Vortex Diffuser for Rotating-Stationary Hydraulic Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydraulic systems with rotating components, vortex flows caused by rotational velocity lead to pressure variance in control volumes, particularly at the interface between rotating and stationary components, resulting in reduced fluid pressure at the longitudinal axis and potential inadvertent engagement of clutches.
Innovation Solution
A rotating-stationary component interface with a housing bore, fluid supply passage, and cylindrical shaft, incorporating a bore pressure control mechanism that includes a baffle or direct pressure feed to maintain shaft bore pressure equal to the supply pressure, minimizing vortex flow and ensuring consistent fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the shaft rotates at high speed, then the transmission power increases, but the vortex flow reduces the pressure at the longitudinal shaft bore causing inadvertent clutch engagement
Solution Approach 1:
A baffle is introduced as an intermediary component in the control volume to disrupt the vortex flow path. The baffle acts as a mediator between the rotating shaft and the hydraulic fluid, preventing the formation of strong vortex flows that would otherwise reduce pressure at the longitudinal shaft bore and cause inadvertent clutch engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful vortex flow effect into a beneficial pressure distribution by using a baffle to redirect the fluid flow. The rotational energy that previously created harmful low-pressure zones is now channeled to maintain adequate pressure at the longitudinal shaft bore, ensuring reliable clutch disengagement even at high speeds.
2Ease of operation
If the control volume is enlarged to accommodate the rotating shaft, then the shaft rotation is supported, but the vortex flow effect is amplified reducing fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle serves as an intermediary structure within the control volume that modifies the fluid flow pattern. It disrupts the direct rotational flow path that would otherwise create extensive vortex effects throughout the enlarged control volume, thereby maintaining fluid pressure at the longitudinal shaft bore while still supporting shaft rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control volume is effectively segmented by the baffle into different flow zones. This segmentation prevents the formation of a single large-scale vortex that would dominate the entire control volume, instead creating smaller, controlled flow patterns that maintain pressure distribution while accommodating shaft rotation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a conical surface is used to minimize vortex disturbances, then the vortex flow is reduced, but the longitudinal shaft bore pressure cannot be maintained equal to supply pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle acts as an intermediary component that more effectively disrupts vortex flow compared to a conical surface. While the conical surface provides some vortex reduction, the baffle creates a physical barrier that directly blocks the rotational flow path, more effectively preventing vortex formation and maintaining pressure at the longitudinal shaft bore equal to the supply pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a conical surface that gradually reduces vortex effects, the invention uses a baffle that abruptly interrupts the flow path. This inverted approach - using a sharp discontinuity rather than a gradual transition - more effectively prevents vortex formation by creating a sudden change in flow direction that dissipates rotational energy.
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 solution effectively maintains consistent hydraulic pressure at the longitudinal shaft bore, preventing inadvertent clutch engagement and ensuring reliable operation of transmission assemblies by reducing vortex-induced pressure drops.
Implementation Method 1
The rotational effect on the fluid results in a vortex having fluid pressures that vary from a minimum pressure proximate a longitudinal axis of the rotating component to higher pressures as the control volume extends radially outward from the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
The rotational effect on the fluid results in a vortex having fluid pressures that vary from a minimum pressure proximate a longitudinal axis of the rotating component to higher pressures as the control volume extends radially outward from the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
In hydraulic systems having rotating-stationary component interfaces, a bore pressure regulating mechanism is provided to interact with the hydraulic fluid in a control volume to maintain a hydraulic fluid pressure in a longitudinal shaft bore at or approximately equal to a supply pressure when a gear shaft rotates within the control volume. In one aspect, the bore pressure regulating mechanism minimizes vortex flow of the hydraulic fluid induced by the rotation of the gear shaft. In another aspect, the bore pressure regulating mechanism provides a direct feed of pressurized hydraulic fluid proximate an opening of the longitudinal shaft bore through an end surface of the gear shaft, and thereby minimizes the opportunity for the hydraulic fluid to be forced into vortex flow by the gear shaft in the area of the longitudinal shaft bore.