Vane Pump Movable Cover Axial Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vane pumps used in motor vehicle brake systems and other applications face issues with high pressure build-up due to low fluidity of lubricating oil at low temperatures, leading to excessive load on slide elements and rotor units, which can cause failure, especially during the starting process.
Innovation Solution
A movable cover part that allows axial movement to relieve pressure by connecting fluidically with an adjacent sub-chamber, providing a flexible or elastic connection to the peripheral part, enabling pressure reduction without the need for complex adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lubricating oil is used to lubricate the rotor unit, then lubrication is provided and optimal pressure build-up is achieved, but at low temperatures the oil has low fluidity causing high pressure build-up that can lead to vane pump failure
Solution Approach 1:
The cover part is made movable in the axial direction, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on pressure conditions. When pressure becomes too high in a sub-chamber, the cover part moves axially to create a fluidic connection with the adjacent sub-chamber, relieving the pressure. This dynamic adjustment mechanism prevents pump failure while maintaining effective pressure build-up during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable cover part acts as an intermediary element between the two sub-chambers. It normally separates the chambers to maintain pressure differential for pumping operation, but can move to create a fluidic connection when pressure becomes excessive, thereby mediating the pressure balance between chambers and preventing harmful pressure build-up.
2Reliability
If a pressure relief valve is added to protect against high pressure, then pump failure is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover part serves multiple functions: it forms the boundary of the pump chamber, supports the rotor unit, and acts as a pressure relief mechanism when made movable. By integrating the pressure relief function into the existing cover part rather than adding a separate pressure relief valve, the design prevents pump failure while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable cover part provides self-regulating pressure relief. When pressure in a sub-chamber becomes too high, the cover part automatically moves axially to create a fluidic connection with the adjacent sub-chamber, relieving the pressure without requiring external control systems or additional protective components.
3Reliability
If the cover part is made movable in the axial direction, then pressure relief is achieved by fluidic connection between sub-chambers, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover part can be designed with flexible material properties or thin-walled construction that allows axial movement under pressure differential. This flexibility enables the pressure relief function without requiring complex mechanical linkages or adjustment mechanisms, simplifying both the movement mechanism and manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover part's axial position changes in response to pressure parameters. By designing the cover part with appropriate structural parameters (thickness, material properties, mounting configuration), it automatically adjusts its position based on the pressure differential between sub-chambers, achieving pressure relief through simple parameter-based control rather than complex mechanical systems.
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
Prevents failure of the vane pump by allowing fluid overflow and reducing pressure, ensuring smooth operation even at low temperatures, thereby enhancing durability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the cover part is designed to be movable in the axial direction of the rotor shaft, such that if the pressure in one sub-chamber is too high, the pressure is relieved by a fluidic connection to the adjacent sub-chamber
Implementation Method 2
an elastic clip or spring connection can connect the cover part to the peripheral part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The vane pump has a sealed housing (4) which has a pump chamber (6), where the housing is composed of a flange part (8), a peripheral part (10) and a cover part (12). The cover part is movable in axial direction of a rotor shaft (14) such that the pressure release takes place by a fluidic connection to the adjacent sub-chamber during the high pressure in the sub-channel. The cover part is radially arranged on the peripheral part.