Pneumatic Pump Limit Pressure Adjustment via External Stop Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic pumps used in the automotive sector for filling seat bladders face challenges in adjusting the limit pressure due to the use of springs of varying strengths, leading to logistical and technical issues, as well as the risk of incorrect assembly and noise generation during pressure relief.
Innovation Solution
A stop element is introduced that can be externally adjusted to set the desired limit pressure, using a universally applicable spring element, and a metallic stop element is used to enhance clamping and prevent noise by sealing the spring space, with a design that prevents incorrect assembly and reduces noise propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If springs of various strengths are used to adjust limit pressure, then the limit pressure can be adapted to different applications, but this entails logistical and technical assembly effort and risk of incorrect assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the adjustable parameter from spring strength to stop element position. By keeping the spring constant and adjusting only the stop element's position along the adjustment area, the system achieves adaptable limit pressure without the complexity of selecting different spring strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop element acts as an intermediary between the spring element and the valve element. It translates the spring's constant force into variable limit pressure by positioning itself at different locations in the adjustment area, thereby controlling when the valve opens without requiring different spring strengths.
2Ease of manufacture
If a stop element is introduced for adjusting limit pressure, then assembly is simplified and manufacturing tolerances can be compensated, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element serves multiple functions: it limits the spring's expansion, compensates for manufacturing tolerances in the valve element and spring, and enables adjustable limit pressure. This single component performs what would otherwise require multiple precision-manufactured parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment area is segmented into multiple possible stop positions, allowing the stop element to be placed at different locations to achieve different limit pressures. This segmentation provides adjustability without requiring complex mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If the spring space is left open for assembly purposes, then assembly is easier, but noise can propagate from the spring space to the surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly opening is extracted as a temporary feature that is closed after assembly. The opening is not permanently present in the final product, eliminating noise propagation while preserving assembly ease during the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element and stop element are inserted through the assembly opening before the opening is closed. This preliminary action allows easy assembly, after which the opening is sealed to prevent noise, combining the benefits of open and closed designs.
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 allows for easy adjustment of the limit pressure, compensates for manufacturing tolerances, and significantly reduces noise by sealing the spring space, ensuring accurate assembly and improved operational silence.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (48) arranged in a spring space (49), namely on the side of the valve element (43a) pointing towards the closing direction (31)
Implementation Method 2
the stop element is brought into the spring space and—while a pressure corresponding to the limit pressure is applied on the pump—is positioned with regard to its distance to the valve element in such a way that the desired limit pressure is reached
Implementation Method 3
the clamping force can be chosen through corresponding dimensional ratios in such a way that the stop element impinged on by the spring element against the closing direction is reliably held in the intended position in the adjustment area
Implementation Method 4
a metallic stop element is used to enhance clamping and prevent noise by sealing the spring space, with a design that prevents incorrect assembly and reduces noise propagation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pump comprising a housing (2), comprising at least one pump chamber (15), comprising an inlet valve (30) that has a valve element (30a) which controls an inlet opening (30c), comprising an outlet valve (33) that has a valve element (33a) which controls an outlet opening (33c), comprising a pressure relief valve (43) that has a valve element (43a) which controls a pressure relief opening (43c) and on which a spring element (48) acts in the closing direction (31), and comprising a spring chamber (49) that receives the spring element. A stop element (51) which can be accessed from the housing outer face and which can be adjusted in the closing direction (31) is arranged in the spring chamber (49), the spring element (48) end that faces away from the closing direction resting against the stop element.