump stage for boosted flowrate operation. Each stage is optimized for specific operating conditions, allowing the system to segment the operating range and reduce energy consumption by selecting the appropriate stage for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is made dynamic to switch between different pump stages based on cooling demand. The valve can dynamically redirect fluid flow between the first and second pump stages, enabling the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and maintain optimal energy efficiency across different flowrate requirements.
2Device complexity
If a single pump operates at one optimal point, then the pump design is straightforward, but the adaptability to different cooling demands is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating two pump stages that can serve different cooling demands. The first pump stage handles normal cooling requirements, while the second pump stage provides boosted cooling capacity. The valve assembly enables universal operation across diverse cooling scenarios, allowing the same pump system to adapt to both mild and extreme cooling conditions.
3Productivity
If the pump runs faster to meet higher flowrate needs, then the flowrate increases, but the energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system segments the flowrate delivery function into two stages: the first pump stage delivers normal flowrate at efficient energy consumption, while the second pump stage delivers boosted flowrate when higher cooling capacity is required. This segmentation allows the system to maintain energy efficiency by using the appropriate stage for each flowrate requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching between different pump stages based on cooling demand. When high flowrate is needed, the valve redirects fluid to the second pump stage, changing the operational state from normal to boosted mode, thereby achieving high productivity without proportionally increasing energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump assembly is disclosed comprising a pump body having a first pump stage housed in the pump body including a fluid inlet and a first and a second fluid outlet. A flow feed chamber is housed in the pump body in fluid communication with the second fluid outlet. A second pump stage housed in the pump body is in fluid communication with the flow feed chamber and includes at least one fluid outlet connected to the second pump stage. A valve assembly is operable into a first position to fluidically connect the fluid inlet through the first pump stage to the first fluid outlet. The valve assembly is further operable into a second position to fluidically connect the first pump stage to the second fluid outlet and the flow feed chamber and the flow feed chamber fluidically connected to the at least one fluid outlet through the second pump stage.