Hydraulic Reservoir Vortex Chamber for Sealed Oil Deaeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic systems require large reservoirs for de-aeration, which are complex and inefficient, and sealing the reservoir from the atmosphere to prevent air re-dissolution introduces challenges like volume changes due to thermal expansion.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic reservoir with a vortex chamber and an upper chamber capable of expansion and contraction, allowing dissolved air to be removed without exposing the fluid to the atmosphere, using a flexible upper chamber and a bleed valve to manage pressure and volume changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reservoir is sealed from the atmosphere to prevent air re-dissolution, then air removal efficiency is improved, but volume changes due to thermal expansion cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible diaphragm that separates the vortex chamber from the atmosphere while accommodating volume changes. The diaphragm flexes to allow expansion and contraction of the hydraulic fluid due to thermal effects, maintaining the sealed environment that prevents air re-dissolution while adapting to volume variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir is divided into distinct functional zones: a vortex chamber for deaeration, an expansion chamber for volume changes, and a sump for fluid collection. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently - the vortex chamber remains sealed for air removal while the expansion chamber handles thermal volume changes.
2Volume of stationary object
If the reservoir capacity is reduced to improve efficiency, then space and weight are saved, but de-aeration function is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex chamber is designed to generate rotational flow that actively separates air from hydraulic fluid as the fluid enters. This preliminary deaeration action occurs continuously as fluid circulates through the vortex, eliminating the need for large standing volumes and allowing effective de-aeration in a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the hydraulic fluid's own kinetic energy and pressure to create the vortex flow pattern. The tangential inlet design converts the fluid's momentum into rotational motion, generating centrifugal forces that separate air bubbles from the fluid without requiring additional power input or large reservoir volumes.
3Reliability
If complex baffle structures are added to promote fluid standing, then de-aeration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using baffles to create standing flow patterns, the patent inverts the approach by using a vortex chamber that generates active rotational flow. The tangential inlet design naturally creates centrifugal forces that throw air outward and allow it to coalesce and escape, achieving de-aeration through motion rather than stagnation, thereby eliminating the need for complex baffle structures.
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 design enhances operational efficiency by reducing fluid volume, preventing air re-dissolution and moisture absorption, increasing system pressure, and eliminating the need for complex baffles, leading to higher efficiency and extended pump life.
Implementation Method 1
directing hydraulic fluid into the vortex chamber along the hydraulic fluid return line and extracting hydraulic fluid from the vortex chamber along the hydraulic fluid return line, thereby generating a vortex flow in the vortex chamber, dissolved air, if present, becoming entrained into bubbles which rise to the upper chamber
Implementation Method 2
a vortex chamber having a substantially cylindrical internal wall surface; a hydraulic fluid return line entering substantially tangentially to the internal wall surface of the vortex chamber
Implementation Method 3
how the system can cope with volume changes of the hydraulic fluid, for example due to thermal expansion and contraction
Implementation Method 4
an upper chamber, disposed in use above the vortex chamber and in fluid communication with the vortex chamber, wherein the upper chamber is capable of expansion and/or contraction in use in order to adjust continuously to the volume of the hydraulic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic reservoir (10), for use for example in a marine pleasure craft, comprises a vortex chamber (16), a hydraulic fluid return line (18) and a hydraulic fluid suction line (20) respective entering and exiting substantially tangentially to an internal wall surface of the vortex chamber. An upper chamber (26) is disposed above the vortex chamber (16) and in fluid communication with the vortex chamber. The upper chamber is capable of expansion and/or contraction in use in order to adjust continuously to the volume of the hydraulic fluid to be accommodated in the hydraulic reservoir. Also disclosed is a method of operating such a hydraulic reservoir, in which hydraulic fluid is directed into the vortex chamber (16) along the hydraulic fluid return line (18) and extracting hydraulic fluid from the vortex chamber along the hydraulic fluid suction line (20), to thereby generate a vortex flow in the vortex chamber. Dissolved air, if present, becomes entrained into bubbles which rise to the upper chamber (26). Expansion and/or contraction of the upper chamber (26) is provided in order to adjust continuously to the volume of the hydraulic fluid to be accommodated in the hydraulic reservoir (10).