Variable Vane Pump Dual Control Chambers Equilibrium Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable capacity vane pumps face challenges in maintaining equilibrium pressure across varying operating speeds, leading to energy wastage and potential wear due to suboptimal reaction forces on the pivot pin, and lack the ability to select multiple equilibrium pressures in a compact design.
Innovation Solution
A variable capacity vane pump with two control chambers and a return spring, where the first control chamber is in direct fluid communication with the pump outlet and the second control chamber is selectively supplied with pressurized fluid to adjust the pump's volumetric capacity, allowing for two selectable equilibrium pressures and reduced reaction forces on the pivot pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single control chamber is used with feedback from pump outlet, then the pump can maintain equilibrium pressure, but the reaction forces on the pivot pin are not optimized and energy is wasted at lower operating speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The single control chamber is divided into two separate control chambers (first and second control chambers), each capable of receiving pressurized fluid from different sources. This segmentation allows independent control of pump capacity at different operating conditions, enabling energy efficiency at lower speeds while maintaining equilibrium pressure across the full operating range.
2Reliability
If the equilibrium pressure is selected for worst case (high operating speed) conditions, then the engine is protected from wear, but the pump operates at higher capacity than necessary at lower speeds, wasting energy
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system transitions from a fixed equilibrium pressure setting to a dynamic, adjustable system. By providing two control chambers that can receive pressurized fluid from different sources, the system can dynamically adjust the equilibrium pressure based on operating conditions, optimizing both engine protection and pump efficiency across varying speeds.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple equilibrium pressures are desired for improved control, then the pump can operate more efficiently at different speeds, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second control chambers are integrated within the same pump structure, sharing common components such as the pivot pin and control ring. This merging approach allows multiple equilibrium pressure settings to be achieved without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the control chambers utilize shared structural elements and can be actuated by integrated control mechanisms.
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 design allows for efficient adjustment of pump capacity to maintain equilibrium pressure across different operating speeds, reducing energy wastage and minimizing wear on the pivot pin, while enabling operation at multiple equilibrium pressures for improved control and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second control chambers are operable to receive pressurized fluid to create a force to move the pump control ring
Implementation Method 2
A return spring biases the pump ring toward a position of maximum volumetric capacity
Data Source
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AI summary
A variable capacity vane pump includes a first control chamber between a pump casing and a first portion of a pump control ring. The first portion of the control ring circumferentially extends on either side of a pivot pin. A second control chamber is provided between the pump casing and a second portion of the pump control ring. The first and second control chambers are operable to receive pressurized fluid to create a force to move the pump control ring to reduce the volumetric capacity of the pump. A return spring biases the pump ring toward a position of maximum volumetric capacity.