Monolithic Reciprocating Pump Power End for Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-pressure reciprocating pumps experience structural integrity issues due to concentrated forces exerted by the fluid end, leading to frequent maintenance and reduced operational lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A monolithic core design for the power end of a reciprocating pump, featuring a base with integral extensions and ribs, distributed apertures, and openings for crankshaft and couplers, which distribute forces and enhance structural rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional power end components are used, then the pump can operate, but the concentrated forces cause structural integrity issues and frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcomponent structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate power end components (base, extensions, ribs, openings) into a single monolithic core structure. This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate parts that would require assembly and connection, thereby improving structural integrity by removing potential failure points at joints while reducing overall device complexity through consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If the power end components are separate, then manufacturing is easier, but the structural rigidity is reduced under high forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidcomponent fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple components into one monolithic core, the patent achieves superior structural rigidity that can withstand high forces from the fluid end. The monolithic structure eliminates weak joints between separate parts. While manufacturing a single large component may be more challenging than making smaller separate parts, the design optimizes the monolithic structure to balance manufacturability with the required strength and rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of repair

If multiple separate components are used, then maintenance is easier, but downtime increases due to frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidmaintenance downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The monolithic core structure reduces the number of parts that can fail or require maintenance. By integrating multiple functions into one robust component, the patent minimizes the frequency of maintenance interventions. Although access to the integrated structure may require careful design for serviceability, the overall reduction in maintenance frequency significantly decreases downtime compared to traditional multi-component designs that require frequent repairs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12535069B2Reciprocating pump power end with monolithic core
Publication Date: 2026.01.27 GD ENERGY PRODUCTS LLC
  • US12535069B2 patent drawing
  • US12535069B2 patent drawing
  • US12535069B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power end includes a monolithic core with a base having a surface configured to mount to a fluid end of the reciprocating pump and a plurality of extensions integral to the base. Each extension of the plurality of extensions includes a ring portion that defines an opening configured to receive a crankshaft of the reciprocating pump. The power end also includes a plurality of plates separate from the monolithic core. Each plate of the plurality of plates extends between a pair of adjacent of extensions of the plurality of extensions to enclose the monolithic core.