Aeronautical Pump Flat Surface Integrated Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aeronautical pump systems face challenges in ease of assembly and multifunctional connection, requiring separate and independent locking of electrical and hydraulic connections, which complicates the mounting process and exposes connections to harsh environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A pump system with integrated electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical connections on a single flat surface, utilizing spring-supported pins and spindles for secure and protected coupling, allowing simultaneous assembly and protection from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electrical and hydraulic connections are made separately on different parts of the pump, then each connection can be independently secured, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires multiple independent locking operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconnection assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electrical pins and hydraulic spindles on the same flat surface of the pump body, allowing both connections to be established simultaneously during a single assembly operation. This merging of connection types resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate locking operations while maintaining secure connections for both electrical and hydraulic interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If connections are exposed on the pump exterior, then assembly is straightforward, but connections are vulnerable to damage from extreme environmental conditions such as fire, pressure, and temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidenvironmental damage vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds the electrical pins and hydraulic spindles within the pump body structure, with connection elements nested inside the pump housing rather than exposed on the exterior. This nesting approach protects the connections from environmental hazards like fire and extreme pressure while maintaining assembly simplicity through the integrated flat surface interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If multiple connection types are integrated on a single flat surface, then assembly is simplified and connections are protected, but the design and manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidconnection alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal flat surface interface that accommodates multiple connection types (electrical pins and hydraulic spindles) in a standardized configuration. This multi-functional interface simplifies assembly by providing a common mounting plane while the standardized design of pins and spindles ensures consistent alignment and reduces manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates simplified and reliable assembly of the pump, protecting connections from extreme conditions like pressure, temperature, and fire, by integrating all connection types on a single surface, eliminating the need for independent locking.

Implementation Method 1

the pins are supported by elastic or damping means, in particular springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the pins are supported by elastic or damping means, in particular springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3617518B1Pump of turbomachine
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 SAFRAN AERO BOOSTERS SA
  • EP3617518B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3617518B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3617518B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a pump (50) for an aeronautical module (70), the pump (50) comprising a body (51) having at least one substantially flat external surface (511), notable in that it has an electrical connector (57), a hydraulic connector (52, 53), and a mechanical connector (59) for the electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical connection of the pump (50) with the aeronautical module (70), and in that the connectors (52, 53, 57, 59) are all arranged on its flat surface (511). The invention also relates to a module suitable for cooperating with such a pump, the module being a subassembly of an aircraft turbojet engine, such as a compressor or a fuel cell.