Vane Pump Rotor Support Element Elastic Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vane pumps with thermoplastic vane carriers and metal transmission couplings face reliability issues due to wear caused by compression and rubbing friction, exacerbated by thermal expansion and dimensional changes, leading to transverse and axial wear of the vane carrier.
Innovation Solution
The rotor design incorporates a first support element with radial slots allowing elastic adaptation to dimensional variations, featuring wings that maintain contact with abutment surfaces to reduce wear, and a second support element to mitigate axial pulsations, both made from spring-steel for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the vane carrier is made of thermoplastic material to reduce weight and cost, then weight and cost are reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to wear from contact with the metal transmission coupling
Solution Approach 1:
A protective layer is introduced as an intermediary between the thermoplastic vane carrier and the metal transmission coupling. This layer prevents direct contact and wear while allowing torque transmission, thus protecting the thermoplastic material from degradation without compromising the weight and cost advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The vane carrier is constructed as a composite structure combining thermoplastic material with reinforcing elements or protective coatings. This composite approach maintains the lightweight and cost benefits of thermoplastic while adding wear resistance and structural integrity to counteract the reliability issues.
2Ease of manufacture
If the transmission coupling and vane carrier are made of different materials (metal and thermoplastic), then weight and cost are reduced, but wear increases due to thermal expansion and dimensional drift
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates compensating mechanisms that adjust to dimensional changes caused by thermal expansion. This may include flexible elements or adjustable components that maintain proper clearance and contact pressure despite material dimensional drift, ensuring reliable torque transmission while allowing different materials to be used.
3Ease of operation
If radial clearances are provided between the transmission coupling and vane carrier, then assembly is facilitated and thermal expansion is accommodated, but wear increases due to relative sliding friction
Solution Approach 1:
A protective layer or intermediary element is introduced within the radial clearance zone to prevent direct sliding friction between the transmission coupling and vane carrier. This maintains the operational benefits of radial clearances for assembly and thermal expansion while eliminating the harmful wear effect.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the vane carrier is subjected to impulsive reversal of drive torque from the camshaft, then the pump can handle variable torque conditions, but transverse and axial wear increases on the vane carrier
Solution Approach 1:
Protective measures such as hardened surfaces, protective coatings, or cushioning elements are applied to the vane carrier in advance to withstand the impulsive loads and reversal forces from the camshaft. This prepares the vane carrier to resist wear before the damaging contact occurs, allowing the pump to handle torque reversal while protecting the vane carrier integrity.
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 significantly reduces wear on the vane carrier, enhancing the rotor's reliability and service life while maintaining reduced weight and cost, ensuring effective torque transmission and resistance to drive torque reversals.
Implementation Method 1
a base (171) having a central bore (174) configured for being fitted with interference onto a second portion (34b) of a pin (34) of the seat (25)... Each of the two radial portions (173a, 173b) has a radial slot (179) extending from a first closed end (184) proximal to the central bore (174) to an end (180) distal to the central bore (174)
Implementation Method 2
a base (171) having a central bore (174) configured for being fitted with interference onto a second portion (34b) of a pin (34)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Rotor comprising a vane carrier (21), a transmission coupling (40), configured for transmitting a drive torque to the vane carrier (21), and at least one vane; wherein the vane carrier (21) comprises a seat (25), and wherein the transmission coupling (40) comprises an engaging end (41) configured for being inserted into the seat (25) of the vane carrier (21) and having a first face (46) oriented towards the seat (25) of the vane carrier (21), and a second face (47) oriented in a direction opposite to that of the first face (46). The rotor further comprises a first support element (170) comprising a base (171) resting on the second face (47) of said engaging end (41), two first wings (175, 176) arranged between respective first thrust surfaces (49) of the engaging end (41) and corresponding first abutment surfaces (32) of the seat (25), said first abutment surfaces (32) facing the first thrust surfaces (49), and two second wings (177, 178) arranged between respective second thrust surfaces (50) of the engaging end (41) ) and corresponding second abutment surfaces (33) of the seat (25), said second abutment surfaces (33) facing the second thrust surfaces (50). The base (171) of the first support element (170) comprises two radial portions (173a, 173b) in which a corresponding radial slot (179) is provided dividing said two radial portions (173a, 173b) into a first sub-branch (181), from which a respective wing of said two first wings (175, 176) extends, and a second sub-branch (182), from which a respective wing of said two second wings (177, 178) extends.