Vane Pump Rotor Lubrication Pads for Low-Wear Port Plate Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vane pumps face limitations in material selection due to high pressure-velocity (PV) at the rotor-port plate interfaces, leading to increased costs and material constraints, and potential weight or fracture toughness issues.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of lubrication pads on the rotor end faces, which induce a lubrication film between the rotor and stationary port plates, reducing direct contact and allowing for a wider range of materials to be used, including lighter and less fracture-resistant options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rotor designs are used without lubrication pads, then the rotor can maintain simple structure and manufacturing, but the high PV values at the rotor-port plate interface lead to limited material selection, increased costs, and potential wear issues
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor end face is segmented into functional zones: vane slots for fluid pumping and lubrication pads for wear protection. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different purposes, enabling the use of lighter materials in the rotor body while maintaining durability at critical interface points through the lubrication pads.
Solution Approach 2:
Lubrication pads act as intermediary elements between the rotor and stationary port plate. These pads create a lubrication film that reduces direct contact and PV values at the interface, serving as a mediator that protects the rotor while allowing for broader material selection including lighter, less fracture-resistant options.
2Reliability
If high PV values are tolerated at the rotor-port plate interface, then the rotor structure remains simple, but material selection becomes limited and wear resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication pads serve as intermediary elements that reduce the PV values at the rotor-port plate interface by introducing a lubrication film. This mediator protects the rotor surface from direct high-stress contact, thereby improving wear resistance and reliability while allowing the system to operate at acceptable PV levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication pads provide beforehand cushioning by pre-establishing a lubrication film at the rotor-port plate interface before wear can occur. This protective layer cushions against high PV values and reduces direct mechanical contact, preventing wear before it starts and enhancing overall component reliability.
3Weight of moving object
If lighter materials are used for the rotor, then weight is reduced, but fracture toughness decreases without the protection of lubrication pads
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor design segments the structure into a lightweight main body and localized lubrication pad regions. This allows the use of lighter materials for the rotor body to reduce weight, while the lubrication pads provide localized protection at critical interface points, compensating for the reduced fracture toughness of lighter materials.
Solution Approach 2:
Lubrication pads act as protective intermediaries that enable the use of lighter rotor materials. By reducing direct contact and PV values at the interface, these pads compensate for the lower fracture toughness of lightweight materials, allowing weight reduction without sacrificing overall component reliability.
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
Enhances the durability and longevity of the rotor by minimizing wear, enabling the use of diverse materials and reducing material costs while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a lubrication pad defined in the first end face of at least one land between neighboring vane slots such that the lubrication pad is fed by the neighboring vane slots to induce buildup of a lubrication film between the first end face and the stationary port plate in the lubrication pad
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a system (100) includes a rotor (102) configured to rotate about a rotor axis within a pump housing (104). In embodiments, the rotor (102) includes, a first end face (106) configured to interface with a stationary port plate (108), a plurality of vane slots (114) defined in the rotor (102) arranged circumferentially about the rotor axis configured to accept a respective vane (116) therein, and a plurality of lands (118) between each vane slot (114), wherein each land (118) includes a portion of the first end face (106). The rotor (102) also includes, a lubrication pad (140) defined in the first end face (106) of at least one land (118) between neighboring vane slots (114a, 114b) such that the lubrication pad (140) is fed by the neighboring vane slots (114a, 114b) to induce buildup of a lubrication film (142) between the first end face (106) and the stationary port plate (108) in the lubrication pad (140).