Pressure Compensating Pump with Tension Spring De-stroke Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic systems in utility vehicles lack a simple, cost-effective mechanism for pressure compensation that automatically regulates fluid flow to accommodate varying demands, potentially leading to excessive power drain and damage from high fluid flow near the limit of hydraulic cylinder extension.
Innovation Solution
A pressure compensating pump with a mechanical fluid flow regulation mechanism, featuring a return-to-stroke mechanism that adjusts fluid flow based on pressure demand, utilizing a tension spring to de-stroke the pump and reduce input power when system pressure increases, and an adjustable pressure set point to prevent damage and optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure compensating pump is used to maintain fluid power to auxiliary functions, then consistent fluid power is maintained, but the mechanism for setting pressure limit and regulating flow becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system performs self-regulation through the interaction of the tension spring and pistons. When system pressure increases, the pistons automatically move to adjust the swashplate angle, reducing flow without requiring external control systems. This self-service mechanism maintains reliable fluid power while avoiding complex control electronics or additional actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic pressure itself as the control signal. The high-pressure fluid from the system acts directly on the pistons, which then mechanically adjust the swashplate angle. This hydraulic feedback loop creates a simple yet effective pressure-compensation mechanism that maintains consistent fluid power without adding mechanical complexity.
2Power
If high fluid flow is provided to hydraulic functions, then sufficient power is available, but excessive power drain occurs from the prime mover
Solution Approach 1:
The pump dynamically adjusts its displacement based on actual system needs. The tension spring allows the swashplate angle to vary automatically in response to pressure changes, enabling the pump to deliver high flow when needed while reducing flow (and power consumption) when the system is near pressure limit. This dynamic adaptation eliminates excessive power drain while maintaining sufficient power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the pump by varying the swashplate angle through piston movement. This parameter change allows the pump to operate at different displacement levels, matching power output to actual demand. The tension spring mechanism ensures that as pressure approaches the limit, the swashplate angle decreases, reducing flow and power consumption appropriately.
3Power
If high fluid flow continues near the limit of hydraulic cylinder extension, then power is maintained, but damage may occur to the hydraulic system
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback control through the tension spring and piston mechanism. When the hydraulic system approaches its pressure limit (indicating near-full cylinder extension), the increased pressure automatically moves the pistons to reduce swashplate angle and flow. This feedback loop prevents damage by reducing power delivery exactly when the system is near its operational limit, while maintaining power availability during normal operation.
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 effectively maintains consistent fluid power, reduces power demand, and prevents damage by automatically adjusting fluid flow according to pressure needs, ensuring efficient operation and longevity of hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a tension spring to de-stroke the pump and reduce input power when system pressure increases
Implementation Method 2
A pressure compensating pump with a mechanical fluid flow regulation mechanism, featuring a return-to-stroke mechanism that adjusts fluid flow based on pressure demand
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic pressure compensating pump assembly having a fluid flow regulation mechanism is provided. The fluid flow regulation mechanism is set to an initial stroked position that can be adjusted to accommodate various applications. The fluid flow regulation mechanism includes a biasing means that allows the pump to de-stroke in response to a pressure demand increase and to return to the initial pressure set point when pressure demand subsides sufficiently. Different spring types and spring rates can be specified to achieve a desired response to pressure demand fluctuations within a particular hydraulic circuit.