Integrated Rotary Valve Pump for Multi-Outlet Coolant Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cooling systems require separate actuators and holders for valves, leading to high component costs due to the need for electrical control, which is not necessary for vehicles with internal combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly with an integrated rotary valve that controls fluid flow through multiple outlets using a minimal set of components, incorporating a motor-driven impeller and a rotatably mounted valve to selectively direct fluid to different outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate actuators and holders are used for valves in cooling systems, then flow control capability is achieved, but component costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve body and actuator into a single integrated assembly that mounts directly to the pump housing. The valve body includes integrated flow paths and the actuator is positioned within the same housing space, eliminating the need for separate valve holders and actuators. This merging of components directly reduces part count and assembly complexity while maintaining flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly performs multiple functions within a single component structure: it provides flow control through the valve body, houses the actuator mechanism, mounts to the pump housing, and integrates the flow paths. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Ease of operation
If electrical control actuators are used for valves, then precise flow control is achieved, but component costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical control elements from the valve assembly by positioning the actuator within the pump housing rather than as a separate external component. This extraction integrates the control mechanism into the pump's existing structure, eliminating the need for separate electrical actuators and holders while maintaining flow control precision through the integrated actuator-valve body connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for valve control, then flow distribution capability is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve assembly is designed with segmented internal structures where the valve body, actuator, and flow paths are distinct but integrated components. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing of individual parts while maintaining overall integration, simplifying the manufacturing process and assembly operations. The segmented design enables independent optimization of each component while reducing total part count.
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
Reduces component costs by integrating the valve within the pump, allowing for efficient control of fluid flow without additional actuators, thus optimizing the cooling system design.
Implementation Method 1
An impeller driven by a motor is mounted in the pump housing arranged to move a fluid from the fluid inlet to the at least one fluid outlet
Implementation Method 2
A rotary valve between the impeller and the at least one fluid outlet selectively controls the flow of fluid through the at least one fluid outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A pump assembly is disclosed comprising, a pump including a pump housing having a fluid inlet. At least one fluid outlet extends from the pump housing. An impeller driven by a motor is mounted in the pump housing arranged to move a 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 controls the flow of fluid through the at least one fluid outlet.