Variable Displacement Vane Pump Dual Equilibrium Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable capacity vane pumps operate at a single equilibrium pressure, leading to inefficiency at lower engine speeds due to excess energy consumption and potential wear, as they are designed to meet high-speed conditions, resulting in unnecessary high capacity and energy wastage at lower speeds.
Innovation Solution
A variable capacity vane pump design with two selectable equilibrium pressures is achieved through a pump control ring that moves within a housing, utilizing a first control chamber to reduce and a second control chamber to increase volumetric capacity, with a return spring biasing the control ring towards maximum capacity, allowing for compact and efficient operation across varying engine speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single equilibrium pressure is used to meet high-speed conditions, then the pump can operate reliably at high speeds, but the pump wastes energy and causes unnecessary wear at lower speeds due to excess capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The pump control ring is made movable between two positions instead of being fixed, allowing the pump to dynamically adjust its volumetric capacity between two equilibrium pressures based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment eliminates energy wastage at lower speeds while maintaining reliability at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the equilibrium pressure parameter from a single fixed value to two selectable values. By switching between a first equilibrium pressure for high-speed operation and a second equilibrium pressure for lower-speed operation, the system optimizes energy efficiency across different operating conditions while maintaining reliable pump operation.
2Reliability
If a single equilibrium pressure is used to meet high-speed conditions, then the pump can operate reliably at high speeds, but the pump capacity is unnecessarily high at lower speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The pump control ring is made movable between two positions instead of being fixed, allowing the pump to dynamically adjust its volumetric capacity between two equilibrium pressures based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment eliminates energy wastage at lower speeds while maintaining reliability at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the equilibrium pressure parameter from a single fixed value to two selectable values. By switching between a first equilibrium pressure for high-speed operation and a second equilibrium pressure for lower-speed operation, the system optimizes energy efficiency across different operating conditions while maintaining reliable pump operation.
3Loss of energy
If two selectable equilibrium pressures are provided, then energy efficiency is improved across different speeds, but the pump structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two distinct control chambers (first and second control chambers) that independently control the pump control ring position. Each chamber receives pressurized fluid to create forces in opposite directions, enabling the selection between two equilibrium pressures through a relatively simple segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic control chambers that receive pressurized fluid to move the pump control ring between positions. By using fluid pressure forces applied to opposite sides of the control ring, the system achieves dual equilibrium pressure selection through a compact hydraulic mechanism rather than complex mechanical linkages.
4Adaptability or versatility
If two selectable equilibrium pressures are provided, then capability range is improved, but the pump housing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second control chambers are positioned on opposite sides of the pump control ring within the same housing space, effectively utilizing both sides of the control ring for control functions. This merging of control functions into a compact arrangement allows dual equilibrium pressure capability without significantly increasing the overall pump housing volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The control chambers are arranged in opposite directions around the pump control ring, utilizing the radial dimension of the pump housing. By positioning control chambers on opposite sides of the control ring rather than stacking them linearly, the design achieves dual pressure capability while maintaining a compact housing footprint.
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 enables improved pump performance and capability range without increasing size or cost, allowing for efficient operation at different engine speeds by adjusting the pump's capacity based on fluid pressure, reducing energy wastage and wear.
Implementation Method 1
The first control chamber is operable to receive pressurized fluid to create a force to move the pump control ring to reduce a volumetric capacity of the pump
Implementation Method 2
The second control chamber is operable to receive pressurized fluid to create a force to move the pump control ring to increase the volumetric capacity of the pump
Implementation Method 3
A return spring is provided biasing the pump control ring toward a position of maximum volumetric capacity
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement of a variable capacity vane pump for an automobile is provided that includes a pump housing having an outlet and inlet. A pump control ring is provided having a cavity. The control ring is positioned within the housing to move about a pivot. A vane pump rotor is positioned within the cavity of the pump control ring. A position of the pump control ring determines an offset between a center of the pump control ring cavity and an axis of rotation of the vane pump rotor. Vanes are provided that are driven by the rotor and which engage an interior surface of the pump control ring. The vanes and the engaged surface defining working fluid chambers. A first control chamber is provided. The first control chamber is exposed to a first side of the pivot between the pump housing and the outer surface of the pump control ring. The first control chamber is operable to receive pressurized fluid to create a force to move the pump control ring to reduce a volumetric capacity of the pump. A second control chamber, positioned between the pump inlet and outlet is provided that provides a hydraulic force to increase the volumetric capacity of the pump.