Pump Assembly Rotor Induction Heating for Frozen Urea Thawing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump assemblies for water/urea solutions in motor vehicles face challenges in preventing freezing and efficiently thawing frozen fluid, with a need for targeted thermal input to ensure fluid conveyance.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a pump assembly using an electric motor with a stator and rotor, where power input is applied via induction for both heating and driving the rotor, allowing for controlled heat generation directly in the rotor, with independent control of heating and driving outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional electric motor is used to drive the pump assembly, then the rotor is heated through resistive losses during normal operation, but this heating effect is insufficient and uncontrolled for efficient thawing of frozen fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by switching the power input mode from standard resistive heating to induction heating. This changes the physical mechanism of heat generation, enabling controlled and efficient rotor heating for rapid thawing while maintaining the motor's driving function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between driving mode and heating mode in pre-definable periods. During heating periods, the stator generates an alternating magnetic field at induction frequency to heat the rotor; during driving periods, the motor operates in conventional mode to drive the pump.
2Productivity
If separate heating elements are added to the pump assembly for thawing frozen fluid, then thawing efficiency improves, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the electric motor to perform multiple functions: it serves both as a drive motor during normal operation and as an induction heater during thawing operations. The stator windings function dually as both motor windings and induction heating coils, eliminating the need for separate heating elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing motor structure. The stator and rotor components that already exist in the motor are utilized for both driving and heating purposes, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than adding separate components.
3Power
If induction heating is applied to the rotor, then heating output becomes highly controllable and efficient, but energy loss increases during the heating phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to alternate between heating mode and driving mode. During heating periods, induction heating provides high and controllable power output for rapid thawing. During driving periods, the system performs useful work driving the pump, thereby distributing energy consumption across both heating and productive operations.
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
Enables efficient thawing and conveyance of fluids like urea/water solutions by directly heating the rotor through induction, maintaining efficient operation and preventing freezing, with adjustable heating and rotational speeds.
Implementation Method 1
A power input of the electric motor at least for heating the rotor takes place by means of induction
Implementation Method 2
an alternating magnetic field is generated by the stator, or by the coils of the stator, respectively, said alternating magnetic field generating eddy currents in the material of the rotor
Implementation Method 3
The electric motor comprises at least one stator as well as one rotor, wherein the rotor by way of a drive shaft is connected at least to the first drive means
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a pump assembly, wherein the pump assembly has at least one first drive means for conveying a fluid and an electric motor for driving the first drive means, the electric motor comprising at least one stator and one rotor, the rotor being connected at least to the first drive means via a driveshaft. The electric motor draws power at least: i. in order to heat the rotor by means of induction; or ii. in order to drive the rotor, the driveshaft and the first drive means so that these components rotate about a common rotation axis at a speed of more than “0” revolutions per minute.