Adjustable Distributor Plate Timing Without Axial Piston Disassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic axial piston assemblies require disassembly to adjust the distributor plate's position, leading to increased manufacturing costs and eccentric pin degradation due to direct rotational forces.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic axial piston assembly with a distributor plate, a bearing element orthogonally connected to the plate, and an externally accessible adjustment screw that rotates the bearing element to adjust the distributor plate's timing angle without disassembly, distributing forces through the bearing element rather than the eccentric pin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an external screw with eccentric pin is used to rotate the distributor plate, then the distributor plate can be adjusted without disassembly, but the thickness of the distributor plate must be increased to accommodate the eccentric pin rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of distributor plateVSAvoidthickness of distributor plate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A bearing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the adjustment screw and the distributor plate. The bearing element's outer surface engages with the distributor plate while its inner surface engages with the adjustment screw, allowing rotational force transmission without requiring the distributor plate itself to accommodate the screw mechanism, thus maintaining reduced thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing element is positioned in a bore that extends perpendicular to the distributor plate surface, transferring rotational motion from a radial dimension to an axial dimension. This allows the adjustment mechanism to operate in a different spatial dimension, avoiding the need to increase the distributor plate's thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If an external screw with eccentric pin is used to rotate the distributor plate, then the distributor plate can be adjusted without disassembly, but the rotational forces directly degrade the eccentric pin at an increased rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of distributor plateVSAvoiddurability of eccentric pin

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing element serves as a mediator that absorbs and distributes the rotational forces between the adjustment screw and the distributor plate. By providing a low-friction contact surface, it protects the eccentric pin from direct rotational loading, significantly reducing wear and degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The direct mechanical contact between the eccentric pin and distributor plate is replaced with a bearing interface. This substitution transforms the high-stress direct mechanical engagement into a lower-stress bearing-supported rotation, reducing force concentration on the eccentric pin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the distributor plate is made thicker to accommodate eccentric pin rotation, then the adjustment mechanism can function, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of distributor plateVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of distributor plate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is relocated to operate in a perpendicular dimension through the bearing element's positioning in a bore extending normal to the distributor plate surface. This allows the distributor plate to maintain its original thin profile while still accommodating the adjustment function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing element acts as an intermediary that externalizes the adjustment mechanism's structural requirements. Instead of the distributor plate needing to be thickened to accommodate the mechanism, the bearing element provides the necessary structural support outside the plate's main body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables adjustment of the distributor plate's position without disassembly, reducing manufacturing costs and eccentric pin degradation by redirecting rotational forces, thus improving the assembly's operational efficiency and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

The bearing element may reduce the amount of force discharged onto the eccentric pin via the adjustment screw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a bearing element directly and orthogonally connected to a side of the distributor plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentUS20240337236A1Adjustable distribution plate for an axial piston assembly

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 DPC HYDRAULICS SRL

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for a hydraulic axial piston assembly. The hydraulic axial piston assembly may include a distributor plate, a bearing element directly and orthogonally connected to a side of the distributor plate, and an adjustment screw orthogonally connected to the bearing element, where the adjustment screw is externally accessible and manually rotatable to adjust a timing angle of the distributor plate.