Variable Displacement Lubricant Pump Three-Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable displacement lubricant pumps can only provide two levels of nominal pressure, which limits their adaptability to varying engine conditions.
Innovation Solution
A variable-displacement lubricant pump with a pressure control system that includes a pressure control chamber connected to an actual pickup pressure source, a pressure control valve with a control plunger and spring, and a set value control valve to achieve three different discharge pressure levels by switching the valve's state, allowing for low, intermediate, and high pressure settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure control system with a pilot chamber and pressure control chamber is used to control discharge pressure, then the pump can provide two levels of nominal pressure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional chambers: a pilot chamber for low-pressure control and a pressure control chamber for high-pressure control. Each chamber independently manages a specific pressure level, allowing the pump to provide multiple nominal pressure levels while keeping each control mechanism relatively simple and modular.
2Volume of moving object
If the control ring is pushed into high pumping volume direction by pressure control chamber, then the pumping volume increases, but the discharge pressure control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control ring acts as an intermediary element that translates pressure differential forces from the control chambers into mechanical displacement. By positioning the control ring between the pilot chamber and pressure control chamber, it mediates the interaction between pressure control and pumping volume, allowing both functions to be achieved simultaneously through balanced force application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If three different discharge pressure levels are provided by switching valve states, then the adaptability to engine conditions improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system transitions from static two-level pressure control to dynamic three-level pressure control by introducing a movable control ring that can be positioned in different states. This dynamic positioning allows the pump to adapt its discharge pressure levels based on varying engine conditions, providing low, intermediate, and high pressure levels as needed.
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
Enables the pump to provide three distinct discharge pressure levels, adjusting dynamically based on engine conditions, enhancing its operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure control chamber (54) for pushing the control ring (42) into a high pumping volume direction
Implementation Method 2
A control spring (92) is provided, which preloads the control plunger (86) against the pressure in the input pressure chamber (88)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a variable displacement lubricant pump (10) fluidically coupled to and mechanical driven by an Internal combustion engine (12) for pumping pressurized lubricant to the engine (12). The pump comprises a pump rotor (44) with radially slidable vanes (46) rotating in a shiftable control ring (42) being radially shiftable or pivotable with respect to the rotor axis (47) between a high pumping volume position and a low pumping volume position, and a pressure control system for controlling the discharge pressure of the pressurized lubricant. The pressure pump's control system comprises a pressure control chamber (54) for pushing the control ring (42) into high pumping volume direction, a pressure conduit (66, 68) for connecting an actual pickup pressure source with the pressure control chamber (54), and a pressure control valve (78) controlling the pressure in the pressure control chamber (54). The pressure control valve (78) comprises a control plunger (86), an input pressure plunger (90) and a control spring (92). The pressure pump's control system further comprises a fluidic set value control valve (96) which is switchable between an open and a closed state, wherein in the opened state the set value control valve (96) fluidically connects a first discharge port (94) of the pressure control valve (78) and an input pressure chamber (88) of the pressure control valve (78) with a lubricant tank (60).