Axial Piston Pump Shaft Arrangement for Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial piston pump assemblies face challenges in adequately withstanding rotational gear loads and axial thrust loads, necessitating an improved shaft arrangement for enhanced durability and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A shaft arrangement featuring a center shaft with a cam unit and bearing assemblies, coupled with a rotatable member via a conical friction interface, and a clamping device to securely attach the shaft, allowing for effective distribution of loads and maintaining a seal between the pump housing and shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional shaft arrangement is used in axial piston pump assemblies, then the structure is simpler, but the pump assembly cannot adequately withstand rotational gear loads and axial thrust loads
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft arrangement is divided into multiple functional segments: a center shaft for rotational support, bearing assemblies for load distribution, a cam unit for piston actuation, and an adapter for external coupling. Each segment handles specific loads independently, allowing the system to withstand complex axial and radial loads while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Bearing assemblies serve as intermediary elements between the center shaft and the cam unit, distributing axial and radial loads across multiple contact points. The adapter acts as an intermediary coupling the rotatable member to the internal pump mechanism, transferring torque while accommodating misalignment and reducing stress concentrations
2Reliability
If the shaft arrangement is designed to withstand higher loads, then durability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple load-bearing functions are merged into integrated components: the bearing assemblies are positioned to simultaneously support axial thrust loads from the cam unit and radial loads from the center shaft rotation. The adapter combines coupling, alignment, and load distribution functions in a single component, reducing the total number of separate parts while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assemblies are pre-positioned and pre-loaded during manufacturing to handle expected operational loads before the pump enters service. The adapter is pre-configured with conical friction interfaces and alignment features that automatically accommodate load variations, ensuring reliable operation without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
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 configuration enhances the pump's ability to withstand axial and radial loads, ensuring reliable operation and reducing maintenance needs by providing a secure and efficient load path while preventing axial movement of the bearing assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
coupled with a rotatable member via a conical friction interface
Implementation Method 2
One or more bearing assemblies can be disposed along the cam body between the distal and proximal ends of the cam unit
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft arrangement for an axial piston pump assembly to couple to a rotatable member such as a gear therewith. A shaft extends at least partially through a housing chamber of the pump about a longitudinal axis. Reciprocating pistons are disposed within the chamber radially about the shaft. A cam unit is fitted over the shaft and provides an angled camming surface to engage the pistons. Bearing assemblies are fitted over the cam unit. An adapter can be fitted over the proximal end of the cam unit. The adapter has a distal surface which may abut the bearing assembly and be axially spaced from the cam unit, and an outer radial surface to engage the rotatable member. A clamping device provides a desired clamp load path between the rotatable member, the adapter, the cam unit, the bearing assemblies and the shaft.