Rotary Valve Pump Layout With Isolated Motor Compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps for vehicles with electrical components require costly actuators and dynamic sealing elements to prevent fluid ingress, which can lead to pump failure due to fluid infiltration, increasing component costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly with an integrated valve and a submersible magnetic motor, where a brushless DC electrical motor drives the impeller, and a rotary valve selectively directs fluid flow through outlets, eliminating the need for external actuators and enhancing sealing with elastomeric seals and a pump/motor dividing housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dynamic sealing elements are used to prevent fluid ingress in electrical pump motors, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical motor from the fluid environment by creating a separate motor housing compartment that is isolated from the pump cavity. The motor housing includes a sealed compartment with the electrical motor positioned in a first cavity, while the pump components are in a second cavity, eliminating the need for dynamic seals between fluid and electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing is segmented into multiple sealed compartments: a motor housing with a sealed motor compartment, and a pump cavity separated by an end wall. This segmentation allows the electrical motor to be isolated from the fluid path, removing the requirement for complex dynamic sealing elements while maintaining reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If external actuators are used for valve control, then flow control precision is improved, but component cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is merged directly with the pump housing, where the valve member is positioned in the pump cavity and integrated with the housing structure. The valve bore is formed in the pump housing itself, eliminating the need for separate external actuators and reducing system complexity while maintaining precise flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing serves multiple functions: it contains the pump cavity, provides structural support, and integrates the valve assembly. The end wall of the pump housing acts as both a structural separator and a mounting surface for the valve member, reducing the need for additional components.
3Reliability
If electrical motor is positioned outside fluid path, then fluid infiltration risk is reduced, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor housing is nested within or adjacent to the pump housing, with the motor compartment efficiently positioned in the first cavity. The end wall with integrated valve assembly optimizes space utilization, allowing the motor to be isolated from fluid while minimizing overall pump assembly volume through compact arrangement of compartments.
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 design reduces component costs and prevents fluid ingress, ensuring reliable operation by integrating the valve and motor within the pump housing, enhancing sealing and reducing the risk of failure.
Implementation Method 1
A motor assembly having a magnetic body, submerged in the fluid, rotates the impeller
Data Source
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AI summary
A pump assembly and method is disclosed comprising, a pump including a pump housing having a fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet extending from the pump housing. A magnetic body of a brushless DC motor is submerged in the fluid and drives an impeller that moves the fluid from the fluid inlet to the at least one fluid outlet. A valve rotatably mounted between the impeller and the at least one fluid outlet selectively directs the flow of fluid through the at least one fluid outlet.