Internal Gear Pump Bidirectional Lubrication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal gear pumps face challenges in efficiently switching pumping direction and effectively lubricating rotating parts, particularly in motor vehicle applications where fluid delivery for lubrication and cooling is required.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a lubricant feed system that directs fluid flow through two rotary bearings in both rotational directions, utilizing channeling structures within the internal gear and base to minimize flow resistance and ensure lubrication of critical components, while maintaining a defined flow path and axial sealing gaps to prevent direct fluid flow between ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the pump is designed to switch pumping direction, then the pump can deliver fluid in both rotational directions, but the lubrication of rotary bearings becomes insufficient in one or both directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping direction switching capabilityVSAvoidlubrication effectiveness of rotary bearings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lubricant feed system is designed to perform the same lubrication function in both rotational directions. The feed system includes channeling structures that automatically direct lubricant to the appropriate rotary bearing regardless of rotation direction, making the lubrication system universal for bidirectional operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lubricant feed system dynamically adapts to the rotational direction by using channeling structures that redirect fluid flow based on the direction of rotation. The system automatically adjusts which bearing receives lubricant and from which port, maintaining effective lubrication despite changing operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If lubricant is channeled through rotary bearings in both rotational directions, then lubrication is improved, but flow resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication effectiveness of rotary bearingsVSAvoidflow resistance in lubricant path

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The channeling structures are strategically positioned to provide lubrication only where needed - specifically at the rotary bearings. The system creates localized flow paths that deliver lubricant directly to bearing surfaces rather than allowing general circulation, minimizing unnecessary flow resistance while ensuring targeted lubrication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If axial sealing gaps are maintained to prevent direct fluid flow between ports, then pumping efficiency is preserved, but lubricant delivery to bearings becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping efficiencyVSAvoidlubricant delivery to rotary bearings

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pump housing is segmented into distinct functional zones: a pumping chamber for fluid delivery and a lubricant feed system with separate channeling structures. This segmentation allows the sealing gaps to maintain pumping efficiency while the dedicated lubricant channels provide independent pathways for bearing lubrication, resolving the conflict between these two requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables efficient fluid delivery and lubrication in both rotational directions, ensuring effective operation of motor vehicle drive motors and transmissions by maintaining reduced flow resistance and targeted lubrication of rotary bearings, thus enhancing the pump's operational efficiency and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

a lubricant feed sets a fluid flow or lubricant flow between the fluid ports through the two rotary bearings in both rotational directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

utilizing channeling structures within the internal gear and base to minimize flow resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow resistance reduction:

Implementation Method 3

maintaining a defined flow path and axial sealing gaps to prevent direct fluid flow between ports

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS11486399B2Internal gear pump

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 SCHWABISCHE HUTTENWERKE AUTOMOTIVE CMBH

AI summary

An internal gear pump for forward and reverse operations, including: a pump housing which includes a first fluid port and a second fluid port, wherein in a first rotational direction, the first fluid port is formed as a fluid outlet and the second fluid port is formed as a fluid inlet, and in a second rotational direction, the first fluid port is formed as a fluid inlet and the second fluid port is formed as a fluid outlet; an internal gear and an external gear which together form delivery cells in order to deliver a fluid; a first rotary bearing which mounts the internal gear; and a second rotary bearing which mounts the external gear; and includes a lubricant feed which sets a fluid flow between the fluid ports through the two rotary bearings in both rotational directions.