Transmission Oil Pump Control with Unloading for Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working fluid supply devices for vehicles waste fuel due to continuous operation of mechanical pumps, even when the flow rate exceeds the required flow rate, leading to decreased fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A working fluid supply device with multiple pumps driven by different sources, including an engine and an electric motor, featuring unloading mechanisms and a control unit that adjusts pump operation based on vehicle state to optimize fluid supply, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption by shifting pumps to no-load states and utilizing the electric motor for additional pumping capacity when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the mechanical pump is continued to be driven by the engine even when the flow rate exceeds the required flow rate, then the working fluid can be supplied to the motive force transmitting device, but fuel is wastefully consumed and fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump system adaptable and adjustable rather than fixed. The mechanical pump's discharge flow rate is made variable through a control mechanism that adjusts it according to the actual working fluid requirements of the motive force transmitting device. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to match supply with demand, avoiding excessive fuel consumption while ensuring adequate working fluid supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of discharge flow rate from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on system needs. By controlling the mechanical pump's discharge flow rate to match the actual requirements of the motive force transmitting device, the system optimizes fuel efficiency while maintaining adequate working fluid supply.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple pumps are used to supply working fluid, then the fuel efficiency is improved by reducing engine load, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pump system into multiple independent pumps: a mechanical pump driven by the engine and an auxiliary pump driven by a separate motor. This segmentation allows each pump to operate independently based on specific conditions, enabling the mechanical pump to be unloaded when not needed and reducing engine load, thereby improving fuel efficiency while managing system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a pump system that can operate in multiple modes: the mechanical pump can supply working fluid independently, the auxiliary pump can supply working fluid independently, or both can work together. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and optimize fuel efficiency across various scenarios.
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 solution enhances fuel efficiency by minimizing fuel wastage and optimizing pump operation, ensuring sufficient working fluid supply while reducing the load on the engine and conserving fuel, even under varying vehicle conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first unloading mechanism configured to shift the second pump to a no-load operation state
Data Source
AI summary
A working fluid supply device is provided with: a first oil pump and a second oil pump driven by an engine; a third oil pump driven by an electric motor; a first unloading valve configured to shift the second oil pump to a no-load operation state; and a controller configured to control a supply state of working oil to an automatic transmission. The controller sets the supply state to a supply state selected from: a first supply state in which the working oil is supplied only from the first oil pump; a second supply state in which the working oil is supplied from the first oil pump and the third oil pump; a third supply state in which the working oil is supplied from the first oil pump and the second oil pump; and a fourth supply state in which the working oil is supplied from the first oil pump, the second oil pump, and the third oil pump.