Hydraulic Integrated Circuit in Gear Pump End Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic circuits in mobile assets face challenges such as increased packaging constraints, manufacturing difficulties due to varying flow rates, pressure drops, and issues with oil contamination and leakage, which affect their efficiency and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a gear pump coupled with an electric motor and a tank, where the gear pump has an end cover with a hydraulic integrated circuit (HIC) integrated within, reducing size, mitigating oil leaks and contamination, and minimizing pressure drops by integrating all hydraulic functions into a single component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional hydraulic circuits are used with separate components, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but the system size increases and packaging constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the hydraulic circuit directly into the pump housing, combining what were previously separate components (pump, valves, flow control elements) into a single integrated unit. This merging reduces the overall system volume while consolidating multiple hydraulic functions into one compact structure, directly resolving the contradiction between system size and manufacturing complexity.
2Productivity
If larger hydraulic circuits are used to accommodate varying flow rates, then flow rate requirements are met, but pressure drops increase and oil leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated hydraulic circuit allows for optimized local flow paths and sizing of hydraulic elements specifically tailored to the required flow rates. By having the circuit built into the pump housing, flow paths are shortened and optimized for minimal pressure drop while still accommodating varying flow rate requirements through integrated flow control elements.
3Productivity
If larger hydraulic circuits are used, then flow rate requirements are met, but oil contamination and leakage increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the hydraulic circuit into the pump housing, the patent reduces the number of external connections, hoses, and seals required. This consolidation minimizes potential leakage points and reduces the system's exposure to external contamination sources, thereby decreasing oil contamination and leakage while maintaining full flow rate capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If separate hydraulic components are used, then manufacturing is easier, but packaging constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit is manufactured as an integrated part of the pump housing, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, external piping, and additional sealing components. This integration reduces the total packaging footprint while the modular design of the integrated circuit allows for standardized manufacturing processes.
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 configuration reduces the overall size of the hydraulic system, minimizes oil contamination and leakage, and optimizes compartment space in mobile assets, enhancing performance and reducing environmental pollution.
Implementation Method 1
a system for a gear pump coupled to an electric motor and a tank, the gear pump comprising an end cover with a hydraulic integrated circuit (HIC) arranged therein
Implementation Method 2
a system for a gear pump coupled to an electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are provided for a mobile asset. In one example, a gear pump coupled to an electric motor and a tank, the gear pump comprising an end cover with a hydraulic integrated circuit (HIC) arranged therein. A shaft extending from the electric motor to the gear pump is housed via only an electric motor housing and the end cover.