Vane Pump Unit Sleeve and Spring Assembly for Transport Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pump units without their own housing disintegrate during transport and have complex assembly requirements, leading to safety and installation challenges.

Innovation Solution

A pump unit design featuring a movably mounted sleeve on the drive shaft with a securing element, such as a snap ring, and a spring element that biases the second side plate relative to the gearbox housing, ensuring secure assembly and tolerance compensation, eliminating the need for additional safety measures during transport and installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pump unit without its own housing is used, then the pump unit can be integrated into existing housings, but the pump unit disintegrates during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration into existing housingsVSAvoidstructural integrity during transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve is preliminarily secured to the drive shaft using a securing element (snap ring) before transport occurs. This preliminary securing action prevents disintegration during transport while maintaining the adaptability of the pump unit design for integration into various housings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pump unit is segmented into modular components (drive shaft, rotor, side plates, sleeve) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The securing element provides temporary structural integrity during transport, while the modular segmentation allows for easy integration into different housing configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a pump unit without its own housing is used, then the pump unit can be integrated into existing housings, but the assembly process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration into existing housingsVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is combined with the sleeve as an integral component, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. The sleeve with integrated spring element is inserted as a single unit onto the drive shaft, significantly simplifying the assembly process while maintaining adaptability to different housing configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve serves multiple functions: it secures the spring element, provides structural support, and acts as a mounting component for the second side plate. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining versatility for different housing integrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the second side plate is not securely biased against the contour ring, then the pump unit can be easily assembled, but starting problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidstarting reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element automatically biases the second side plate against the contour ring as soon as the sleeve is positioned on the drive shaft. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable starting conditions without requiring additional assembly steps or external adjustment, combining ease of assembly with reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If dimensional deviations and manufacturing tolerances are not compensated, then the pump unit structure remains simple, but the pump unit cannot be reliably installed in different housings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidtolerance compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element provides adjustable biasing force that can compensate for dimensional variations and manufacturing tolerances. By changing the spring constant or pre-compression force, the system adapts to different housing tolerances without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving reliable installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 prevents disintegration during transport, simplifies installation, and ensures secure contact of components, enabling smooth start-up and efficient operation by compensating for dimensional deviations and manufacturing tolerances.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element which biases the second side plate relative to the gearbox housing, the spring element being an integral part of the pump unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring element biasing: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a securing element is provided for axially securing the sleeve on the drive shaft, which prevents the pump unit from falling apart during transport

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSnap ring securing: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2313656B1Pump unit
Publication Date: 2016.02.17 MAGNA POWERTRAIN BAD HOMBURG
  • EP2313656B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2313656B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A pump unit (1) of a vane-type pump having no dedicated housing is proposed, comprising a drive shaft (5), a rotor (7) that interacts with the drive shaft (5) and accommodates vanes (19), a contour ring (9) surrounding the rotor (7), and a first and a second side plate (11, 13) which are disposed laterally of the contour ring (9).