Hydraulic Pump Coupling Lubrication Using Internal Oil Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic pump assemblies face challenges in maintaining effective lubrication of rotatable couplings, especially under variable duty cycles and vertical orientations, where grease is often displaced, and alternative flexible couplings are costly and prone to wear.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic pump assembly with a rotatable coupling housed within a chamber that allows continuous lubrication via a flow passage for hydraulic oil, where the oil flows from the pump to the coupling, ensuring axial and circumferential lubrication, and an outlet for returning the oil to the tank, preventing grease displacement and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grease is applied to the rotatable coupling during assembly, then the coupling is lubricated, but the grease is pushed out under rapid acceleration and deceleration stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic fluid flow through the rotatable coupling to provide continuous lubrication during operation, replacing the static grease application method. The hydraulic fluid is pumped through the coupling components, ensuring lubrication is maintained despite rapid acceleration and deceleration stresses that would otherwise push out grease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous lubrication by flowing hydraulic fluid through the rotatable coupling during operation, rather than relying on a one-time grease application. This continuous flow ensures that lubrication is maintained throughout the operational life of the coupling, addressing the duration issue with traditional grease lubrication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a torsional flexible coupling is used, then torsional vibrations are accommodated, but the assembly becomes significantly more expensive and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing hydraulic fluid system serve a dual function: both hydraulic operation and lubrication of the rotatable coupling. By routing the hydraulic fluid through the coupling components, the system uses its own operational fluid to provide lubrication, eliminating the need for separate flexible coupling components and their associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic fluid performs multiple functions: it operates the hydraulic system and simultaneously lubricates the rotatable coupling. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate flexible coupling components that would accommodate torsional vibrations, reducing assembly complexity and cost while maintaining the necessary adaptability.
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 provides continuous and efficient lubrication of the rotatable coupling, reducing wear and maintenance costs, while maintaining a compact and efficient assembly suitable for demanding duty cycles in working vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the chamber defines a flow passage for hydraulic oil for lubricating the rotatable coupling, the chamber comprising an inlet for receiving a flow of hydraulic oil from the pump and an outlet for exiting the flow of hydraulic oil to the exterior of the chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A hydraulic pump assembly comprises: an electric motor (14); a hydraulic pump (16) driveably connected to the electric motor via a rotatable coupling (18); wherein the rotatable coupling comprises a splined connection housed within a chamber (32) comprising a chamber wall (36), wherein the chamber (32) defines a flow passage for hydraulic oil for lubricating the rotatable coupling, the chamber (32) comprising an inlet (42) for receiving a flow of hydraulic oil from the pump and an outlet (34) for exiting the flow of hydraulic oil to the exterior of the chamber (32).