Sensorless Fluid Pump Pressure Control in Motor Vehicle Circuits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pump systems in motor vehicles require costly pressure sensors for closed-loop control, leading to increased manufacturing and maintenance costs, as well as additional weight and complexity due to cabling and sensor integration.
Innovation Solution
An electric motor-driven fluid pump system that determines actual pressure without a pressure sensor by monitoring operating data, such as load torque and fluid viscosity, using pump controller algorithms and thermal transfer models, allowing for adaptive set point pressure adjustment through predictive methods like Kalman filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is used for closed-loop pressure control, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure sensor system with an algorithm-based calculation system. The control unit determines actual pressure by processing operating data (current, voltage, temperature, flow rate) through mathematical models and algorithms, eliminating the need for physical pressure sensors and their associated cabling and calibration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operating parameters (current consumption, voltage, temperature, flow rate) to self-determine the actual pressure state. By monitoring how the pump motor consumes energy and how the fluid flows under different conditions, the system infers pressure without external measurement devices, making the system self-diagnostic and self-regulating.
2Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is installed in the fluid circuit, then actual pressure monitoring is improved, but manufacturing cost and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure sensing function from the physical hardware domain and relocates it to the software/algorithm domain. By removing the pressure sensor component entirely and implementing pressure determination through computational algorithms based on readily available operating data, the system eliminates the associated manufacturing costs, installation complexity, and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls pump operation, monitors operating parameters (current, voltage, temperature, flow rate), and simultaneously calculates actual pressure through integrated algorithms. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated pressure sensing hardware, as the control unit already collects necessary data for its primary control functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure sensors and cabling are added to the fluid circuit, then pressure control capability is improved, but construction weight and construction size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical pressure sensing system (sensors, cables, connectors) with a digital signal processing approach. The control unit processes electrical signals representing operating parameters through algorithms to determine pressure, eliminating heavy physical cabling and sensor assemblies while maintaining full pressure control capability through software-based monitoring and adjustment.
4Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used for closed-loop control, then control precision is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance improve
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously self-monitors its operating parameters and self-calibrates its pressure calculations based on real-time data from current, voltage, temperature, and flow rate sensors. The algorithm adapts to changing conditions (temperature variations, fluid viscosity changes, wear) by using actual measured operating data, eliminating the need for manual calibration and reducing maintenance interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where operating data is constantly monitored and fed into the pressure calculation algorithm. This real-time feedback allows the system to automatically adjust to changing conditions and maintain accurate pressure control without external intervention, improving reliability and reducing maintenance needs compared to traditional sensor systems that require calibration and fault diagnosis.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for conveying a fluid of a fluid circuit by means of an electric motor-powered fluid pump of a motor vehicle, in particular an oil pump, wherein by means of the fluid pump a fluid pressure of the fluid circuit is adjusted to a target pressure, and wherein an actual pressure of the fluid is determined without a pressure sensor.