Pump Connector Flange With Pressure Compensation and Water Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water pump assemblies in engine compartments of vehicles face challenges in managing pressure fluctuations and steam pressure due to temperature changes, leading to potential damage from liquid water ingress and increased complexity in sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A simplified pump assembly design incorporating a plug connector with a pressure compensator, featuring a water-impermeable membrane integrated into the flange and a protective structure, which reduces leakage points and manufacturing costs by combining the pressure compensation element with the plug connector, allowing for flexible installation and protection from water and dust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate pressure compensator is integrated into the plug connector, then pressure compensation function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure compensator with the plug connector into a single integrated component. The pressure compensator is positioned within the connector housing, allowing it to perform pressure compensation while being mechanically integrated with the electrical connector. This merging eliminates the need for separate pressure compensation devices and reduces the number of assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug connector is designed to serve multiple functions: electrical connection, mechanical fastening, and pressure compensation. By incorporating the pressure compensator into the connector structure, the same component that provides electrical connectivity also manages pressure differential, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multiple critical functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple sealing elements are used to prevent water ingress, then protection against water is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the membrane element that is already part of the pressure compensator structure. The membrane serves dual purposes: it compensates for pressure differential and provides the sealing barrier against water ingress. This eliminates the need for additional separate sealing elements and simplifies the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible membrane as the sealing element within the pressure compensator. This thin film structure provides effective water protection while being simple to manufacture and integrate into the connector assembly. The membrane's flexibility allows it to accommodate pressure changes while maintaining its sealing function.
3Reliability
If the membrane is exposed on the outside, then pressure compensation is effective, but vulnerability to water vapor damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is nested within the protective housing of the plug connector. This nested structure allows the membrane to remain functional for pressure compensation while being physically protected from external harmful factors such as water vapor and mechanical damage. The connector housing acts as a protective shell around the vulnerable membrane element.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing serves as an intermediary protective structure between the external environment and the membrane. It shields the membrane from direct exposure to water vapor and other harmful factors while still allowing the membrane to perform its pressure compensation function through the designed opening.
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 effectively mitigates pressure-related issues by integrating a pressure compensator into the plug connector, reducing leakage points and manufacturing complexity, while providing protection against water and steam pressure, thus enhancing reliability and ease of installation in vehicle water pumps.
Implementation Method 1
semipermeable diaphragms are known from the prior art, which allow air and also water vapor to pass through the diaphragm to the outside and inside via a vent opening, but not water in liquid form
Implementation Method 2
the membrane is connected to the connector by ultrasonic welding, laser beam welding or adhesive bonding
Implementation Method 3
the membrane is connected to the connector by ultrasonic welding, laser beam welding or adhesive bonding
Data Source
AI summary
A pump assembly includes an electric motor with a printed circuit board carrying a controller, a pump driven by the electric motor, a housing surrounding the printed circuit board, and a connector attached on the outside of the housing by a flange. The connector covers an opening of the housing and includes contacts for direct electrical contact with the printed circuit board which passes through the opening of the housing. The connector includes a pressure compensator in the flange.