Coolant Pump Bearing Fixation via Elastic Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mechanical combustion engine coolant pumps require precise manufacturing and complex assembly due to press-fit connections, making them costly and difficult to produce and assemble.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical coolant pump design that uses a separate outer ring of the first roller bearing, axially pushed against the pump frame body with a high force, eliminating the need for precise press-fittable parts and allowing for the use of less expensive standard roller bearings, with a bearing fixation structure that is detachable and elastically designed for simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If press-fit connection is used to fix the outer bearing ring to the pump frame body, then the bearing fixation is secure, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A bearing fixation structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the pump frame body and the outer bearing ring. This fixation structure includes a fixation element that engages with the pump frame body and a bearing retention element that holds the outer bearing ring, thereby mediating the connection and eliminating the need for precise press-fit surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing fixation structure is divided into separate functional elements: a fixation element for mounting to the pump frame body and a bearing retention element for holding the outer bearing ring. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly compared to a monolithic press-fit solution.
2Reliability
If press-fit connection is used to fix the outer bearing ring to the pump frame body, then the bearing fixation is secure, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing fixation structure serves as a mediator that simplifies the assembly process. Instead of requiring precise press-fit operations, the fixation structure can be attached to the pump frame body using simpler fastening methods, and the outer bearing ring can be easily retained by the retention element.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing fixation structure incorporates elastic properties, allowing it to flex during assembly and operation. This elasticity enables the structure to accommodate minor misalignments and simplifies the assembly process by allowing for easier installation and potential disassembly compared to rigid press-fit connections.
3Reliability
If press-fit connection is used to fix the outer bearing ring to the pump frame body, then the bearing fixation is secure, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing fixation structure is a separate component that can be manufactured independently using cost-effective methods. By eliminating the need for expensive precision machining of press-fit surfaces in the pump frame body, the overall production cost is reduced while maintaining secure bearing fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing fixation structure can be produced as a separate, potentially less expensive component that compensates for the elimination of expensive precision machining. The fixation structure may be made from standard materials and manufactured using conventional processes, reducing overall production costs.
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 design simplifies the assembly process, reduces production costs, and enables the use of pre-fabricated standard roller bearings, making the coolant pump more cost-effective and easier to manufacture while maintaining reliable support for the rotatable parts.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing fixation structure itself is minimally elastically designed and is directly fixed to the pump frame body by fixation means. The outer ring of the first roller bearing is not press-fit to the pump frame body but is axially pushed with a high pushing force against a suitable transversal surface of the pump frame body.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention is directed to a mechanical combustion engine coolant pump (10) for pumping a coolant for an internal combustion engine, comprising a pump wheel (20) at a rotatable rotor shaft (18) being radially supported by a first roller bearing (26), a rotatable driving wheel (32) being radially supported by a roller bearing (26) and being driven by the combustion engine, and means for connecting the rotor shaft (18) with the driving wheel (32) in a rotatably fixed manner. The roller bearing (26) is provided with a separate outer ring (50) which is directly fixed to a pump frame body (12). A separate bearing fixation structure (52) is axially pushing the outer ring (50) of the first roller bearing (26) clearance-free against the pump frame body (12), whereby the bearing fixation structure (52) is directly fixed to the pump frame body (12).