Dual-Inlet Gerotor Pump for Aviation Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pumps for aviation applications face challenges in efficiently managing airflow and cooling in various flight configurations, particularly in hover mode where increased airflow is beneficial for cooling but not adequately utilized.
Innovation Solution
A gerotor pump and fan combination is designed to integrate with aircraft propulsion systems, utilizing a lighter metal construction with plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings and a fluoropolymer material treatment to enhance durability and efficiency. The pump fan circulates coolant and draws air through the radiator, optimizing airflow and cooling in different flight modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional single-inlet pump design is used, then the device complexity is low, but the airflow management efficiency and cooling performance in hover mode are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pump inlet is divided into two separate inlets positioned on opposite sides of the pump housing, allowing independent airflow paths for hover mode and forward flight mode. This segmentation enables the system to optimize cooling efficiency in hover mode by utilizing both inlets simultaneously while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular inlet design
2Strength
If heavier materials are used for pump construction, then the durability and strength are improved, but the weight of the propulsion system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump components utilize composite material construction combining aluminum alloy base material with plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coating layers. This composite approach provides enhanced surface hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion protection comparable to or exceeding traditional heavy-duty materials while maintaining the lightweight advantages of aluminum, thereby improving pump durability without significantly increasing propulsion system weight
3Strength
If standard aluminum construction is used, then the weight is low, but the wear resistance and corrosion protection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The aluminum pump components undergo plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) treatment that fundamentally changes the surface parameters by creating a porous ceramic-like coating structure. This parameter change transforms the surface properties to achieve high wear resistance, corrosion protection, and hardness enhancement while the base aluminum material and PEO process remain relatively straightforward to manufacture compared to alternative high-strength materials
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 gerotor pump and fan combination effectively enhances airflow and cooling efficiency in hover mode, improving the overall performance and reliability of aircraft propulsion systems across various flight configurations.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a lighter metal construction with plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings
Implementation Method 2
a fluoropolymer material treatment to enhance durability and efficiency
Implementation Method 3
A gerotor pump and fan combination is designed to integrate with aircraft propulsion systems, utilizing a lighter metal construction
Implementation Method 4
The pump fan circulates coolant and draws air through the radiator, optimizing airflow and cooling in different flight modes
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pump includes a housing having a pump inlet volume and a pump outlet volume defined therein, an outer gerotor located in the housing, and an inner gerotor located in the housing inside the outer gerotor. The inner and outer gerotors being in fluid communication with the pump inlet volume and the pump outlet volume, and a first inlet and a second, separate inlet are provided in fluid communication with the inlet volume of the housing.