Connection Assembly with Elastic Element for Feed Pump Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection assemblies for feed pumps face challenges in adapting to different displacement rates without altering multiple parts, and they often fail to maintain a sealed environment when components with unfavorable dimensions are used, leading to potential leaks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an elastic element under prestress between the cover and the receiving part, which supports the prestressing force on the base body via the sealing surface, ensuring a static force distribution that prevents leaks and allows for adaptation to various feed pumps with minimal part changes, including no modifications to the cover or intermediate rings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional rigid connection assemblies are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different feed pump displacements is poor and multiple parts must be changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different feed pump displacementsVSAvoidnumber of parts that need to be changed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection assembly uses an elastic element whose prestressing force can be adjusted to adapt to different feed pump displacements. By changing the prestressing force parameter, the same connection assembly can accommodate various pump configurations without modifying multiple parts, thus improving adaptability while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connection assembly transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic system incorporating an elastic element that can deform and adjust. This dynamic characteristic allows the assembly to adapt to different feed pump displacements through elastic deformation, eliminating the need to change multiple parts for different configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If rigid connection assemblies are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but sealing reliability is poor when components with unfavorable dimensions are combined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic element's prestressing force parameter is optimized to ensure reliable sealing across different component dimension combinations. By adjusting this parameter, the assembly compensates for dimensional variations within manufacturing tolerances, maintaining sealing reliability without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic element pre-compresses the sealing surface before hydraulic pressure is applied, creating a cushioning effect that ensures reliable sealing. This preliminary action compensates for potential dimensional variations and prevents leaks, maintaining both sealing reliability and manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If high prestressing forces are applied, then sealing reliability is improved, but the elastic element may deform excessively under hydraulic loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidelastic element deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The prestressing force parameter is optimized to a specific range that ensures adequate sealing pressure while limiting excessive deformation. By carefully selecting this parameter, the elastic element maintains reliable sealing without suffering from excessive shape changes under hydraulic loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic element applies just enough prestressing force to ensure reliable sealing without over-compression. This partial action approach prevents excessive deformation while maintaining adequate sealing pressure, balancing reliability with shape stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 enables flexible adaptation to different feed pumps with varying displacements while maintaining a sealed environment, even with components within manufacturing tolerance, ensuring no leaks and high hydraulic force absorption.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element (60) is installed under prestress between the cover (80) and the receiving part (50) in such a way that a corresponding prestressing force is supported at least indirectly on the base body (20) via the sealing surface (13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3572669B1Connection assembly with feed pump and elastic element
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3572669B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3572669B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3572669B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The application relates to a connection assembly (10) for use in an axial piston machine, wherein the connection assembly (10) comprises a feed pump (40) and a base body (20), wherein the base body (20) is provided with at least one fluid connection (21), wherein the feed pump (40) is designed as an internal gear pump or as a vane pump, wherein a pump assembly (12) defines a flat sealing surface which bears at least indirectly against the base body (20), wherein the base body (20) has a second recess (22) in which the pump assembly (12) is received at least partially, wherein a separate cover (80) is provided which covers the second recess (22) and the pump assembly (12) at least partially, bearing against the base body (20).An elastic element (60) is installed between the cover (80) and the receiving part (50) under preload such that a corresponding preload force is supported at least indirectly on the base body (20) via the sealing surface (13).