Gear Pump Pressure Compensation Using Superelastic SMA Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gear pumps used in automotive applications face challenges with increased static pressure due to fluid freezing, which can cause damage, and existing solutions like adding anti-freeze liquids alter the fluid's chemical properties, while conventional deformable elements compromise pump compactness and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A gear pump system utilizing a superelastic material element made from Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) that can withstand significant deformations and maintain mechanical and chemical reliability, allowing for effective compensation of internal pressure without altering the fluid's composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional deformable elements (elastomeric materials or closed-cell foamed materials) are used to compensate for pressure increase due to freezing, then the pump can withstand freezing conditions, but the pump size increases and compactness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional elastomeric or foamed materials to shape memory alloy (SMA) material. This parameter change enables the compensating element to achieve the same pressure compensation function with significantly reduced volume, as SMA materials offer superior elastic deformation capabilities and higher structural density compared to soft elastomeric materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs shape memory alloy material which exhibits composite-like behavior combining elastic deformation capability with high structural integrity. The SMA material can undergo large reversible deformations while maintaining mechanical strength, effectively combining the benefits of deformable materials with structural rigidity, thus achieving compact pressure compensation.
2Reliability
If soft elastomeric materials are used for pressure compensation, then the pump can absorb pressure variations, but the mechanical strength and reliability under dynamic pressure conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from soft elastomeric materials to shape memory alloy (SMA) material. This parameter change enables the compensating element to achieve the same pressure compensation function with significantly reduced volume, as SMA materials offer superior elastic deformation capabilities and higher structural density compared to soft elastomeric materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs shape memory alloy material which exhibits composite-like behavior combining elastic deformation capability with high structural integrity. The SMA material can undergo large reversible deformations while maintaining mechanical strength, effectively combining the benefits of deformable materials with structural rigidity, thus achieving compact pressure compensation.
3Temperature
If anti-freeze liquid is added to the fluid, then the freezing point is lowered, but the chemical properties and effectiveness of the fluid are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anti-freeze function from the fluid composition itself and transfers it to a separate mechanical component (the SMA-based compensating element). This allows the fluid to remain chemically pure and effective for its intended purpose, while the SMA element provides freezing protection through physical volume compensation without any chemical interaction with the fluid.
4Reliability
If predefined spaces with deformable elements are added to the pump body, then the pump can house pressure-absorbing elements, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SMA-based compensating element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a pressure compensation element during freezing, functions as a structural support component, and can serve as part of the sealing system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby simplifying the overall pump structure and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional elastomeric or foamed materials to shape memory alloy (SMA) material. This parameter change enables the compensating element to achieve the same pressure compensation function with significantly reduced volume, as SMA materials offer superior elastic deformation capabilities and higher structural density compared to soft elastomeric materials.
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 superelastic material element effectively compensates for static pressure variations due to freezing without impacting normal operation, ensuring the pump's reliability and compactness, while maintaining performance under dynamic pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a gear pump provided with a system for compensating the internal pressure consisting of an element made of superelastic material that has the ability to withstand great deformations in the elastic field
Implementation Method 2
The superelastic material element made from Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) that can withstand significant deformations
Data Source
AI summary
A pump (10) comprising a casing (12) that encloses a pumping group (14). On the casing (12) at least one inlet conduit (F) and at least one outlet conduit are obtained. The pumping group (14) comprises a pair of mutually coupled gears defining a pump chamber. A first support shaft (16) is operatively connected to an actuator assembly (18) so that the first gear can operate as a driving gear to set the second gear in rotation. The pump (10) comprises at least one element (20) for compensating the increase in volume of the fluid (F) and/or the increase in the pressures inside such a pump (10). The element (20) for compensating the pressure/volume is at least partially manufactured from a shape memory metal alloy having superelastic properties.