Piston Engine Pump Module with Integrated Gear Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines require diverse pump arrangements for different functions, leading to complex drive trains and varying numbers of pumps based on engine size and cylinder configuration, complicating assembly and construction.
Innovation Solution
A compact pump module with a self-supporting frame housing multiple pumps, including high-pressure fuel, water, and lube oil pumps, driven by a crankshaft-connected gear system, simplifying the drive train and allowing easy assembly by integrating all main fluid connections and optimizing pump phase arrangement to reduce torque on the driving gear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate pumps are used for different engine functions, then each pump can be independently optimized for its specific function, but the drive train becomes complicated and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate pumps (fuel pump, water pump, lube oil pump) into a single integrated pump module that is driven by a common driving gearwheel. This merging approach maintains the functional independence of each pump while simplifying the drive train structure, as all pumps are now driven through a unified gear system rather than separate drive mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving gearwheel serves as a universal drive mechanism that can simultaneously drive multiple different types of pumps through interconnected driven gearwheels. This multi-functional approach allows a single component to perform the role of multiple separate drive systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of pumps is increased for larger engines, then all required fluid functions can be provided, but the pump arrangement becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The pump module is designed as a segmented, modular assembly where each pump (fuel pump, water pump, lube oil pump) is a distinct unit that can be independently selected and arranged. This segmentation allows the system to be customized for different engine sizes and functions by including or excluding specific pump types, rather than requiring a complete fixed arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The pumps are arranged in a spatial configuration around the driving gearwheel, utilizing radial and axial dimensions to position multiple pumps in a compact three-dimensional layout. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple pumps to be accessed and connected without requiring a linear expansion of the drive train complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If pumps are distributed throughout the engine, then each pump can be positioned near its fluid connections, but the overall construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pump module acts as an intermediary assembly that consolidates multiple pumps and their fluid connections into a single standardized interface with the engine. Rather than distributing pumps throughout the engine, the module provides a centralized connection point that simplifies the overall engine construction while maintaining accessible fluid connections through the module's own internal routing.
4Device complexity
If all pumps are driven directly by the crankshaft, then the drive train is simplified, but the torque requirements become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The gear system provides continuous torque transmission from the driving gearwheel to all driven gearwheels and pumps, ensuring that the torque load is distributed continuously across the system rather than applied intermittently. This continuous action allows for smoother torque distribution and reduces peak torque requirements on the driving gear.
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 simplifies the engine construction by integrating all pumps in a compact module, reducing the complexity of the drive train and facilitating easy assembly, while optimizing torque distribution and pump efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a driving gearwheel (4) that can be arranged in force transmission connection with a crankshaft (12) of an engine, and at least one driven gearwheel (6, 7) for each pump, the driven gearwheel being in force transmission connection with the driving gearwheel (4) and arranged to drive the pump
Data Source
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AI summary
The pump module (10) for a piston engine (13) comprises a frame (5), at least one pump (1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 3) that is attached to the frame (5), a driving gearwheel (4) that can be arranged in force transmission connection with the crankshaft (12) of the engine (13), and at least one driven gearwheel (6a, 6b, 6c, 7a, 7b, 7c) for each pump (1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 3) of the pump module (10), the driven gearwheel (6a, 6b, 6c, 7a, 7b, 7c) being in force transmission connection with the driving gearwheel (4) and arranged to drive the pump (1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 3).