Gear Pump Dual Pressure Relief Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear pumps for compressor lubrication systems lack efficient pressure relief mechanisms, leading to potential leakage and reduced performance due to the reliance on spring-biased washers that may not effectively manage pressure fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a torque ring with pressure relief ports that shift from a sealing to a non-sealing position when pressure exceeds the spring bias, allowing direct venting of oil through additional relief ports, thereby preventing leakage and maintaining efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single spring-biased washer is used for pressure relief, then the pump structure remains simple, but pressure relief effectiveness deteriorates under high pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The single pressure relief function is segmented into two separate mechanisms: a spring-biased washer for normal pressure relief and additional relief ports for high pressure relief. This segmentation allows each mechanism to specialize in specific pressure ranges, improving overall pressure relief effectiveness without requiring a completely complex new system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the torque ring with integrated relief ports) that mediates between the pump chamber and the pressure relief mechanisms. This intermediary provides a controlled pathway for fluid to bypass the main pumping elements and reach the relief mechanisms, enabling effective pressure management across different operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pump is designed for specific compressor capacities, then pump performance is optimized, but versatility across different compressor types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump design incorporates multiple pressure relief mechanisms that can handle a wide range of pressure conditions, making the pump universally applicable across different compressor capacities. The dual pressure relief system (spring-biased washer plus additional relief ports) ensures the pump can maintain reliable performance whether operating at low pressure with smaller compressors or high pressure with larger compressors.
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 solution enhances the pump's ability to manage pressure fluctuations, reducing leakage and enabling the use of a single pump size across different compressor capacities, improving performance and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biasing the pressure relief element toward the first condition from the second condition
Implementation Method 2
If pressure in the pocket becomes sufficient to overcome the spring bias, the pressure will shift the washer out of sealing contact with the ends of the idler and rotor and open up a pathway for fluid to pass back through the cover inlet to relieve pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
An internal gear pump (100) comprises: a rotor/torque ring comprising an internally lobed (140) rotor (130) and a torque ring (120) extending beyond at least a first end (134) of the rotor; an externally lobed (160) idler (150) encircled by the rotor; a hollow shaft (190) supporting the idler; a pressure relief element (200) positioned to shift between a first condition and a second condition; and a spring (210) biasing the pressure relief element toward the first condition from the second condition. The torque ring has at least one pressure relief port (240A, 240B) positioned so that: in the first condition, the pressure relief element blocks a path from an interior volume (235) of the pump to the pressure relief port; and in the second condition, relative to the first condition the pressure relief element does not block the path.