Radial Bearing Design for Motor Vehicle Pump Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump devices in motor vehicles face inefficiencies due to the radial support mechanism, which disrupts air flow and venting, and require a more efficient design that minimizes the impact on fluid flow while providing effective radial and axial support for the rotor.
Innovation Solution
A pump device design featuring a radial bearing with varying outer diameters and a bearing system that includes an annular or L-shaped cross-sectional area, allowing for improved radial and axial support without obstructing air flow, and incorporating a vent outlet for efficient air displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radial bearing is used to support the rotor, then radial support is provided, but air flow and venting are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The radial bearing is divided into two separate bearing regions with different outer diameters: a first bearing region with a larger outer diameter for radial support, and a second bearing region with a smaller outer diameter that allows air flow. This segmentation enables the bearing to provide radial support while maintaining venting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the radial bearing are given different properties: the first bearing region has properties optimized for radial support (larger outer diameter), while the second bearing region has properties optimized for air flow (smaller outer diameter). This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between support and venting.
2Reliability
If a shaft protrudes through the rotor cavity, then radial support is achieved, but venting is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is extracted from the rotor cavity area where it would obstruct air flow. Instead, the shaft is positioned such that it does not protrude through the rotor cavity, allowing the rotor cavity to be fully utilized for venting while radial support is maintained through the bearing structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the radial bearing has constant outer diameter, then manufacturing is simple, but support effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The radial bearing is designed with varying outer diameter across different regions: a larger outer diameter in the first bearing region for effective radial support, and a smaller outer diameter in the second bearing region for air flow. This local quality variation improves support effectiveness while remaining manufacturable.
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 enhances the efficiency of the pump device by reducing the forces on the radial bearing, allowing for a simpler and smaller radial bearing, improved lubrication, and unobstructed air flow during venting, thereby increasing overall efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a radial bearing, which restricts movement of the rotor in radial directions
Implementation Method 2
improved lubrication
Data Source
AI summary
A pump device, in particular for a fluid circuit in a motor vehicle, comprising a housing, a drive, a rotor, a stator and a radial bearing, wherein the housing has an inlet, wherein the rotor comprises an impeller wheel, wherein the drive is designed to set the rotor in rotation relative to the stator, wherein the inlet is fluidly connected to the impeller wheel, wherein the rotor has a rotor cavity, wherein a section of the stator projects into the rotor cavity, and wherein the radial bearing is situated in the rotor cavity between the section of the stator and the rotor.