Segmented Oil Intake Circuit for Vehicular Transmission Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oil pump systems experience air accumulation in the intake passage when the suction opening is exposed to the atmosphere, leading to reduced oil pressure and inefficient operation of the sub oil pump during vehicle travel, especially under conditions like uphill grades or rapid acceleration.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a second intake circuit with a proximal, intermediate, and distal segment, where the distal segment's suction opening is positioned higher than the oil reservoir's surface, and its volume is smaller than the pump's internal space, minimizing air accumulation and maintaining sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the suction opening of the sub oil pump is placed higher than the suction opening of the main oil pump to hold the sub oil pump inoperative during normal operation, then power loss is avoided, but air accumulates in the sub oil pump and intake circuit when the suction opening is exposed to the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The intake circuit is divided into three segments: a proximal segment from the inlet port to a first position, an intermediate segment from the first position to a second position (higher than the first), and a distal segment from the second position to the suction opening. This segmentation allows the pump to operate in different modes by controlling which segment is filled with oil, enabling both power saving and reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational states by controlling the oil level in the intake circuit. During normal operation, the suction opening is exposed to air to save power. When oil pressure is needed, oil is supplied to fill the distal segment, submerging the suction opening and enabling immediate pump operation without air accumulation delays.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the suction opening is exposed to the atmosphere to hold the pump inoperative, then power consumption is reduced, but the pump cannot produce required oil pressure promptly when operation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The distal segment of the intake circuit is pre-configured with a higher position (second position) than the intermediate segment, creating a pre-filled oil reservoir configuration. When the pump needs to operate, the oil is already positioned to immediately submerge the suction opening, eliminating the time delay that would otherwise be required to fill the intake circuit with oil.
3Loss of energy
If air accumulates in the intake passage, then the pump cannot supply required oil pressure timely, but increasing the suction opening position prevents power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented intake circuit structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the power-saving state (exposed suction opening) and the efficient operation state (submerged suction opening). By controlling the oil level to fill specific segments, the system mediates between these two states, allowing the suction opening to be exposed during normal operation while enabling rapid submersion when oil pressure supply is 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
This configuration ensures stable oil pressure supply by limiting air intake, preventing undesired pressure drops and ensuring proper pump operation even under varying conditions, such as engine restarts during idle stop functions.
Implementation Method 1
The distal segment extends from a first connecting end portion connected with the second connecting end portion of the intermediate segment to an end portion formed with a suction opening to suck the oil from the oil reservoir into the intake circuit, the first connecting end portion of the distal segment being located at a position higher than the suction opening
Data Source
AI summary
An oil pump apparatus for supplying an oil to a vehicular transmission, includes a pump to suck the oil from an oil reservoir through an inlet port into a pumping chamber, and an intake circuit to convey the oil sucked from the oil reservoir to the inlet port. The intake circuit includes a proximal segment, an intermediate segment and a distal segment. The proximal segment extends from the inlet port, to the intermediate segment. The intermediate segment extends upwards from the proximal segment. The distal segment extends downwards from a first connecting end portion connected with the intermediate segment to a end portion formed with an suction opening to suck the oil from the oil reservoir into the intake circuit.