Hydraulic Pump Assembly Single Shaft Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic pump assemblies for vehicles lack sufficient auxiliary pump capacity, particularly for applications like power steering, as they often rely on auxiliary gear pumps that do not provide adequate flow and are not efficiently integrated with propulsion and charge pumps.
Innovation Solution
A compact in-line hydraulic pump assembly that includes a fixed displacement axial piston auxiliary pump, a variable speed axial piston propulsion pump, and a gerotor charge pump, all driven by a single shaft, with port blocks distributing hydraulic fluid between the pumps and external devices, enhancing auxiliary pump capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional auxiliary gear pumps are used, then the pump assembly is simple in structure, but the auxiliary pump capacity is insufficient for high flow applications like power steering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auxiliary pump, propulsion pump, and charge pump into a single integrated pump assembly with a common drive shaft. This merging of previously separate pump functions into one unified structure increases auxiliary pump capacity while managing the complexity through shared components and a compact in-line arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the auxiliary pump provides high flow for power steering, the propulsion pump drives the vehicle, and the charge pump supplies charge fluid. This multi-functionality within a single assembly structure addresses the capacity requirement while consolidating rather than multiplying components.
2Volume of moving object
If separate propulsion pumps and auxiliary pumps are used, then each pump can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall assembly becomes larger and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the auxiliary pump, propulsion pump, and charge pump in a nested or in-line configuration where components are positioned within or alongside each other along a common axis. This nesting approach reduces the overall volume of the pump assembly while maintaining the specialized functions of each pump unit through their distinct but integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly transitions from a distributed arrangement of separate pumps to a compact in-line configuration, effectively changing the spatial dimensionality from a spread-out layout to a concentrated linear arrangement. This dimensional reorganization reduces the footprint and overall volume while preserving functional specialization through dedicated pump sections.
3Productivity
If multiple separate pumps are used for different functions, then each pump can operate independently, but the system requires multiple drive shafts and becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive shafts into a single common drive shaft that powers the auxiliary pump, propulsion pump, and charge pump simultaneously. This consolidation eliminates redundant drive components, reduces the number of shafts and couplings, and improves overall system efficiency by synchronizing the operation of all pumps through one rotational input.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive shaft is designed to universally drive all three pump types through appropriately positioned drive mechanisms. This universal drive approach allows one component to perform the function of multiple separate drive shafts, improving productivity by reducing mechanical losses and simplifying the power transmission system while maintaining independent pump operation through selective engagement.
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 solution provides improved auxiliary pump capacity and efficiency by integrating all pumps in a compact arrangement, allowing for better fluid distribution and increased flow to auxiliary units like power steering systems, addressing the limitations of conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
A fixed displacement axial piston auxiliary pump suitable for high flow applications is provided
Implementation Method 2
A main, variable speed axial piston pump used as a propulsion pump for the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
an associated gerotor charge pump
Implementation Method 4
A pair of port blocks, or end caps, cooperates to feed and distribute hydraulic fluid between the three pump units and external hydraulic devices
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic pump assembly having a main pump, a charge pump and an auxiliary pump driven by a single shaft is provided. A pair of hydraulic porting members cooperates to feed and distribute hydraulic fluid between the three pump units, and a single inlet may be used to provide hydraulic fluid to the charge pump and the auxiliary pump.