Hydraulic Pump Fluid End Lock Cover for Tool-Free Plug Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retaining assemblies for hydraulic fluid pumps require tools for installation/removal, are time-consuming, dangerous, and have limited corrosion resistance, leading to issues with usability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A tool-free retaining assembly using a lock cover with broken zero-pitch threads and a magnetic retention pin to secure plug members within the fluid end housing, eliminating the need for preloads and ensuring high corrosion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional retaining assemblies are used to secure plug members, then the plug members are reliably retained during operation, but tools are required for installation and removal, making the process time-consuming and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The lock cover is designed to be manually operable without requiring external tools. The operator can directly engage or disengage the lock cover by hand, allowing self-service installation and removal of the retaining assembly, thereby eliminating the time-consuming and dangerous tool-based processes of conventional assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic retention pin is extracted as a separate, removable component from the lock cover. This allows the pin to be easily inserted or removed by hand to engage or disengage the retaining assembly, enabling tool-free operation while maintaining secure retention during pump operation
2Strength
If conventional retaining assemblies are used, then the plug members are secured with preload, but the materials have limited corrosion resistance, causing the assemblies to become unusable or stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining assembly is constructed from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant alloys. This composite material approach maintains the necessary mechanical strength for secure retention while providing superior corrosion resistance compared to conventional materials, preventing the assembly from becoming unusable or stuck
3Reliability
If conventional retaining assemblies with preload are used, then the plug members are securely retained, but the assembly requires complex tools and procedures for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the lock cover that engages with the housing, the magnetic retention pin that secures the plug member, and the plug member itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall assembly design and enabling tool-free operation while maintaining secure retention
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic retention pin uses magnetic force to retain the plug member without requiring mechanical preload from complex fastening systems. This substitution of magnetic retention for mechanical preload simplifies the assembly structure and eliminates the need for complex installation and removal procedures
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
Facilitates tool-free installation/removal of plug members, enhances safety, and improves durability by preventing corrosion, thus reducing operational time and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic retention pin extending at least partially through a portion of the lock cover to retain the lock cover in a position that retains the plug member at least partially within the bore
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid end assembly of a hydraulic fluid pump includes a housing, a plug member, a lock cover, and at least one retention pin. The housing may include at least one bore. The plug member may be positioned at least partially within the at least one bore. The lock cover may be coupled to the housing and configured to retain the plug member within the at least one bore during operation of the fluid end assembly. The at least one retention pin may extend at least partially through a portion of the lock cover to retain the lock cover in a rotational position that retains the plug member at least partially within the bore.