Segmented Rotor Insert for Radial Piston Power Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerospace hydraulic systems require higher power density in engine-driven pumps to enhance efficiency and reduce operating costs, but existing designs face challenges in achieving this due to weight constraints and inefficiencies in fluid communication within radial piston devices.
Innovation Solution
The radial piston device incorporates a rotor body and rotor insert with fluid ports that alternately communicate with hydraulic fluid inlets and outlets, allowing for efficient fluid flow and reduced weight through interference fits, shrink fits, adhesives, or bolt joints, and a flexible coupling for improved torque transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the rotor is designed as a single integrated piece, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases and power density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is divided into two separate components: a rotor body and a rotor insert. The rotor insert is received within the rotor body, creating a segmented structure that reduces overall weight while maintaining structural integrity through the interaction between the two components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor combines different materials in the rotor body and rotor insert, allowing optimization of each component's material properties to achieve the desired strength-to-weight ratio. This composite approach enables weight reduction while preserving necessary structural strength.
2Reliability
If traditional sealing elements are added to ensure fluid sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor insert itself serves the dual function of both structural component and sealing element. The interference fit or shrink fit between the rotor insert and rotor body creates the seal, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor insert performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables fluid distribution through rotor fluid ports, and creates sealing against the rotor body through the interference or shrink fit. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
3Productivity
If fluid communication paths are extended to reach all cylinders, then fluid distribution efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution system is segmented into the rotor body and rotor insert, with rotor fluid ports formed in the rotor insert. This segmentation allows for more efficient fluid communication paths while simplifying manufacturing, as the rotor insert can be designed and manufactured separately with integrated fluid ports.
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 power density, efficiency, and reduces weight by optimizing fluid communication and eliminating the need for additional sealing elements, resulting in a high-speed, high-efficiency pump or motor operation.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor insert may be received into the axial bore of the rotor body by either interference fit or shrink fit
Implementation Method 2
The rotor insert may be received into the axial bore of the rotor body by either interference fit or shrink fit
Implementation Method 3
Alternatively, the rotor insert may be mounted onto the axial bore of the rotor body with an adhesive or bolt joints
Implementation Method 4
The rotor fluid ports are configured to selectively permit the first fluid communication or the second fluid communication
Data Source
AI summary
A radial piston device includes a housing (102), a pintle (110) attached to the housing (102) and having a pintle shaft (112), a rotor (130) rotatably mounted on the pintle shaft (112) and having cylinders (132), pistons (150) displaceably received in the cylinders (132), and a drive shaft (190) coupled to the rotor (130) and rotatably supported within the housing (102). The rotor (130) is made with two parts, such as a rotor body (250) and a rotor insert (252) received into the rotor body (250).