Submersible Pump Integrated Filter and Sealed Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle engine compartments, space constraints make it challenging to find adequate mounting space for auxiliary pumps and their associated filters and circuitry, while preventing liquid contamination requires separate housing for circuitry away from fluid reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A submersible pumping apparatus with an integrated filter and a fluidly sealed circuit board, where the filter housing has a cavity with an inlet aperture extending to an exhaust port and a relief valve that opens when fluid pressure reaches a threshold, and the rotor cover protects the circuit board from liquid exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If auxiliary pumps are mounted in engine compartments, then pumping function is provided, but adequate mounting space is difficult to find
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump, filter, and circuit board into a single integrated assembly that can be mounted as one unit in the engine compartment. The filter is positioned within the pump housing, and the circuit board is sealed within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate mounting spaces for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is nested within the pump housing cavity, and the circuit board is nested within a sealed compartment of the same housing. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, significantly reducing the overall mounting footprint in the engine compartment.
2Reliability
If circuitry is mounted away from fluid reservoirs, then liquid contamination is prevented, but mounting space constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing is segmented into distinct functional zones: a fluid handling cavity for the pump and filter, and a sealed electronic compartment for the circuit board. This segmentation allows the circuit board to be positioned within the same overall housing as the fluid reservoir while maintaining physical separation and fluid-tight isolation, preventing contamination while optimizing space usage.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed barrier or membrane is used as an intermediary between the fluid handling cavity and the electronic compartment. This seal allows the circuit board to be housed within the same external housing as the fluid reservoir while maintaining complete fluid isolation, thus preventing contamination while eliminating the need for separate remote mounting locations.
3Area of stationary object
If filter is integrated with pump, then space is optimized, but filter maintenance access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed as a separable module within the pump housing, with distinct mounting interfaces that allow it to be removed independently from the pump body. This modular segmentation maintains the space-saving integrated design while enabling straightforward filter replacement without disassembling the entire pump assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is pre-configured with external mounting features and connection points that facilitate easy removal and installation. Quick-connect interfaces or tool-free release mechanisms are incorporated into the filter mounting design, allowing maintenance personnel to access and replace the filter rapidly without complex disassembly procedures.
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 allows for efficient pumping of transmission fluid while optimizing space usage in engine compartments, preventing liquid contamination and ensuring reliable operation by maintaining the circuit board dry.
Implementation Method 1
a relief valve that opens when fluid pressure reaches a threshold
Implementation Method 2
the rotor cover is configured to prevent the circuit board from being exposed to liquid
Implementation Method 3
a pump operably coupled with a motor
Implementation Method 4
A fluid filter is engaged with the cavity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3A
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A submersible pumping apparatus for displacing transmission fluid includes a pump operably coupled with a motor. A filter housing is attached to the pump and has a cavity with an inlet aperture extending to an exhaust port of the pump. A fluid filter is engaged with the cavity and has a filter cover with a relief valve disposed within an outlet aperture that extends from the cavity to an exit port on the filter cover. The relief valve is configured to open when a fluid pressure from the exit port reaches a threshold and close when the fluid pressure is below the threshold. A rotor cover is attached to the motor and has a circuit board for operating the motor, such that the rotor cover is configured to prevent the circuit board from being exposed to liquid.