Supplemental Pump Filtration Control for Low-Loss Machine Lubrication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine systems face challenges in effectively filtering smaller particle sizes due to high pressure requirements and space constraints of fine filtration media, leading to excessive parasitic power losses and inadequate lubrication, while coarse filters only remove larger particles, resulting in premature component wear and increased maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a supplemental pump and filter system that operates in conjunction with the main pump to provide fine filtration when needed, using a control module to activate the supplemental pump based on filter triggering conditions such as viscosity, contaminants, and operational states, thereby optimizing fluid flow and reducing parasitic power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fine filtration media is used to filter smaller particle sizes, then filtration efficiency is improved, but parasitic power losses increase and space requirements exceed available space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidparasitic power losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration system is segmented into two distinct paths: a first fluid path with a coarse filter for continuous operation, and a second fluid path with a fine filter for selective operation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fine filtration efficiency only when needed, avoiding continuous parasitic power losses from the fine filter while maintaining reliable protection against smaller particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If fine filtration media is used to filter smaller particle sizes, then filtration efficiency is improved, but the system exceeds available space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidspace requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If only coarse filters are used, then parasitic power losses are reduced, but component wear increases due to inadequate filtration of smaller particles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasitic power lossesVSAvoidcomponent lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control module monitors fluid conditions and activates the second pump and fine filter only when contamination thresholds are exceeded. This feedback mechanism ensures that the coarse filter operates continuously with minimal power loss, while the fine filter is engaged selectively to protect components from smaller particles when needed, thereby extending component lifespan without continuous parasitic power losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If the supplemental pump and fine filter are continuously operated, then filtration efficiency is maximized, but parasitic power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidparasitic power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fine filter and supplemental pump operate periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when the control module detects contamination thresholds are exceeded. This periodic action maintains maximum filtration efficiency when needed while dramatically reducing parasitic power consumption during normal operation when the coarse filter alone is sufficient.

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

Enhances filtration efficiency by selectively applying fine filtration when required, reducing parasitic power losses, and minimizing maintenance downtime, thus extending the lifespan of machine components and lowering operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

a supplemental filter apparatus (106) positioned in fluidic series with the supplemental pump (104) and structured with an inlet for receiving fluid flow from the supplemental pump (104)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

A relief valve (418) may be connected for fluid communication between the supplemental filter apparatus (406) and the fluid reservoir pump (404)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure relief: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12352258B2Controlling fluid operations for machine systems

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 RPM IND LLC

AI summary

A system for controlling a fluid operation of a machine. The system includes a main pump of the machine, a supplemental pump of the machine, a fluid maintenance circuit comprising a processing circuit, and control system. The fluid maintenance system includes at least one memory device and at least one processor configured to access the memory device. The control system comprises a processing circuit, is electrically couplable to the main pump, the supplemental pump and the fluid maintenance circuit, and is configured to control the post-lubrication operation of the machine based on at least one of the following (1) a fluid operation service schedule and (2) data associated with the machine.