Spring-Loaded Bearing Fixation in Hydraulic Pump Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric-motor-driven hydraulic pump actuators with two plate-like housing elements face challenges in securing the drive shaft bearing device efficiently while maintaining a sealed housing and accommodating different thermal expansion materials, which complicates manufacturing and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A spring device, such as a disk spring, is used to exert an axial clamping force on the bearing device, securing it through a through-hole in the intermediate plate, eliminating the need for retaining rings and allowing the bearing device to be axially fixed without increased installation space, and providing a sealing and valve function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring device is used to axially secure the bearing device through the through-hole in the intermediate plate, then the bearing device is firmly fixed and axial displacement is prevented, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device is integrated through the existing through-hole in the intermediate plate, merging the bearing securing function with the drive shaft passage. The spring device passes through the same through-hole used by the drive shaft, eliminating the need for separate securing structures and maintaining compact installation space while ensuring reliable axial fixation of the bearing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device utilizes the axial dimension to secure the bearing device, applying clamping force in the axial direction through the intermediate plate. This axial dimension approach allows firm fixation without increasing radial or lateral space requirements, maintaining the compact housing structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional bearing clearance is provided to accommodate thermal expansion differences, then materials with different thermal expansion coefficients can be used, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device provides dynamic adaptation to thermal expansion differences through its elastic properties. As temperature changes cause differential expansion between the housing element and bearing, the spring device automatically adjusts its clamping force, maintaining proper bearing clearance and securing without requiring pre-calculated fixed clearance values. This dynamic compensation simplifies the design compared to static clearance provisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device changes its physical parameters (length, clamping force) in response to thermal conditions. The elastic deformation of the spring allows it to accommodate dimensional changes in the housing and bearing due to thermal expansion, maintaining functional clearance without requiring complex clearance design calculations or additional adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a retaining ring or other complex securing mechanism is used to fix the bearing device, then the bearing is securely held, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution extracts the bearing securing function from complex retaining ring mechanisms and implements it through a simple spring device that utilizes the existing through-hole structure. This extraction simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for separate retaining ring components, their installation steps, and associated fastening hardware, while maintaining reliable bearing device securing through the spring's elastic clamping action.
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 solution simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs by eliminating the need for additional bearing clearance, and ensures secure axial fixation of the bearing device, suitable for use in transmission and coupling control systems.
Implementation Method 1
A bearing device for the drive shaft is secured in one of the housing elements by means of a spring device that passes through the intermediate plate
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an electric-motor-driven hydraulic pump actuator with two plate-like housing elements which are connected sealingly to one another with the interposition of an intermediate plate in order to form a housing in which a drive shaft is rotatably mounted.In order to improve the functionality and/or simplify manufacture of the electric-motor-driven hydraulic pump actuator, a bearing device for the drive shaft is secured in one of the housing elements by means of a spring device that passes through the intermediate plate via a through-hole through which the drive shaft extends.