Single-Motor Dual Fluid Pump for Delivery and Return Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pumps require separate motors for delivery and return functions, leading to bulkiness and inefficiency in mechanical assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A dual-motor fluid pump design with a single motor that simultaneously operates both delivery and return pump elements via a shared drive shaft, integrating a delivery pump element to transfer fluid from a reservoir to a drive unit and a return pump element to transfer fluid from a sump assembly to the reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate motors are used for delivery and return functions, then each function can be independently controlled, but the overall device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate motor functions into a single integrated motor assembly. The motor shaft directly drives both the delivery pump element and return pump element, eliminating the need for separate motors while maintaining independent operational control through the fluid coupling mechanism between the two pump elements
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it drives both the delivery pump element for pressurizing fluid and the return pump element for collecting fluid. The motor shaft and fluid coupling system enable this multi-functionality without requiring separate drive mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If separate motors are used for delivery and return functions, then each function can be independently controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate motor assemblies into one integrated motor unit. The motor shaft, fluid coupling, and two pump elements form a single operational system, reducing the number of independent components while preserving the ability to independently control delivery and return functions through fluid pressure interactions
3Weight of stationary object
If a single motor operates both pump elements, then device size is reduced, but the motor must handle higher total power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid coupling acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor shaft and the two pump elements. It allows the motor to transfer power to both pump elements through fluid pressure, enabling the motor to handle the combined power requirements of both functions while maintaining a compact, integrated design
4Weight of stationary object
If a single motor operates both pump elements, then device size is reduced, but the motor must handle higher total power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid coupling serves as a mediator that simplifies power management. Instead of requiring complex electronic controls to independently manage two motors, the fluid coupling automatically distributes motor power to both pump elements based on system pressure and flow requirements, reducing control complexity while maintaining a lightweight 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
The integrated design provides a compact and efficient fluid management system, minimizing fluid drag and enabling smaller mechanical assemblies by maintaining a consistent fluid level, reducing weight, and ensuring adequate lubrication and cooling functions.
Implementation Method 1
the spline delivers a portion of the fluid into the motor portion and at least around the rotor of the motor to absorb heat from the motor and from a printed circuit board that is positioned in communication with the motor portion
Implementation Method 2
absorb heat from the motor and from a printed circuit board that is positioned in communication with the motor portion
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pump includes a housing, a motor that is disposed within a motor portion of the housing, a delivery pump element that is disposed within a delivery portion of the housing, and a return pump element that is disposed within a return portion of the housing. A drive shaft is coupled to each of the delivery pump element and the return pump element, and operation of the motor contemporaneously operates the delivery pump element and the return pump element via the drive shaft. The delivery pump element is configured to deliver fluid from a reservoir to a drive unit, and the return pump element is configured to deliver the fluid from a sump assembly of the drive unit to the reservoir.