Vane Pump End Plate Integration for Flow Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vane cell pumps for vehicle transmissions face unfavorable flow conditions due to a steep suction channel design, which leads to strong oil flow deflection and potential deformations of sealing surfaces, despite being designed as closed, pre-assembled units.
Innovation Solution
The end plate of the vane cell pump is thickened to form the housing bottom, reducing the steepness of the suction channel and enhancing flow optimization without increasing installation space, while maintaining axial gap compensation and avoiding undesirable deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the end plate is designed with small thickness to accommodate the housing bottom, then the installation space is reduced, but the suction channel becomes very steep causing unfavorable flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the housing bottom function into the end plate itself. The end plate is designed to form the housing bottom directly, eliminating the need for a separate housing bottom component. This integration allows the end plate to have sufficient thickness for optimal suction channel geometry while maintaining compact overall pump dimensions, thereby improving flow conditions without significantly increasing installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thickness parameter of the end plate from small (in prior art) to increased thickness. This parameter change enables the suction channel to be designed with less steep geometry, improving flow conditions. The end plate thickness is optimized to provide both structural integrity and favorable flow characteristics in the suction channel.
2Volume of stationary object
If the suction channel is designed to be very steep due to small end plate thickness, then the installation space is maintained, but the oil flow is strongly deflected causing unfavorable flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the housing bottom function into the end plate, the invention creates sufficient thickness to design a gentler suction channel. This reduces the deflection angle of oil flow in the suction channel, minimizing flow separation and energy losses while maintaining compact pump dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate thickness parameter is increased to enable a less steep suction channel design. This parameter change directly reduces flow deflection intensity in the suction channel, lowering energy losses due to flow separation and turbulence, while the overall pump volume remains constrained.
3Volume of moving object
If the end plate features small thickness, then the pump structure is compact, but the strength of the end plate is reduced leading to undesirable deformations of sealing surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the housing bottom and end plate into a single integrated component with optimized thickness. This integration allows the end plate to achieve sufficient structural strength to prevent sealing surface deformations under operating pressures while maintaining compact overall pump structure. The merged design eliminates the need for additional reinforcement structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate thickness parameter is increased from the small thickness in prior art to an optimized thickness that provides adequate structural strength. This parameter change prevents undesirable deformations of sealing surfaces under hydraulic pressure while maintaining pump structure compactness through efficient material distribution and integrated design.
4Ease of operation
If the end plate thickness is increased to improve flow conditions, then the suction channel is optimized, but the installation space may increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the housing bottom function into the end plate, the invention achieves an optimized balance between end plate thickness and overall pump dimensions. The integrated design allows the end plate to have increased thickness for optimal suction channel geometry while the housing bottom integration prevents excessive overall volume increase, maintaining compact installation 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
This design improves flow conditions and strengthens the end plate, reducing flow deflection and preventing sealing surface deformations, thus enhancing the pump's performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
based on the pressure difference between the two end faces of the end plate, the end plate is slightly pressed against the conveying elements of the pump, by which the axial gap of the pump is compensated for
Implementation Method 2
through centrifugal force under rotational speed and through pressure oil, are applied, at the rear side of the vane (rear vane support), on the lifting ring of the pump
Data Source
AI summary
A vane cell pump for a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a housing. A rotor defines a plurality of slots. The plurality of slots runs radially. A plurality of vanes is arranged in the plurality of slots of the rotor. An end plate is positioned in a bottom area of the housing. The end plate is configured as a fluid guide with a suction channel and a pressure channel. The end plate forms a bottom wall of the housing.