Pump Cover Axial Force Distribution via Radial Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump units for accumulator injection systems in motor vehicles face challenges in providing reliable and precise operation with minimal wear, especially under severe stresses and high demands on materials and construction, particularly in absorbing large forces.
Innovation Solution
A pump unit design featuring a pump housing with a recess, a drive shaft, and a pump cover sealed by a radially encircling spring element that distributes axial force evenly, preventing deformation and simplifying manufacturability, and incorporating a retaining ring for secure fixation, which includes a high-pressure pump and pre-supply pump with a stator and rotor arrangement for precise operation and fluid tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump cover is used to close off the pump housing recess in a pump unit for accumulator injection systems, then fluid tightness is achieved, but large axial forces occur that can cause deformations and require complex retention mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is segmented into multiple circumferentially distributed fastening points (screws or clips) around the pump cover perimeter, distributing the axial force evenly rather than concentrating it at single points, preventing deformations while maintaining fluid tightness
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism transitions from axial fastening (screws from above) to radial fastening (clips from the outside), changing the direction of force application from axial to radial, which eliminates axial forces on the pump cover while maintaining secure retention
2Reliability
If strong retention mechanisms are used to secure the pump cover against large axial forces, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump cover retention uses simple, inexpensive fastening elements (screws or clips) that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than complex permanent retention mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The pump cover serves multiple functions: it provides fluid tightness, acts as a mounting surface for the spring element, and serves as a retention point for fastening mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate structural components and reducing overall device complexity
3Productivity
If high-pressure pumps and pre-supply pumps are combined in a single pump unit, then productivity is improved, but the pump unit is subjected to severe stresses and large forces
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element positioned between the pump cover and pump housing acts as a counterbalancing mechanism, absorbing and compensating for the large axial forces generated by the combined high-pressure and pre-supply pump operations, protecting the pump cover from excessive stress
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 design ensures reliable and precise operation with reduced wear, cost-effective production, and enhanced durability by evenly distributing axial forces, maintaining tightness and stability of components, and allowing for precise geometric definitions, thus improving the overall performance and longevity of the pump unit.
Implementation Method 1
a radially encircling spring element is arranged axially adjacent to the pump cover and is designed in such a way that the pump cover is pressed against the pump housing in the axial direction by means of the spring element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The pump unit has a pump housing (14) with a pump housing opening (16), and a drive shaft (24) for driving the pump unit. The drive shaft is arranged in the housing opening. A pump cover (15) closes the housing opening in a fluid-tight manner. A radially circulating spring element (44) e.g. disk spring and compression spring, axially lies at the pump cover. The spring element is designed such that the pump cover is pressed at the pump housing in an axial direction by the spring element. A retaining ring (46) e.g. snap ring, fixes the spring element in the axial direction.