Compact Hydraulic Transmission Assembly with Integrated Axial Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic transmission systems for applications like zero-turn mowers and fan drives face challenges in achieving a compact design while maintaining high torque output efficiency and reducing material mass for lower inertia.
Innovation Solution
A compact hydraulic transmission assembly is designed with an axial piston pump integrated on a center section that also serves as a cylindrical running surface for a radial piston motor, featuring a lower mass piston block and optimized fluid porting for improved efficiency and structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact hydraulic transmission assembly is designed with integrated axial piston pump and radial piston motor, then the assembly size and profile are reduced, but the manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the axial piston pump and radial piston motor into a single compact assembly where the pump housing serves dual purposes as both pump containment and motor mounting structure. The center section provides a cylindrical running surface that serves as the mounting interface for the radial piston motor, combining multiple functions into unified structures to reduce overall assembly size while managing manufacturing precision requirements through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the pump housing and the motor housing mounting structure. The center section provides a cylindrical running surface that functions as both a structural support element and a precision mounting surface for the radial piston motor. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, achieving compactness while concentrating precision requirements into specific critical interfaces.
2Weight of moving object
If radial piston motor with lower mass piston block is used, then the material mass and inertia are reduced, but the structural strength and torque capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the piston block design, utilizing optimized material selection and geometric parameters to achieve reduced mass while maintaining required strength. The piston block geometry is specifically designed with optimized wall thicknesses, reinforcement features, and material properties that allow mass reduction through parameter optimization rather than simply reducing size, thereby maintaining structural integrity and torque capacity with lower mass.
3Power
If axial piston pump with radial piston motor combination is used, then torque output efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the axial piston pump and radial piston motor into a single integrated assembly where fluid power transmission occurs internally between the two components. This merging eliminates the need for external fluid lines, separate mounting structures, and intermediate coupling mechanisms, thereby achieving high torque output efficiency through direct fluid power transmission while reducing overall device complexity compared to separate components.
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 design results in a compact, low-profile assembly with enhanced torque output efficiency and reduced material mass, leading to improved performance and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an axial piston pump disposed on a center section
Implementation Method 2
a radial piston motor having an output shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A compact hydraulic transmission assembly using an axial piston pump disposed on a center section that also provides a cylindrical running surface for a radial piston motor. This design provides for a compact and low profile assembly, while the combination of an axial piston pump with a radial piston motor provides improved efficiency for higher torque output. The radial piston motor includes a lower mass piston block that improves performance. The center section includes an extension extending outwardly from its circumference and including a check port; and a mounting lobe for securing the center section is secured to the pump housing.