Compact Axial Ring Actuator for Rotary Piston Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic pump units for automotive applications, such as convertible roof systems, require large built-in spaces due to their design, which is not suitable for modern vehicles with limited compartment sizes.
Innovation Solution
A compact pump unit design featuring a rotary piston pump with an adjustable eccentric ring actuated by a ring actuator, allowing for a slim and compact configuration that can be installed in narrow spaces, such as small vehicle chassis compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional rotary piston pump design is used, then the pump can provide sufficient hydraulic pressure, but the pump unit requires a large built-in space
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is positioned inside the pump housing, nested within the existing structural space. The actuator engages the eccentric ring at a position within the outer ring contour, allowing the actuator to be housed within the pump's existing footprint rather than requiring additional external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is positioned in the axial direction at the end face of the eccentric ring rather than radially outward. This dimensional repositioning allows the actuator to utilize the axial space already defined by the pump housing, converting a radial space requirement into an axial arrangement that fits within the existing pump envelope.
2Volume of stationary object
If the pump unit size is reduced to fit narrow spaces, then the built-in space requirement is reduced, but the pump capacity and hydraulic performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is positioned to engage the eccentric ring at a specific location within the outer ring contour, optimizing the local mechanical advantage. This strategic positioning allows for effective eccentricity adjustment while maintaining a compact overall pump size, as the actuator only needs to exert force at the optimal engagement point rather than requiring space for the entire adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentricity of the eccentric ring is made adjustable through the actuator, allowing the pump's hydraulic capacity to be varied. This parameter adjustment capability enables the pump to deliver different hydraulic outputs from a single compact unit, maintaining versatility and performance across different operating conditions without requiring multiple pump sizes.
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 compact pump unit can be seamlessly integrated into narrow vehicle compartments, enabling efficient operation of hydraulic actuating systems for vehicle parts like convertible roofs, sunroofs, and wheel suspensions without occupying excessive space.
Implementation Method 1
The piston pump comprises a rotor including a rotor body which is driveable in a rotational direction about an axial axis
Implementation Method 2
The pump unit is arranged for pressurising a hydraulic actuating system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Automotive hydraulic actuating system 21 for operating a vehicle part, like a sunroof, spoiler, boot lid, convertible roof etc. The actuating system comprises a pump unit 26 with a compact configuration. The pump unit comprises a piston pump 4 which has a rotor 46 including pistons 41 and an eccentric ring 48 which is positioned around the rotor at an adjustable eccentricity E. The eccentric ring is adjustable by a ring actuator 5. The ring actuator comprises an actuator 51 which is in an axial direction positioned aside the eccentric ring. The actuator 51 is positioned opposite and end face of the eccentric ring and engages the eccentric ring at a position within an outer ring contour 4821. The positioning of the actuator contributes to the compact configuration which advantageously allows an installation at a narrow mounting space, like in a chassis compartment close to a movable vehicle part.