Variable Speed Hydraulic Pump Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable flow output hydraulic pumps require complex and expensive variable angle swash plates for precise control of high pressure hydraulic flow, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A variable speed hydraulic pump design that uses a first motor running at a fixed speed, a speed control valve, and a second motor to achieve variable speed operation without a variable angle swash plate, utilizing a fixed angle plate and allowing manual or solenoid/pilot operation to control fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a variable angle swash plate is used to achieve adjustable flow output, then precise control of high pressure hydraulic flow is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pump is divided into two independent pumping systems: a first pump for supply flow and a second pump for pressure flow. Each pump operates independently with fixed angle plates, eliminating the need for a complex variable angle swash plate while maintaining precise flow control through the combination of both pumps' outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable angle swash plate mechanism is completely removed from the system. Instead, the patent extracts the essential function of variable flow control and achieves it through a simpler arrangement of two fixed angle pumps with independent control, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving flow control precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a variable angle swash plate is used for adjustable flow output, then flow control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single variable angle swash plate is segmented into two separate fixed angle plates, each driving its own pump. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with simpler, fixed geometry, reducing manufacturing cost while the combined system maintains full adjustable flow output capability through independent control of both pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive variable angle swash plate with two simpler, cheaper fixed angle pump systems. While individual fixed angle pumps have limited adjustment range, the combination of two independently controlled pumps achieves the same overall adjustable flow capability at lower manufacturing cost.
3Device complexity
If a fixed speed motor drives a single pump, then system simplicity is maintained, but variable speed capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The single motor-pump system is segmented into two motor-pump units, each with fixed speed motors driving fixed angle pumps. By controlling the flow distribution between these two independent units, the system achieves variable speed and variable flow output capability while maintaining relative simplicity through the use of fixed speed motors and fixed angle plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual pump system serves multiple functions: it can operate at fixed speeds when one pump is used, achieve variable speeds by combining both pumps, and provide variable flow output by adjusting the contribution of each pump. This multi-functionality achieves variable speed capability without requiring complex variable speed motors.
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 precise control of hydraulic flow without the need for a variable angle swash plate, reducing complexity and cost while providing nearly infinite variable transmission capabilities for the second motor, independent of the first motor's speed.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump operatively coupled to the motor such that the pump runs at the same speed as the motor and generates a flow of fluid from the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a speed control valve operatively coupled to the first pump and operatively coupled to the second motor such that a portion of the flow is directed to the second motor and the remainder of the flow is diverted to the reservoir
Implementation Method 3
a second motor, a speed control valve operatively coupled to the first pump and operatively coupled to the second motor such that a portion of the flow is directed to the second motor
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a hydraulic pump including a first motor running at a fixed speed, a reservoir for fluid and a first pump operatively coupled to the motor such that the pump runs at the same speed as the motor and generates a flow of fluid from the reservoir. The hydraulic pump further includes a second motor, a speed control valve operatively coupled to the to the first pump and operatively coupled to the second motor such that a portion of the flow is directed to the second motor and the remainder of the flow is diverted to the reservoir, and a second pump operatively coupled to the second motor such that the second pump is driven by the second motor.