Variable Displacement Vane Pump Enhanced Discharge Port

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional variable displacement vane pumps are less energy efficient, especially at high displacement operating conditions, due to back torque caused by high pressure areas in the discharge port as pressurized fluid reverses direction, leading to wasted energy and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an enhanced discharge port design with a discharge recess and secondary discharge port, which reduces high pressure areas by allowing a larger volume for fluid flow reversal and providing a seal to inhibit leakage, thereby reducing back torque on the pump rotor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional discharge port design is used, then pump structure is simple, but high pressure areas form as fluid reverses direction causing increased back torque and reduced energy efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddischarge port structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge port is segmented into multiple functional zones: a discharge recess formed in the control ring, a seal surface, and a secondary discharge port. This segmentation allows each zone to perform a specific function - the recess provides flow reversal volume, the seal prevents leakage, and the secondary port maintains discharge flow, collectively reducing back torque and improving energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge recess extends into the control ring thickness dimension, creating a three-dimensional flow reversal chamber. This adds volume in the radial direction rather than merely expanding the port opening, allowing fluid to reverse direction within the recess without increasing back pressure on the rotor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If discharge recess is formed in control ring, then additional volume for flow reversal is provided reducing back torque, but control ring complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveback torqueVSAvoidcontrol ring structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge recess is merged directly into the control ring structure, combining the flow reversal chamber function with the existing control ring component. This eliminates the need for separate flow reversal chambers or modifiers, reducing the number of parts while still providing the volume needed to reduce back torque

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control ring is given multiple functions: it controls vane displacement, provides the discharge recess for flow reversal, and includes a seal surface for preventing leakage. This multi-functionality consolidates several components into one, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the back torque reduction goal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If seal is provided on control ring, then pressurized fluid leakage is inhibited, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid leakageVSAvoidcontrol ring manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The seal function is extracted as a distinct seal surface feature on the control ring, separate from the discharge recess geometry. This allows the seal surface to be precisely defined and manufactured independently, facilitating the use of sealing materials or techniques without complicating the overall control ring design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 energy efficiency by minimizing back torque and optimizing fluid flow, resulting in improved operating efficiency compared to conventional pumps.

Implementation Method 1

reduces areas of high pressure in the discharge port which would otherwise occur as the pressurized working fluid reverses its direction of flow to enter the discharge port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow reversal:

Implementation Method 2

a seal is provided on the control ring to inhibit leakage of pressurized working fluid past the control ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP2112379B2Variable displacement vane pump with enhanced discharge port

Publication Date: 2022.01.19 MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC(CA)

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AI summary

A variable displacement vane pump which includes an enhanced discharge port. The enhanced discharge port reduces areas of high pressure in the discharge port which would otherwise occur as the pressurized working fluid reverses its direction of flow to enter the discharge port. By reducing the areas of high pressure, the back torque on the pump rotor is reduced and the energy efficiency of the pump is enhanced. In one embodiment, the pivot for the pump control ring is located radially outwardly from a conventional location, to allow for a discharge recess to be formed in the control ring, adjacent the discharge port, and extending past the pivot to the pump outlet. In a second embodiment, the discharge recess is formed in the control ring around the pivot and a seal is provided on the control ring to inhibit leakage of pressurized working fluid past the control ring. In a third embodiment, a secondary discharge port is provided adjacent the discharge recess formed in the control ring and pressurized working fluid in the discharge recess can exit the discharge recess through the secondary discharge port which is in fluid communication with the pump outlet.