Integrated Coolant Hub Shaft for Coaxial Pump Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The misalignment of the shaft axis with respect to the volute portion during assembly of the fluid pump in a thermal management module leads to inefficiencies due to misaligned rotor and impeller, complicating assembly and reducing operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The integration of the shaft with the hub housing, ensuring the central axis of the shaft is coaxial with the volute portion, simplifies assembly by eliminating manual alignment and reduces misalignment risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the shaft is separately assembled to the volute portion using fastening means, then the assembly process allows flexibility in installation, but the shaft axis may become misaligned with the volute portion axis leading to rotor and impeller misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is integrally formed with the hub housing as a single piece, eliminating the separate assembly step and the associated alignment problems. This merging of two previously separate components (shaft and hub housing) ensures precise coaxial alignment of the shaft axis with the volute portion axis, while still allowing the pump assembly to be installed flexibly onto the hub.
2Ease of operation
If multiple assembly steps are used to mount the shaft, impeller, and rotor separately, then each component can be individually adjusted, but the number of assembly steps increases and misalignment risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the shaft with the hub housing, the patent reduces the assembly sequence from multiple separate mounting operations to a single pump assembly installation. The integral shaft eliminates the need for separate shaft mounting, impeller placement, and rotor assembly steps, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining proper alignment through the integral design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is separately mounted with fastening means, then the shaft can be removed or replaced, but the weight of the rotor and improper mounting can add to axial misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The integral formation of the shaft with the hub housing eliminates axial misalignment caused by separate mounting and rotor weight. The pump assembly remains replaceable and adaptable, allowing maintenance while ensuring that the shaft itself cannot become misaligned since it is an integral part of the hub housing structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal management module (100) includes a hub housing (10), and a first pump (20). The hub housing (10) includes a plurality of fluid flow channels (12) and a shaft (18). The hub housing (10) receives the first pump (20). The shaft (18) is received by a central aperture (28) of the first pump (20), and the shaft (18) is integrally formed with the hub housing (10).