Radial Piston Pump Valve Layout for Compact Variable Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radial piston pumps are constrained by space and power limitations, and there is a need for more compact and less mechanically complex variable displacement pumps that can efficiently manage fluid flow across different speeds and flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A radial piston pump design featuring a rotor with multiple piston chambers, dual cam surfaces, and a single valve that independently controls fluid flow to and from two sets of pistons, allowing for variable displacement and multiple operational modes through a spool valve or servo valve configuration, which can be positioned within the rotor or pintle to reduce mechanical complexity and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a radial piston pump uses multiple valves to control fluid flow to different piston sets, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve is designed with multiple ports and internal flow passages that enable it to control fluid flow to multiple different piston sets independently. The valve body incorporates separate flow galleries and control chambers that allow one valve to perform the function of multiple valves, reducing component count while maintaining precise flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valve functions are merged into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve combines multiple inlet ports, outlet ports, and internal flow paths that were previously requiring separate valve components. This consolidation maintains the ability to independently control different piston sets while simplifying the overall valve train mechanism.
2Productivity
If a radial piston pump increases the number of piston chambers, then productivity is improved, but volume of the pump increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump transitions from a traditional single-layer piston arrangement to a multi-layer cylindrical configuration where piston chambers are stacked axially along the rotor axis. This vertical stacking in the axial dimension allows multiple piston sets to occupy the same radial footprint, increasing flow capacity without proportionally increasing the pump's external volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple piston chambers are nested concentrically within the rotor structure, with inner and outer cylindrical layers of pistons arranged one within another. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available radial and axial space, allowing high productivity through multiple piston sets while maintaining a compact overall pump envelope.
3Device complexity
If a radial piston pump uses a common rotor for motor and pump functions, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The common rotor is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the rotating element for both the hydraulic motor function and the pump function. The rotor incorporates motor winding chambers, pump piston chambers, and fluid flow passages all integrated into a single rotating structure, eliminating the need for separate motor rotor and pump rotor assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor rotor and pump rotor are merged into a single integrated rotor assembly. The design combines motor stator windings, rotor magnets or windings, and pump piston chambers and flow galleries into one common rotating component. This merging reduces the total number of parts and assembly steps while requiring precise manufacturing to ensure proper clearances and flow paths.
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 achieves a more compact and efficient pump with reduced mechanical complexity, enabling variable displacement and multiple operational modes while minimizing pressure losses and enhancing fluid management for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the first cam surface being arranged to control the radial movement of the pistons of the first set, and the second cam surface being arranged to control the radial movement of the pistons of the second set
Implementation Method 2
a valve configured to control the flow of fluid to both the first set of pistons and the second set of pistons
Data Source
AI summary
A radial piston pump comprising a rotor mounted for rotation on a pintle. The rotor comprises a plurality of piston chambers, a piston being mounted in each of said chambers for reciprocal movement. The pump comprises at least one auxiliary flow path which connects another component of the pump to the piston chambers. The pintle comprises a plurality of flow galleries comprising at least one supply flow gallery forming part of a supply flow path, at least one exit flow gallery forming part of an exit flow path and at least one auxiliary flow gallery forming part of the auxiliary flow path.