Variable Displacement Vane Pump Control Ring Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable displacement vane pumps face inefficiencies due to their output pressure being controlled by operating speed, leading to energy loss as they must supply oil pressures meeting maximum requirements even when lower pressures are needed, resulting in overproduction and waste.
Innovation Solution
A vane pump with a control ring and multiple control chambers that allow for continuously variable output pressure independent of operating speed, using pressurized working fluid to adjust displacement and include a failsafe mechanism to prevent overpressure, enabling precise matching of oil pressure to mechanical system demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If variable displacement vane pumps are designed to meet maximum oil pressure requirements, then reliability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to overproduction and waste of lubricating oil at lower operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The pump employs a dynamically adjustable displacement mechanism where the control ring can be positioned at any angle between minimum and maximum displacement. This dynamic adjustment allows the pump to match its output precisely to actual system requirements rather than operating at fixed maximum capacity, thereby eliminating energy waste from overproduction while maintaining reliability through on-demand pressure supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the displacement parameter continuously by adjusting the control ring angle. By varying the displacement parameter from minimum to maximum positions, the pump can provide any required pressure level from 0 to maximum, eliminating the need to overproduce at lower operating conditions and thus reducing energy loss while maintaining system reliability.
2Device complexity
If fixed displacement pumps are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as they cannot adjust to varying lubrication requirements at different operating speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The control ring mechanism provides dynamic adaptability by allowing continuous adjustment of displacement through angular positioning. This dynamic capability enables the pump to adapt to varying lubrication requirements at different operating speeds without requiring complex electronic control systems, achieving versatility through a relatively simple mechanical adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements adaptability by enabling continuous change of the displacement parameter through control ring angle adjustment. This parameter change mechanism allows the pump to match its output to actual lubrication needs across different operating conditions, providing versatility while maintaining reasonable device complexity through mechanical means.
3Productivity
If variable displacement pumps control output pressure through operating speed, then productivity is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates because pressure must meet maximum requirements regardless of actual system needs
Solution Approach 1:
The pump separates pressure control from speed control by introducing an independent displacement adjustment mechanism. This dynamic adjustment allows the pump to maintain high productivity capability while eliminating energy waste by matching pressure output to actual system needs rather than being constrained by maximum requirement design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables independent control of the displacement parameter from speed, allowing the pump to adjust its output pressure to match actual system requirements. This parameter independence eliminates the trade-off between productivity and energy efficiency by permitting high output capability when needed while avoiding energy waste when lower pressure is sufficient.
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 solution allows for significant reduction in energy loss by matching output pressure to mechanical system requirements, reducing waste and improving energy efficiency by providing a continuous range of pressures that align with varying lubrication needs.
Implementation Method 1
a first control chamber operable to create a force on the pump control ring to urge the pump control ring towards the position of minimum displacement, the force resulting from pressurized working fluid in the first control chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A vane pump (20) is provided which has an output pressure hat can be selected from a continuous range of pressures, independent of the operating speed of the pump. The pump has first (68) and second (72) control chambers which create opposed forces on the pump control ring (40) to selectively move the pump control ring (40) between maximum displacement and minimum displacement positions. In one embodiment, the control chamber (68) which urges the ump control ring to the minimum displacement position is continually supplied with pressurized working fluid during operation of the ump while the control chamber (72) which urges the pump control ring to the maximum displacement position can selectively be supplied with pressurized working fluid, isolated, or can be relieved of pressurized working fluid to alter the displacement of the pump.