Liquid Pump Temperature Sensor Assembly for Leak-Proof Outlet Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid pumps face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively integrating a temperature sensor into the outlet channel without causing leakage, while ensuring timely temperature detection and minimizing production complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of a surface-mounted device (SMD) temperature sensor with a lead frame and press-in contacts, combined with a plastic encapsulation and sealing flange, allows for stable assembly and reliable sealing within the pump housing, enabling accurate temperature detection without additional sealing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature sensor with conductor wires and contact elements is used, then the temperature sensor can be attached to the control housing, but the production outlay increases due to the need for heat-conducting paste and complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensor element with the circuit board by directly mounting the sensor element onto the circuit board, merging the sensing function with the existing electronic substrate. This eliminates the need for separate mounting operations, heat-conducting paste, and additional contact elements, thereby reducing production complexity and outlay while maintaining reliable temperature detection
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connections for pump control electronics and simultaneously serves as the mounting substrate for the temperature sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated sensor mounting structures and reduces the overall component count, addressing both reliability and ease of manufacture requirements
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is arranged in the outlet channel to detect temperature changes without delay, then temperature detection accuracy improves, but the risk of leakage in the outlet channel region increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the circuit board as an intermediary substrate that allows the temperature sensor to be positioned near the outlet channel without direct insertion into the channel. The sensor can detect temperature changes through the circuit board structure or from the hydraulic fluid while the circuit board itself provides a sealed barrier, thus maintaining both measurement precision and sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the temperature sensor directly within the outlet channel volume, the sensor is mounted on the circuit board surface, transitioning the sensor placement to a different spatial dimension. This allows the sensor to detect outlet channel temperature through proximity or conduction without compromising the channel's sealing integrity
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple separate components are used for the temperature sensor assembly, then the sensor can be securely mounted, but the assembly complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature sensor element, mounting substrate, and electrical connection elements into a single integrated assembly where the sensor element is directly mounted on the circuit board. This consolidation maintains assembly stability while dramatically reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the manufacturing process
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
This configuration results in a mechanically stable and easily assembled temperature sensor that can detect hydraulic fluid temperature changes effectively, reducing production complexity and ensuring leak-proof operation with minimal components.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature sensor has a lead frame and an SMD sensor element... an altogether mechanically more stable temperature sensor can be obtained... changes in the temperature of the hydraulic fluid can be detected
Implementation Method 2
there must be no occurrence of leakage in the outlet channel in the region of the temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid pump, in particular for providing a supply to a transmission of an electric or hybrid drive module of a motor vehicle, having a pump housing wherein a pump chamber and a pump rotor are arranged, wherein the pump chamber is connected to an outlet channel to which a temperature sensor is assigned, wherein the temperature sensor has a lead frame and an SMD sensor element.