Pump Assembly Command Gearbox for Variable Cooling Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cooling system pump groups with mechanical drive operate intensively based on engine speed, lacking flexibility and efficiency, leading to suboptimal cooling performance regardless of environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A pump group with a mechanical drive and a command gearbox system that allows for variable impeller rotation speed, enabling flexible cooling control independent of engine speed, using a combination of gear pairs and an electric actuator to adjust the transmission ratio and engage/disengage gear pairs as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pump group with mechanical drive is used, then the pump is directly driven by the engine, but the cooling action cannot be controlled and is solely a function of engine speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the drive system adjustable through a command gearbox with variable transmission ratios. The impeller shaft can be selectively engaged with different gear pairs (first, second, third gear pairs) to provide multiple rotational speeds, transforming the static direct-drive system into a dynamic, adaptable system that can adjust cooling performance based on actual needs rather than being solely dependent on engine speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a command gearbox group is added to enable variable impeller rotation speed, then cooling control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The command gearbox is segmented into multiple independent gear pairs (first, second, third gear pairs), each providing a specific transmission ratio. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multiple cooling modes through discrete gear selections rather than requiring a continuously variable transmission, simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The command gearbox serves multiple functions: it provides variable speed control, enables fail-safe operation through multiple engagement paths, and allows the pump to operate effectively across different engine speed conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive cooling control capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gear pairs are used in the command gearbox, then impeller speed variability is improved, but radial loads on the impeller shaft increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies Local Quality by designing each gear pair with specific characteristics optimized for its function. The command device selectively engages only the necessary gear pair based on operating conditions, concentrating the load on a single gear pair at a time rather than distributing it across all gear pairs simultaneously. This localized engagement reduces the cumulative radial loads on the impeller shaft while maintaining multiple speed options.
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 a compact, lightweight, and efficient cooling system that adapts to actual cooling demands, reducing radial loads on the impeller shaft, optimizing efficiency, and allowing for 'fail-safe' operation, including during engine startup and shutdown, while managing coolant flow effectively for various vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
a command gearbox group (5) located between the impeller (2) and the mechanical drive (3), suitable to vary the drive modes with which the mechanical drive (3) commands the impeller (2) in rotation
Implementation Method 2
The command device (55) may comprise an electric actuator (555) suitable to move the engagement element (550) in the axial direction
Implementation Method 3
each gear pair comprises a first gear (511, 521, 531) commanded in rotation by the mechanical drive (3) and a second gear (512, 522, 532) commanded in rotation by the respective first gear (511, 521, 531) and commanding in rotation the impeller (2)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention is a pump group (1) for a vehicle cooling system of a vehicle, for example for an engine group of the vehicle. Said pump group (1) comprises an impeller (2) and a mechanical drive (3) operatively connectable with mechanical movement means comprised in the vehicle, preferably operatively connected to the engine drive shaft of the vehicle, wherein the mechanical drive (3) is operatively connected to the impeller (2) to command it in rotation; The pump group (1) comprises a command gearbox group (5), located between the impeller (2) and the mechanical drive (3). The command gearbox group (5) comprises a plurality of gear pairs (50) each commandable in reciprocating gearing to vary the transmission ratio and to vary the rotation speed of the impeller (2) on command from the mechanical drive (3).