Pneumatically-Operated Cooling Pump Shutter Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling pumps for internal combustion engines suffer from excessive coolant circulation due to continuous operation with flow capacity tied to engine RPM, leading to inefficient cooling and potential coolant leaks from worn-out sliding seals.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically-operated cooling pump with a shutter mechanism using static seals and axial movement for regulating coolant flow, eliminating the need for sliding seals and ensuring reliable operation without leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sliding seals are used for axial movement of the shutter mechanism, then the pump can regulate coolant flow, but the seals wear out causing coolant leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sliding seal system with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic coupling transmits rotational motion from the drive shaft to the impeller without physical contact between moving parts, thereby eliminating sliding seals and their associated wear and leakage problems while maintaining the pump's operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the drive shaft and the impeller. This magnetic coupling allows power transmission without direct mechanical contact, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for sliding seals while enabling the shutter mechanism to regulate coolant flow reliably
2Ease of operation
If the pump operates continuously with flow capacity tied to engine RPM, then the pump is simple to operate, but excessive cooling occurs when outside temperature is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable shutter mechanism that can vary the coolant flow cross-section based on operating conditions. The shutter position is controlled by a regulator that responds to temperature sensors, allowing the pump to adapt its flow capacity dynamically rather than operating at fixed capacity tied to engine RPM
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system with temperature sensors that monitor engine temperature and coolant flow conditions. The regulator receives feedback from these sensors and automatically adjusts the shutter position to optimize cooling efficiency, preventing excessive cooling when outside temperature is low while maintaining adequate cooling when needed
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 pneumatically-operated cooling pump effectively controls coolant circulation, maintaining efficient engine cooling while preventing leaks and ensuring long-term reliability by using static seals that do not wear out, allowing for impeller rotation without continuous coolant flow.
Implementation Method 1
pneumatically-operated mechanical means with axial movement for operating the shutter
Data Source
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AI summary
A pneumatically-operated cooling pump (10), especially suitable for conveying and circulating coolants in internal combustion engines, comprising a containment body (12) positioned above an underlying volute inside which is placed a shutter which surrounds an impeller keyed on a rotation shaft, immersed in a fluid of water and glycol and suitable for setting in motion said fluid, the pump comprising pneumatically-operated mechanical means with axial movement to operate the shutter defined by an actuator unit comprising a ring (42) and at least three rods (44) sliding axially with respect to the containment body (12) and static seal means defined by shaped diaphragms (52), stabilized to the rods (44) and to the containment body (12), positioned to separate between the containment body (12) and the underlying coolant and cooperating with the actuator unit for the movement of the shutter.