Bidirectional Positive-Displacement Pump With Dual-Direction Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bidirectional automotive positive-displacement pumps, such as gerotor pumps, require high driving torque due to large discharge pressures, which can cause damage to pressure lines and consumer devices, and existing overpressure-relief mechanisms are not effective in both rotational directions.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional automotive positive-displacement pump with a compact overpressure-relief valve that fluidically connects the high-pressure discharge zone to the low-pressure suction zone via a channel, actuated by a spring-biased check valve, allowing pressure relief independently of the pump rotor's rotational direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unidirectional pump design is used, then the pump structure is simple, but the pump can only pump fluid in one direction and requires multiple pumps for bidirectional flow
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is designed with a single piston that can pump fluid in both directions through a symmetric valve arrangement. The piston rod connects to a cross-member that links both ends of the piston to opposite sides of the fluid chamber, enabling the single piston to control fluid flow bidirectionally, thus achieving multi-functionality with a single pump unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of two unidirectional pumps into one bidirectional pump. By combining the piston, cross-member, and valve assembly into a single integrated mechanism, the design achieves bidirectional pumping capability without requiring separate pumps for each direction, reducing overall system complexity while expanding functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a bidirectional pump is designed with proper valve arrangements, then fluid flow control in both directions is achieved, but the valve system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system employs asymmetric valve arrangements where check valves are positioned at specific locations on the fluid chamber to control flow in each direction. This asymmetric placement allows simple check valve mechanisms to effectively manage bidirectional flow without requiring complex valve assemblies, maintaining ease of operation while avoiding excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple unidirectional pumps are used for bidirectional flow, then reliable fluid pumping in both directions is achieved, but the number of moving parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple pump functions into a single integrated unit. The piston rod connects to a cross-member that links both ends of the piston to opposite sides of the fluid chamber, creating a unified mechanism where one piston controls bidirectional flow. This consolidation reduces the number of moving parts compared to using multiple separate pumps while maintaining reliable fluid pumping in both directions.
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 ensures reliable overpressure relief in both rotational directions without additional switching mechanisms, reducing the risk of damage to pressure lines and consumer devices while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
Bidirectional automotive positive-displacement pump
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention is directed to a bidirectional automotive positive-displacement pump (10) comprising a pump rotor (15) being rotatably and eccentrically arranged within a pumping chamber (13), a static pump housing (12) defining the pumping chamber (13) with a pumping chamber inlet/outlet opening (17), a pumping chamber outlet/inlet opening (18) being arranged mirror-symmetrically to the pumping chamber inlet/outlet opening (17), and a neutral zone (19) being arranged at the apoapsis (A) of the pumping chamber (13) between the pumping chamber inlet/outlet opening (17) and the pumping chamber outlet/inlet opening (18), an overpressure-relief channel (20) fluidically connecting the pumping chamber inlet/outlet opening (17) and the pumping chamber outlet/inlet opening (18), and an overpressure-relief valve (25) for opening and closing the overpressure-relief channel (20), the overpressure-relief valve (25) being arranged such that an overpressure is released from the pumping chamber inlet/outlet opening (17) to the pumping chamber outlet/inlet opening (18) or alternatively from the pumping chamber outlet/inlet opening (18) to the pumping chamber inlet/outlet opening (17) if the pressure is above aa pre-defined overpressure value. Thereby, an overpressure can be released independently of the rotational direction of the bidirectional automotive positive-displacement pump (10).