Gear Dimples and Radial Inlet for Pump Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance internal combustion engine oil pumps experience rapid wear due to high engine RPM, leading to inefficiencies in lubrication and fluid flow, as conventional pumps are built to close tolerances for high oil flow requirements.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a radial inlet port and dimples on the drive and idler gears, along with a return channel and pressure relief system, to enhance fluid flow, reduce wear, and improve energy efficiency by rerouting pressurized oil back to the intake side, thereby reducing the energy required to maintain flow characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional oil pumps are built to close tolerances to achieve high oil flow, then volumetric flow rate is improved, but wear increases rapidly at high engine RPM
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the pump system by adding dimples to gear surfaces and creating radial inlet ports. These parameter changes modify the fluid dynamics and pressure distribution, allowing the pump to achieve high volumetric flow rates without the excessive wear that would normally result from operating at close tolerances under high RPM conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimples act as intermediaries that capture and redirect pressurized oil flow. By creating localized pressure zones within the dimples, the system mediates between the high-pressure discharge side and the low-pressure intake side, reducing direct high-pressure contact between wearing surfaces while maintaining overall pump efficiency.
2Power
If high engine RPM is used to meet performance demands, then power output is improved, but energy consumption by the oil pump increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radial inlet port creates a feedback mechanism where pressurized oil from the discharge side is redirected back to the intake side. This feedback loop reduces the pressure differential that the pump must work against, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the oil pump while allowing the engine to maintain high power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high-pressure oil (which normally causes wear and energy loss) into a beneficial resource by redirecting it through the radial inlet port to assist in the intake process. The pressurized oil that would otherwise be wasted or cause damage is now used to reduce the work required by the pump.
3Reliability
If close tolerances are used to maintain fluid film lubrication, then lubrication efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gear surfaces are segmented into multiple zones by the dimples, creating distinct functional regions. The dimples segment the continuous gear surface into areas of high pressure, low pressure, and fluid storage, allowing each segment to perform its specific function without requiring uniformly tight tolerances across the entire gear surface.
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 solution increases volumetric flow rate by approximately 40%, reduces energy consumption by 10-60%, and extends pump longevity by distributing lubricant effectively and managing pressure efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The radial inlet port and dimples on the drive and idler gears, along with a return channel and pressure relief system, to enhance fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
improve energy efficiency by rerouting pressurized oil back to the intake side, thereby reducing the energy required to maintain flow characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of a pump may include an idler gear having a plurality of idler gear teeth extending radially outward, wherein at least one of the idler gear teeth may be formed with an idler gear cavity therein. The pump may include a drive gear having a plurality of drive gear teeth extending radially outward that may be intermeshed with the idler gear teeth during use. The drive gear may be formed with a recess at on axial end thereof, and the axial position of the recess may correspond to the axial position of the idler gear cavity. In one embodiment of a pump, each idler gear tooth may be formed with an identical idler gear cavity at the same relative position on each idler gear tooth.