Vehicle Fluid Supply Layout Using Pressure-Activated Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supply devices for motor vehicles require a large number of cost-intensive, weight-intensive, and installation space-intensive components to efficiently distribute fluid to multiple consumers, making it complex to selectively supply fluids to specific consumers based on demand.
Innovation Solution
A supply device with a pump, throttles, and valve elements that utilize varying volumetric flows and pressures to selectively open and close flow paths, allowing for needs-based supply of fluids to multiple consumers without active actuation of components, using a system of flow paths and valve elements that can be controlled by varying the electrical current to the pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional supply devices are used to distribute fluid to multiple consumers, then reliable fluid supply is achieved, but the device becomes complex, heavy, and costly with many components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow paths are merged into a single integrated supply line with a pump. The supply line contains multiple flow paths that branch off at different positions, allowing fluid to be distributed to multiple consumers through a unified structure rather than separate independent supply systems for each consumer.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply line serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a pump housing, contains multiple flow paths for different consumers, provides throttle elements for flow control, and incorporates valve elements for selective supply. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining reliable fluid distribution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional supply devices with multiple valves and actuators are used, then selective supply to specific consumers is achieved, but the installation space and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the pump's varying volumetric flow as a self-signaling mechanism. When the pump operates at different flow rates, this automatically activates or deactivates specific flow paths through pressure-activated valve elements, eliminating the need for external actuators, sensors, or control systems. The system serves itself by using its own operational parameter (volumetric flow) to control its own distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic pressure generated by the pump is used to actuate valve elements that control flow paths. The varying volumetric flow of the pump creates pressure differences that automatically open or close valve elements, enabling selective supply to different consumers without mechanical actuators or external control systems.
3Ease of operation
If traditional supply devices with active actuators are used, then precise control of fluid distribution is achieved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump's varying volumetric flow automatically controls the distribution of fluid to different consumers through pressure-activated valve elements. No external actuators, sensors, or control electronics are needed - the system uses its own operational state to control its own output distribution, significantly reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls fluid distribution by changing the pump's volumetric flow parameter. Different flow rates automatically activate different flow paths through pressure-dependent valve elements. This parameter-based control replaces complex active actuation systems with simple pressure-responsive mechanisms, reducing cost while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Enables simple, efficient, and cost-effective distribution of fluids to multiple consumers, allowing for selective supply based on demand without the need for active component activation, ensuring reliable and situational fluid delivery to transmission components and cooling circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (7) arranged in the first flow path (6) by means of which the fluid can be conveyed from a reservoir (2)
Implementation Method 2
a valve element (12) which can be moved between a closed position and an open position and which, in the closed position, closes the second flow path (11) and, in the open position, releases the second flow path (11)
Data Source
AI summary
A supply device for an apparatus includes: a first flow path through which a fluid can flow; a first consumer which is arranged in the first flow path and can be supplied with the fluid via the first flow path; a pump which is arranged in the first flow path and by which the fluid can be pumped out of a reservoir through the first flow path; a throttle which is arranged in the first flow path upstream of the first consumer and downstream of the pump; a second flow path through which the fluid can flow and which is fluidically connected to the first flow path at a first connection point located in the first flow path upstream of the throttle and downstream of the pump; and a second consumer which is arranged in the second flow path and can be supplied with the fluid via the second flow path.