Segmented Pump Housing with Self-Cleaning Filter for Compact Fluid Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the context of shrinking installation spaces for pump devices, especially in motor vehicles, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently supplying multiple units with pumped fluid over short distances without disrupting fluid flow due to the need for long, angled lines, which can lead to flow disruptions from numerous direction changes.

Innovation Solution

A pump device design featuring a delivery chamber with a first line directing fluid to a filter unit and a second line branching off from the first line to supply a second unit, where a filter element prevents fluid from the first line from reaching the second line, allowing for efficient fluid distribution while maintaining flow integrity, with the filter element being self-cleaning and adjustable for different filter fineness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If lines are routed in a convoluted manner to supply multiple components, then multiple units can be supplied with pumped fluid, but flow is disrupted due to numerous changes in direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to supply multiple componentsVSAvoidflow continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pump housing is segmented to include multiple pumping chambers (first pumping chamber and second pumping chamber) that can independently supply fluid to different components. Each chamber has its own outlet and associated line, allowing parallel fluid distribution without requiring convoluted routing through a single line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-line sequential supply approach to a multi-chamber parallel supply architecture. By adding the dimension of multiple independent pumping chambers, the system can supply multiple components simultaneously with straight, efficient flow paths from each chamber's outlet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If installation space is reduced, then the pump device fits better in motor vehicles, but lines must be longer and more convoluted to reach multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidline length
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump housing is divided into multiple pumping chambers that are spatially arranged to minimize line lengths. Each chamber is positioned near the components it supplies, allowing short, direct fluid pathways while maintaining a compact overall pump footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple pumping chambers and their associated line systems are nested within a single compact pump housing. This nested arrangement allows multiple independent fluid supply paths to coexist in a small volume, reducing both installation space and line lengths compared to external routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If a filter element is installed at the branch to prevent unfiltered fluid from entering the second line, then the second unit receives filtered fluid, but the filter element requires maintenance and cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid filtrationVSAvoidfilter maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The filter element is designed to be self-cleaning through a reverse flow mechanism. During operation, a portion of the filtered fluid flows back through the filter element in the opposite direction, automatically removing accumulated particles and restoring filtration capacity without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The self-cleaning process operates periodically during normal pump operation. The reverse flow through the filter element occurs at regular intervals or continuously at a controlled rate, maintaining filter effectiveness without stopping the pump or requiring external maintenance actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 enables effective supply of fluid to at least two independent units over a short distance, minimizing flow disruptions and allowing for precise adjustment of filter properties to suit different applications, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of fluid distribution in compact spaces.

Implementation Method 1

a pumping structure arranged in the pumping chamber, which pumps a fluid from the inlet on a low-pressure side of the pumping device to the outlet on a high-pressure side of the pumping device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a filter element is installed at the branch to prevent the fluid from the first line, which is unfiltered, from entering the second line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

The filter element can be designed to be self-cleaning, meaning that particles which are prevented by the filter element from flowing into the second line are cleaned off the filter element by the fluid flowing in the first line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow cleaning:

Data Source

PatentEP3483390B1Pumping device
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 SCHWABISCHE HUTTENWERKE AUTOMOTIVE CMBH
  • EP3483390B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3483390B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Pumping device for a motor vehicle, comprising a pumping device housing (1, 11, 31), a pumping chamber (2) formed in the pumping device housing (1, 11, 31) and/or at least partially by the pumping device housing (1, 11, 31) having an inlet and an outlet, a pumping structure (3) arranged in the pumping chamber (2) which pumps a fluid from the inlet on a low-pressure side of the pumping device (10) to the outlet on a high-pressure side of the pumping device (10), a first line (4) which directs the fluid from the outlet out of the pumping chamber (2) to a first unit, wherein a second line (5) branches off from the first line (4) in the area in front of the first unit, which supplies a portion of the pressurized fluid to a second unit.