Fuel Pump Housing Swaging with Induction Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel pump manufacturing methods fail to precisely control the clearance between the cover and impeller, leading to inadequate axial force and subsequent deterioration in fuel flow characteristics due to springback of the housing-side engaging portion and concentration of removal force on deformed areas.
Innovation Solution
A method involving heating the housing-side engaging portion before swaging it toward the cover, utilizing electromagnetic induction heaters to achieve a controlled heat shrink, thereby increasing the axial force without excessive deformation and maintaining precise clearance control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the swaging load is increased to compensate for springback of the bending portion, then the axial force is improved, but the bending portion and cover undergo undesirable deformation, causing clearance to increase and fuel flow characteristics to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies heating to the housing-side engaging portion before swaging, changing the temperature parameter of the material. This thermal parameter change modifies the material properties, allowing the bending portion to undergo plastic deformation without springback, thereby achieving sufficient axial force while maintaining precise clearance control between the cover and impeller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of the metal material from a cold, elastic state to a hot, plastic state through heating. In the heated state, the bending portion becomes more ductile and undergoes permanent deformation when swaged, eliminating the springback effect that occurs with cold forming. This phase transition enables the material to retain the deformed shape and provide consistent axial force.
2Force
If the bending portion is pressed against recesses to limit springback, then the axial force is improved, but the removal force concentrates on the depressed portions, causing deformation and clearance increase
Solution Approach 1:
By heating the housing-side engaging portion before swaging, the patent changes the material parameter from cold to hot state. This thermal parameter change allows the bending portion to undergo plastic deformation that is permanent and does not require subsequent pressing against recesses. The heat-treated material maintains its deformed shape without springback, eliminating the concentration of removal force on specific depressed portions.
3Force
If excessive swaging load is applied to achieve sufficient axial force, then the axial force is improved, but the clearance between cover and impeller increases significantly, deteriorating fuel flow characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the housing-side engaging portion before applying swaging load. This thermal parameter change enables the material to undergo plastic deformation at lower loads, achieving sufficient axial force without the excessive swaging load that would otherwise cause significant clearance increase between the cover and impeller.
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 approach ensures a sufficient axial force is maintained while limiting variations in clearances, thereby improving fuel flow characteristics and preventing undesirable deformation in the fuel pump.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing electromagnetic induction heaters to achieve a controlled heat shrink
Implementation Method 2
heating the housing-side engaging portion before swaging it toward the cover, utilizing electromagnetic induction heaters to achieve a controlled heat shrink
Data Source
AI summary
A cover is inserted into a housing of a fuel pump. Then, a housing-side engaging portion of the housing, which is located at a peripheral edge of an opening of the housing, is heated with a heating means. Thereafter, the housing-side engaging portion is swaged by a punch toward the cover to fix the cover to the housing.