Reciprocating Pump Manifold Slot Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment and connection of the mounting-hole bolt patterns between the fluid end block and the inlet manifold in reciprocating pump assemblies are time-consuming and labor-intensive processes.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a fluid end block with specific openings on its bottom surface and a mounting plate on the inlet manifold with corresponding openings, featuring slot and arcuate portions, notch portions, and lead-in chamfers to facilitate precise alignment and connection using fasteners, allowing for relative movement to align and secure the components efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting-hole bolt patterns are used to connect the inlet manifold to the fluid end block, then the connection can be made with standard fasteners, but the alignment and connection process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate includes pre-formed slot portions and lead-in chamfers that guide the fasteners into the correct alignment before final tightening. The lead-in chamfers are prepared in advance to receive and orient the fastener ends, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot portions act as intermediaries between the fasteners and the mounting holes. These slots provide a guiding path that facilitates the insertion and alignment of fasteners, serving as a mediator that simplifies the connection process without requiring precise pre-alignment of the bolt patterns.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment of mounting-hole bolt patterns is performed manually, then accurate connection can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes labor-intensive and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The lead-in chamfers and slot portions are designed to self-align the fasteners with the mounting holes during assembly. The geometric features guide the fasteners into the correct position automatically, providing self-alignment that eliminates the need for manual precision alignment while maintaining accurate connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features (lead-in chamfers and slot portions) are pre-formed on the mounting plate during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of alignment features eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment operations during assembly, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining precision.
3Ease of operation
If standard through-holes are used in the mounting plate, then fasteners can be inserted directly, but misalignment and difficulty in connection occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate features localized geometric modifications at the opening locations, including slot portions with specific orientations and lead-in chamfers positioned at precise locations. These local quality variations guide the fasteners through the correct path, ensuring reliable connection while making insertion easier.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead-in chamfers are pre-formed at the edges of the slot portions to guide fastener insertion. This preliminary geometric preparation ensures that fasteners can be inserted easily along the correct path, reducing misalignment and improving connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a fluid end portion of a reciprocating pump assembly includes a fluid end block and an inlet manifold connected thereto. The manifold includes an opening formed therethrough and including a slot portion to facilitate the connection between the inlet manifold and the fluid end block. In another aspect, a method of connecting an inlet manifold to a fluid end block includes inserting fasteners into respective openings in the fluid end block, and effecting relative movement between the inlet manifold and the fluid end block so that the fasteners pass within respective slot portions formed through a mounting plate of the inlet manifold. In yet another aspect, a manifold is adapted to be connected to a fluid end block and includes an elongated member and a mounting plate connected thereto. The mounting plate includes openings formed therethrough, the openings including respective slot portions spaced in a parallel relation.