Magnet-Coupled Gear Pump Support Structure for Axial Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pumps face issues with increased parts count due to separate motor and pump areas, and axial load misalignment causes friction and performance degradation, especially at high pressures.

Innovation Solution

A pump design that integrates an external gear with a magnet, support, and bearing to align the axial center, using a support and bearing to stabilize the external gear and prevent misalignment, and includes a can to separate fluid regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the motor area and pump area are separated inside the pump, then the functional separation is achieved, but the number of parts and overall product size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional separationVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the motor area and pump area into a single integrated housing structure. The stator assembly (motor) and gear assembly (pump) are positioned within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate motor housing and pump housing. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining functional separation through internal spatial arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stress or pressure

If high pressure is generated in the pump, then the pumping capability is improved, but friction with the housing occurs due to axial misalignment of the external rotor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet pressureVSAvoidfriction with housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a support structure as an intermediary element between the external rotor and the housing. This support includes a support plate with support protrusions that contact the housing, providing axial positioning and load support for the external rotor. The intermediary support structure distributes the axial load and prevents direct contact between the misaligned rotor and housing, thereby reducing friction while maintaining high pressure capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the axial load on the external rotor is not supported, then the structure is simpler, but the rotational stability of the rotor is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structureVSAvoidrotational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure acts as an intermediary that provides axial load support to the external rotor. The support plate with support protrusions contacts the housing and provides reaction forces to balance the axial load on the external rotor. This intermediary support maintains rotational stability without requiring complex bearing arrangements, achieving a balance between structural simplicity and rotational stability.

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

The design stabilizes the axial system, reduces friction, and enhances driving efficiency, allowing higher outlet pressures and reduced current consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet that is coupled to the external gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS12492698B2Pump
Publication Date: 2025.12.09 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • US12492698B2 patent drawing
  • US12492698B2 patent drawing
  • US12492698B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pump comprises: an external gear, a magnet coupled to the external gear; an internal gear disposed inside the external gear; a support having a portion disposed between the external gear and the magnet; and a bearing coupled to the support, wherein the support includes a protruding part coupled to the inner surface of the bearing.