Integrated Rotary Valve Pump for Multi-Outlet Coolant Flow Control
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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 hybrid or electric vehicles without 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 vehicle cooling systems, then precise control of fluid flow is achieved, but component costs increase due to additional electrical control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve and actuator into a single integrated unit mounted directly on the pump housing. The valve body includes an integrated actuator that rotates the valve element to control fluid flow, eliminating the need for separate actuators and holders. This merging reduces component count while maintaining precise flow control capability through the integrated rotation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly serves multiple functions within a single component: it provides fluid flow control, acts as a mounting structure on the pump housing, and includes the actuation mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate holders and actuators, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational precision.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for valve control, then reliable fluid distribution is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed as an integrated unit where the valve body, actuator, and mounting features are combined into a single component. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, lowering production costs while maintaining reliable fluid distribution through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly can be designed as a modular unit that is manufactured separately and then installed as a single component on the pump housing. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of the valve assembly while simplifying the overall system assembly process.
3Ease of operation
If electrical actuators are used for each valve, then precise flow control is achieved, but system cost increases due to electrical control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is integrated directly into the valve body, creating a single component that performs both valuation and actuation functions. This eliminates the need for separate electrical actuators and their associated mounting hardware, reducing component quantity while maintaining precise flow control through the integrated rotation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly combines multiple functions including fluid control, actuation, and mounting into a single component. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system while maintaining the precision of flow control through the integrated actuator design.
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 precise 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 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
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.