External Gear Pump Dual-Motor Segmentation Radial Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external gear pumps require significant space due to the large diameter of electric motors, which compromises mountability on target apparatuses without adequate discharge amount or pressure when motor size is reduced.
Innovation Solution
The use of two electric motors, one for each gear, with a control unit that adjusts torque to prioritize the first motor's torque over the second, allowing for smaller motor diameters without reducing discharge amount or pressure, and enabling improved mountability by optimizing motor placement within the pump housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single large-diameter electric motor is used to drive the driving gear, then the discharge amount and discharge pressure can be secured, but the pump occupies excessive radial space and has poor mountability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single motor drive system into two independent motor systems: a first electric motor drives the driving gear, and a second electric motor drives the driven gear through meshing. This segmentation allows each motor to have a smaller diameter while collectively providing the necessary power output, thereby reducing the radial space occupied by the pump while maintaining discharge performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-axis drive configuration to a dual-axis drive configuration where the first and second electric motors are arranged along the axial direction rather than requiring one large motor in the radial direction. This dimensional change enables better space utilization and improves mountability on target apparatuses with limited radial space
2Area of stationary object
If the electric motor diameter is reduced to improve mountability, then the radial space is reduced, but the discharge amount and discharge pressure cannot be secured
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the drive system into two motors, each motor can be downsized while the combined output of both motors maintains the required discharge amount and pressure. The first motor drives the driving gear and the second motor drives the driven gear, and their coordinated operation ensures sufficient power delivery without requiring large individual motor diameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by controlling the two electric motors to operate with different torque characteristics. The control unit adjusts the torque of each motor based on operating conditions, allowing the system to maintain high discharge performance even with smaller motor diameters. The first motor typically operates at higher torque to drive the driving gear, while the second motor provides complementary torque to drive the driven gear
3Device complexity
If a single motor drives both gears, then the structure is simple, but there is no redundancy and the pump cannot operate continuously if the motor or gear fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive system into two independent motor-gear subsystems: the first electric motor with the driving gear, and the second electric motor with the driven gear. This segmentation creates redundancy because if one motor or gear fails, the other subsystem can continue to operate, enabling continuous pump operation and improving reliability for safety-critical applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing redundant drive components (two independent motors and gear systems) that can compensate for potential failures. This proactive design ensures that the pump can maintain operation even when one component fails, meeting functional safety requirements without requiring complex backup systems
Data Source
AI summary
An external gear pump includes a pump housing in which a pump chamber is formed, a primary gear having a plurality of external teeth housed in the pump chamber, a secondary gear having a plurality of external teeth that mesh with the plurality of external teeth of the primary gear in the pump chamber, a first electric motor configured to generate a torque for rotationally driving the primary gear, a second electric motor configured to generate a torque for rotationally driving the secondary gear, and a control unit configured to control the first and second electric motors. The control unit controls the first and second electric motors so that the torque generated by the first electric motor is greater than the torque generated by the second electric motor.