Thermal Actuator Coolant Pump for Engine Sub-Circuit Flow Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coolant circulation systems in automotive engines require multiple pumps to manage coolant flowrate across varying temperatures, leading to increased complexity and energy consumption due to the need for additional pumps and restrictive valves.

Innovation Solution

A single coolant circulation pump with a thermal-actuator and adjustable swirl vanes that modulates coolant flowrate based on temperature, using a wax-element thermal-actuator to control the orientation of vanes and sleeves, allowing for efficient flow management across different sub-circuits without the need for additional pumps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pumps are used to manage coolant flowrate across varying temperatures, then flowrate control for different sub-circuits is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflowrate control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of pumps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple pump functions into a single pump apparatus by integrating a thermal actuator that automatically directs coolant flow to different sub-circuits based on temperature requirements. This merging approach maintains the adaptability of multiple pumps while reducing device complexity by using one integrated unit with flow distribution capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic flow control through a thermal actuator that responds to temperature changes by redirecting coolant flow between different sub-circuits. This dynamic mechanism allows a single pump to adapt its output to various cooling requirements, replacing the need for multiple static pump systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pumps are used to manage coolant flowrate across varying temperatures, then flowrate control for different sub-circuits is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflowrate control capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple pump functions into a single pump apparatus that serves all sub-circuits, thereby reducing the total energy consumption associated with running multiple separate pumps while maintaining the ability to control flowrate to different circuits based on thermal requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal actuator operates passively using temperature-driven mechanisms to redirect coolant flow, eliminating the need for additional powered actuators or control systems. This self-service approach reduces energy consumption by using the thermal energy already present in the coolant system to control flow distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If restrictive valves are used to manage coolant flow, then flowrate control is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflowrate control capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanically-powered valves and actuators with a thermal actuator that uses temperature-driven material expansion and contraction to control flow direction. This substitution eliminates the need for external power sources to operate flow control mechanisms, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective flowrate control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal actuator utilizes thermal expansion and contraction of materials in response to coolant temperature changes to automatically redirect flow between sub-circuits. This thermal expansion mechanism provides passive flow control without requiring additional energy input, replacing active valve systems that consume power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #37Thermal expansion

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 solution reduces energy consumption, enhances warm-up efficiency, and decreases emissions by optimizing coolant flow and pressure output, achieving greater fuel savings and emissions reduction compared to traditional systems.

Implementation Method 1

a wax-element thermal-actuator to control the orientation of vanes and sleeves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP2989330B1Coolant circulation pump having thermal control of sub-circuits

Publication Date: 2019.09.04 FLOWORK SYST II

Figure 1~2A
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The pump provides temperature-based flowrate-modulation of the main- flow of coolant through the engine and radiator, coupled with temperature-based open/close control of sub-flows of coolant through plural sub-circuits. Modulation is done by orientatable swirl- vanes. Open/close control is done by a movable sleeve rotating inside a stator-sleeve, which opens/closes apertures and windows in the sleeves.