Vane Pump Pressure Relief Groove for Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vane pumps generate noise due to pressure pulsation and abrupt reed valve opening, which is not effectively addressed by previous solutions that either reduce compressed air pressure or increase discharge frequency, as the kinetic energy of compressed air remains invariant.
Innovation Solution
A vane pump design featuring a pressure relief groove that allows communication between adjacent working chambers via the groove during forward rotation, reducing the amount of compressed air discharged and thereby suppressing abrupt reed valve opening and noise generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the reed valve is used to intermittently open the discharge hole, then air compression function is achieved, but pressure pulsation and noise are generated due to abrupt valve opening
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge path is segmented into two routes: a main discharge hole for primary air release and a pressure relief groove for secondary pressure control. This segmentation allows the system to manage pressure in stages, reducing abrupt pressure changes and associated noise while maintaining compression functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief groove acts as an intermediary element between the working chamber and the external environment. It provides a controlled pressure release path that mediates the abrupt pressure changes, allowing gradual pressure equalization and reducing the shock that causes noise and vibration.
2Stress or pressure
If the reed valve opens abruptly to release compressed air, then pressure relief is achieved, but kinetic energy of compressed air causes noise
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge path is segmented into two routes: a main discharge hole for primary air release and a pressure relief groove for secondary pressure control. This segmentation allows the system to manage pressure in stages, reducing abrupt pressure changes and associated noise while maintaining compression functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of completely closing the discharge path with the reed valve, the pressure relief groove provides a partial discharge path that is always open. This partial action allows continuous pressure relief, preventing excessive pressure buildup and reducing the kinetic energy of air discharged through the main hole, thereby reducing noise.
3Device complexity
If thin-walled cover member is used, then device compactness is improved, but noise radiation from cover member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief groove converts the harmful effect of compressed air discharge into a beneficial pressure equalization mechanism. By providing a controlled pressure release path, it reduces the abrupt pressure changes that cause noise and vibration, transforming the potential harm into a noise-reducing feature.
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 vane pump effectively reduces noise by internally leaking air from high-pressure to low-pressure chambers, preventing excessive pressure buildup and minimizing reed valve opening abruptness, thus reducing vibration and radiation sound.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of the working chambers on both sides of the vane in a rotational direction communicate with each other via the pressure relief groove when the vane overlaps the pressure relief groove during forward rotation of the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A vane pump includes a housing, a rotor, a vane and a reed valve. A position at which the sliding direction of the vane with respect to the rotor is inverted from outward to inward is defined as a reference position, and a section of the pump chamber on the discharge hole side with respect to the reference position is defined as a discharge section. A pressure relief groove is disposed in a portion of the bottom wall portion corresponding to the discharge section with a clearance secured between the peripheral wall portion and the pressure relief groove. When the vane overlaps the pressure relief groove, a pair of the working chambers communicate with each other via the pressure relief groove.