Claims:
1. A geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90), comprising:
a casing (12, 42);
a split housing (14) located within the casing (12, 42);
a gear assembly (18) disposed within the split housing (14), wherein the gear assembly (18) is configured to transmit fluid from an inlet (41) to an outlet (43) of the geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90); and
a non-split type flow insert (26) disposed between the gear assembly (18) and the split housing (14), wherein the non-split type flow insert (26) is configured to maintain a pressure balance in the geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90), and wherein a thickness of the non-split type flow insert (26) is determined based on a selected flow rate of the geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90).

2. The geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the split housing (14) comprises at least two split housing segments that are mechanically coupled along a vertical axis or a horizontal axis of the geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) to form the split housing (14).

3. The geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the split housing (14) is configured to house a first gear assembly (46) for obtaining a first flow rate or a second gear assembly (92) for obtaining a second flow rate, wherein the first flow rate is higher than the second flow rate.

4. The geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first gear assembly (46) comprises a first gear pair having a first tip circle diameter and the second gear assembly (92) comprises a second gear pair having a second tip circle diameter, wherein the first tip circle diameter is greater than the second tip circle diameter.

5. The geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a first non-split type flow insert (56) having a first thickness is disposed between the first gear assembly (46) and the split housing (14) and a second non-split type flow insert (94) having a second thickness is disposed between the second gear assembly (92) and the split housing (14), wherein the first thickness is lesser than the second thickness.

6. The geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the non-split type flow insert (26) comprises a non-uniform shape, and wherein the first non-split type flow insert (56) has a first non-uniform shape and is capable of being disposed between the first gear assembly (46) and the split housing (14) and the second non-split type flow insert (94) comprises a second non-uniform shape capable of being disposed between the second gear assembly (92) and the split housing (14).

7. The geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) as claimed in claim 5, further comprising an inlet flow liner (96) operatively coupled to an inlet port (57, 100) of the second non-split type flow insert (94) and an outlet flow liner (98) operatively coupled to an outlet port (59, 102) of the second non-split type flow insert (94) for controlling a volume of the fluid at the inlet port (57, 100) and the outlet port (59, 102).

8. The geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the inlet flow liner (96) and the outlet flow liner (98) comprises an inner diameter, and wherein the inner diameter is determined based on the second flow rate.

9. The geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the inlet flow liner (96) and the outlet flow liner (98) comprises a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of the plurality of layers comprises an elastomeric layer (110) configured to absorb a pressure pulse occurring due to flow of the fluid.

10. The geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least four journal outer diameter liners operatively coupled to the gear assembly.

11. The geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a first journal outer diameter liner (68) and a second journal outer diameter liner (70) are operatively coupled to a base plate (64) and a first side (72) of the gear assembly (18), and a third journal outer diameter liner (71) is operatively coupled to a first gear shaft (50) located on a second side (73) of the gear assembly (18) and a fourth journal outer diameter liner (74) is operatively coupled to a second gear shaft (55) located on the second side (73) of the gear assembly (18).

12. The geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first journal outer diameter liner (68) and the third journal outer diameter liner (71) are offset with respect to a first central axis (75) of the gear assembly (18) and the second journal outer diameter liner (70) and the fourth journal outer diameter liner (74) are offset with respect to a second central axis (78) of the gear assembly (18).

13. The geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first journal outer diameter liner (68), the second journal outer diameter liner (70), the third journal outer diameter liner (71), and the fourth journal outer diameter liner (74) are offset towards an inlet flow port pipe (44) of the geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90).

14. The geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing (12, 42) comprises a plurality of mounting holes (16) configured to accommodate one or more sizes of the split housing (14).

15. The geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) comprises a gear pump or a gear motor.

16. A method of operating a geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) at a first flow rate and a second flow rate, comprising:
operating the geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) at the first flow rate using a split housing (14), a first gear assembly (46) comprising gear pairs having a first tip circle diameter and a first non-split type flow insert (56) having a first thickness;
selecting a second tip circle diameter of a second gear assembly (92) based on the second flow rate;
replacing the first gear assembly (46) housed in the split housing (14) with the second gear assembly (92) having the second tip circle diameter;
selecting a second thickness of a second non-split type flow insert (94) to place between the second gear assembly (92) and the split housing (14) based on the second flow rate; and
operating the geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) at the second flow rate using the split housing (14), the second gear assembly (92), and the second non-split type flow insert (94).

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein operating the geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) at the second flow rate comprises replacing the first non-split type flow insert (56) in the split housing with the second non-split type flow insert (94) to operate the geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) at the second flow rate.
18. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the second non-split type flow insert (94) comprises the first non-split type flow insert (56) coupled to an additional non-split type flow insert such that such that an effective thickness of the first non-split type flow insert (56) and the additional non-split type flow insert is equal to the selected second thickness of the second non-split type flow insert (94).

19. The method as claimed in claim 16, further comprising offsetting a first and a third journal outer diameter liners (68, 71) with respect to a central axis (75) of a first gear shaft (50) of the first gear assembly (46) and offsetting a second and a fourth journal outer diameter liners (70, 74) with respect to a central axis (78) of a second gear shaft (55) of the second gear assembly (92) to prevent wear and tear of the geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90) due to a back pressure in the geared fluid transmission device (10, 30, 90).

20. A modular geared fluid transmission device kit for obtaining at least two flow rates, comprising:
at least one split housing (14);
at least two gear assemblies configured to be housed in the split housing (14), wherein a first gear assembly (46) comprises a first tip circle diameter and a second gear assembly (92) comprises a second tip circle diameter;
at least two non-split type flow inserts (56, 94), wherein a first non-split type flow insert (56) is configured to be disposed between the at least one split housing (14) and the first gear assembly (46), and wherein a second non-split type flow insert (94) is configured to be disposed between the at least one split housing (14) and the second gear assembly (92); and
at least two flow liners (96, 98) configured to be operatively coupled to the second non-split type flow insert (94);
wherein a first combination of the at least one split housing (14), the first gear assembly (46) and the first non-split type flow insert (56) provides a first flow rate, and wherein a second combination of the at least one split housing (14), the second gear assembly (92), the second non-split type flow insert (94) and the at least two flow liner (96, 98) provides a second flow rate.
, Description:
BACKGROUND

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a geared device, and more particularly, to a geared fluid transmission device having an innovative design that allows for enhanced functionality and performance.
[0002] Various types of fluid transmission devices are available in the market. One such fluid transmission device includes a geared fluid transmission device, which is used to transmit fluid from one location to another location using a gear assembly, where the gear assembly is operated using an external power source.
[0003] The geared fluid transmission devices are used to move fluid for various purposes. One such purpose includes lubrication, where the geared fluid transmission device is used to transmit oil in different applications such as automobiles and heavy machinery to reduce friction between components of the automobiles and the heavy machinery.
[0004] Conventional geared fluid transmission devices such as gear pumps or gear motors, for example, include a non-split type housing formed using a single die cast or an extrusion process for accommodating a gear assembly of a specific size. During the formation of such non-split type housing, any errors occurring in machining components of the non-split type housing may cause difficulties in accommodating gear pairs of the specific size within a housing bore. Hence, the entire non-split type housing has to be rejected, which leads to higher manufacturing costs. Moreover, operating the geared fluid transmission devices over a period of time may damage a surface of the geared fluid transmission device, for example, leading to formation of a porous surface, a crack, or any other physical defect in the non-split type housing. In the vent of such damage, the entire housing may need to be replaced, thus resulting in high maintenance costs.
[0005] Furthermore, in a conventional geared fluid transmission device, a non-split type housing is typically designed to accommodate a gear pair of a specific size, which restricts the gear pump to operate only at a specific flow rate. Therefore, in order to change a flow rate of the geared fluid transmission device, a new gear pump having a new non-split type housing is required, which leads to replacement costs. Certain approaches have been used in past with an aim to provide different flow rates using the same gear pump. One such approach includes using a tandem gear pump, which includes two pumps that work, either individually or in combination, to provide different flow rates. However, such tandem gear pumps are unreliable as failure of one pump renders the entire tandem gear pump inoperable. Moreover, such tandem gear pumps are costly, bulky, and occupy more space in engine packaging.
[0006] In addition, certain conventional geared fluid transmission devices also employ split-type flow inserts having a first split part placed around periphery of a driver gear and having a second split part placed around periphery of a driven gear. The split-type flow inserts aim to reduce wear and tear of the housing, and in turn, minimize failure of machined components housed therein. However, use of such split-type flow inserts often leads to leakage of fluid within the gear pump due to a gap formed in between the first split part and the second split part, resulting in pressure losses in the gear pump. Such pressure losses undesirably affect the performance of the gear pump.
[0007] Hence, there is a need for an improved geared fluid transmission device to address the aforementioned issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0008] In one embodiment, a geared fluid transmission device is provided. The geared fluid transmission device includes a casing and a split housing located within the casing. The geared fluid transmission device further includes a gear assembly disposed within the split housing, wherein the gear assembly is configured to transmit fluid from an inlet to an outlet of the geared fluid transmission device. The geared fluid transmission device also includes a non-split type flow insert disposed between the gear assembly and the split housing, wherein the non-split type flow insert is configured to maintain a pressure balance in the geared fluid transmission device, and wherein a thickness of the non-split type flow insert is determined based on a selected flow rate of the geared fluid transmission device.
[0009] In another embodiment, a method of operating a geared fluid transmission device at a first flow rate and a second flow rate is provided. The method includes operating the geared fluid transmission device at the first flow rate using a split housing, a first gear assembly including gear pairs having a first tip circle diameter and a first non-split type flow insert including a first thickness. The method also includes selecting a second tip circle diameter of a second gear assembly based on the second flow rate. The method further includes replacing the first gear assembly housed in the split housing with the second gear assembly. The method also includes selecting a second thickness of a second non-split type flow insert to place between the second gear assembly and the split housing based on the second flow rate. The method further includes operating the geared fluid transmission device at the second flow rate using the split housing, the second gear assembly, and the second non-split type flow insert.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, a modular geared fluid transmission device kit for obtaining at least two flow rates is provided. The modular fluid transmission device kit includes at least one split housing and at least two gear assemblies configured to be housed in the split housing, wherein a first gear assembly includes a first tip circle diameter and a second gear assembly includes a second tip circle diameter. The modular fluid transmission device kit further includes at least two non-split type flow inserts, wherein a first non-split type flow insert is configured to be disposed between the at least one split housing and the first gear assembly, and wherein a second non-split type flow insert is configured to be disposed between the at least one split housing and the second gear assembly. The modular fluid transmission device kit also includes at least two flow liners configured to be operatively coupled to the second non-split type flow insert, wherein a first combination of the at least one split housing, the first gear assembly and the first non-split type flow insert provides a first flow rate, and wherein a second combination of the at least one split housing, the second gear assembly, the second non-split type flow insert and the at least two flow liner provides a second flow rate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of a geared fluid transmission device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a casing of the geared fluid transmission device of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a geared fluid transmission device having a first configuration, in which the geared fluid transmission device is operated at a first flow rate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the vertical split housing of FIG. 3 including a first gear assembly and a first non-split type flow insert, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first journal outer diameter liner of the geared fluid transmission device of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the first journal outer diameter liner depicting an offset of the first journal outer diameter liner with respect to a first central axis of the first gear shaft, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a second configuration of the geared fluid transmission device, in which the geared fluid transmission device is operated at a second flow rate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of exemplary flow liners of FIG. 6 depicting a plurality of layers of the flow liners, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a first vertical split housing segment including a second gear assembly and a second non-split type flow insert, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the geared fluid transmission device of FIG. 3 having a horizontal split housing instead of the vertical split housing and configured to operate at a first configuration, in which the geared fluid transmission device is operated at a first flow rate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the geared fluid transmission device of FIG. 6 having the horizontal split housing of FIG. 9 instead of the vertical split housing and configured to operate at a second configuration, in which the geared fluid transmission device is operated at a second flow rate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method for operating a geared fluid transmission device at a first flow rate and at a second flow rate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a geared fluid transmission device for use in a system (e.g., heavy machineries and automobiles for delivering fluid at two or more flow rates. Therefore, whenever a fluid flow rate needs to be changed within the system, unlike typical approaches in which an existing geared fluid transmission device is completely replaced by a new-geared fluid transmission device, the same-geared fluid transmission device can be used for achieving different flow rates with minimal changes. The geared fluid transmission device includes a casing and a split housing located within the casing, wherein the split housing includes at least two split housing segments. The geared fluid transmission device also includes a gear assembly disposed within the split housing, wherein the gear assembly is configured to transmit fluid from an inlet to an outlet of the geared fluid transmission device. The geared fluid transmission device also includes a non-split type flow insert disposed between the gear assembly and the split housing.
[0024] The term “non-split type flow insert,” used in the various embodiments described herein, broadly refers to a closed loop single body component placed between the gear assembly and the split housing to maintain a pressure balance in the geared fluid transmission device. In one embodiment, a thickness of the non-split type flow insert varies from one section to at least one another section of the non-split type flow insert. For example, a thickness associated with a middle section of the non-split type flow insert is more than thickness associated with top and bottom sections of the non-split type flow insert, as depicted in FIG. 3. In another example, thickness associated with top and bottom sections of the non-split type flow insert is more than a thickness associated with a middle section of the non-split type flow insert. Further, the non-split type flow insert has a non-uniform shape. The term “non-uniform shape,” as used in the various embodiments described herein, broadly refers to non-uniformity in the thickness of the non-split type flow insert. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the non-split type flow insert is determined based on a flow rate of the geared fluid transmission device. Such a configuration enables the geared fluid transmission device to operate at two or more flow rates by replacing a first non-split type flow insert and a first gear assembly with a second non-split type flow insert and a second gear assembly. Certain exemplary structural configurations and functioning of the geared fluid transmission device that enable operation at two or more flow rates with minimal reconfiguration are described in greater detail with reference to FIGs. 1-11.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a geared fluid transmission device (10) that delivers fluid at two or more flow rates. The geared fluid transmission device (10) includes a casing (12) configured to mount a split housing (14) that is disposed within the casing (12). The split housing (14) includes at least two split housing segments (for example, shown in FIG. 3) that are mechanically coupled to each other to form the split housing (14). In one embodiment, the at least two split housing segments may be mechanically coupled along a vertical axis (shown in FIG. 3) of the geared fluid transmission device or a horizontal axis (shown in FIG. 9) of the geared fluid transmission device to form the split housing (14). In an exemplary embodiment, the split housing may be formed of grey iron casting (flake graphite (FG) grade cast iron), spheroidal graphite (SG) grade cast iron, die cast hardened aluminium, or an aluminium extrusion. In another embodiment, the at least two split housing segments are coupled to each other using bolts and nuts, rivets, fasteners, adhesives, or other suitable coupling means. In another embodiment, two or more split housing segments may also be mechanically coupled to each other in a combination of at least one split housing segment disposed along the vertical axis and at least one split housing segment disposed along the horizontal axis to form the split housing segment (14). In one embodiment, the at least two split housing segments may be symmetrical. The split housing (14) formed of at least two split housing segments provides easy movement of split housing (14) during assembly of components (e.g., a gear assembly (18) and a non-split type flow insert (26)) or during overhauling of the components within the split housing (14) to assemble new components or to replace worn or defective components. In one embodiment, the casing (12) includes a plurality of mounting holes configured to accommodate one or more sizes of the split housing (14), as described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 2.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the casing (12) of the geared fluid transmission device (10), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The casing (12) includes a plurality of mounting holes (16) at predetermined locations to accommodate the one or more sizes of the split housing (14) and corresponding gear assemblies (e.g., the gear assembly (18)) disposed within the one or more sizes of the split housing (14). Furthermore, the predetermined locations are also identified based on the mechanical coupling of the at least two split housing segments (FIG. 3-6) that form the split housing (14). The plurality of mounting holes (16) are disposed on a surface of the casing (12) to meet future requirements of using the same casing (12) to accommodate the split housing (14) of various sizes such that costs associated with manufacturing of a new casing (12) can be avoided.
[0027] In one embodiment, the casing (12) includes a first set of mounting holes (11) and a second set of mounting holes (13). The first set of mounting holes (11) is used to mount a first split housing (FIG. 1) having a first size using a first set of clamps (FIG. 3). The first set of mounting holes (11) includes a first subset of clamp holes (15) and a first subset of split housing holes (17) for mounting the split housing of the first size. Similarly, the second set of mounting holes (13) may be used to mount a second split housing having a second size in the casing (12) using a second set of clamps (for example, shown in FIG. 6). The second set of mounting holes (13) includes a second subset of clamp holes (19) and a second subset of split housing holes (21) for mounting the second split housing having the second size. Therefore, the first split housing having the first size and disposed in the casing (12) may be replaced with the second split housing having the second size in the same casing (12) to avoid replacement costs of the casing (12).
[0028] With returning reference to FIG. 1, the geared fluid transmission device (10) includes the gear assembly (18) disposed within the split housing (14). The gear assembly (18) is disposed within a split housing bore (20) of the split housing (14) mounted on the casing (12). In one embodiment, the split housing (14) may be configured to house at least two sizes of the gear assembly (18) within the split housing bore (20). However, in certain embodiments, more than two sizes of the gear assembly (18) can be housed within the split housing bore (20) by placing non-split type flow inserts of varying thickness in between the gear assembly (18) and the split housing bore (20). The split housing (14) formed by mechanically coupling the at least two split housing segments (shown in FIG. 3, for example) enables easy access and replacement of the gear assembly (18) depending upon a desired flow rate of the geared fluid transmission device (10).
[0029] In one embodiment, the gear assembly (18) includes a gear pair. In such embodiments, the gear assembly (18) includes a driven gear (22) and a driver gear (24). In a specific embodiment, one or more of the driven gear (22) and the driver gear (24) may be a spur type gear or a helical type gear. In one embodiment, the gear assembly (18) and a gear shaft (FIG. 3) are integrated using a forged bar or a keyway joint.
[0030] In certain embodiments, the geared fluid transmission device (10) further includes the non-split type flow insert (26) disposed between the gear assembly (18) and the split housing (14). The non-split type flow insert (26) is configured to maintain a pressure balance in the geared fluid transmission device (10). In one embodiment, the non-split type flow insert (26) is a complete loop formed of a non-uniform shape, which follows a shape of the split housing bore (20). The non-split type flow insert (26) is used to fill a gap between the split housing (14) and the gear assembly (18) disposed within the split housing (14). The gap between the split housing (14) and the gear assembly (18) varies based on a tip circle diameter of the gear assembly (18), which in turn, is determined based on a desired flow rate of the geared fluid transmission device (10). Therefore, a shape and a thickness of the non-split type flow insert (26) is determined based on a flow rate of the geared fluid transmission device (10). In one embodiment, the gear assembly (18) may be formed of a first metal and the non-split type flow insert (26) may be formed of a second metal, wherein the second metal is softer than the first metal. In a non-limiting example, the first metal may include a through-hardened steel or a surface hardened steel and the second metal may include bronze, die cast hardened aluminum, or an aluminum extrusion. Moreover, by positioning the non-split type flow insert (26) between the gear assembly (18) and the split housing (14), the non-split type flow insert (26) forms a bearing surface for the gear assembly (18) and the gears of the gear assembly (18) slide against the non-split type flow insert (26) during rotation, which avoids damage to the split housing bore (20). However, the sliding of the gear assembly (18) against the non-split type flow insert (26) may lead to wear and tear of the non-split type flow insert (26). Therefore, the non-split type flow insert (26) needs to be replaced upon detecting the wear and tear, which otherwise may cause the gear assembly (18) to slide against the split housing bore (20) and damage the split housing bore (20). To that end, arrangements of the non-split type flow insert (26), the split housing (14) and the gear assembly (18) are provided as shown in the FIG. 4, which enables a user to easily replace the non-split type flow insert (26) on detecting the wear and tear.
[0031] Such a configuration of the geared fluid transmission device (10) enables the geared fluid transmission device (10) to operate at two or more flow rates by replacing at least one of the gear assembly (18), the non-split type flow insert (26). The aforementioned configuration eliminates a need to replace the whole geared fluid transmission device (10) to achieve different flow rates, and thereby reduces costs. In one embodiment, the geared fluid transmission device (10) may include a gear pump or a gear motor, which can be operated at different flow rates of the fluid. In another embodiment, the fluid may include oil or any other liquid fuel. The geared fluid transmission device (10) of the present embodiment is used with any system or any device that requires transmission of the fluid. For example, the geared fluid transmission device (10) may circulate the oil for lubrication of an external device (not shown) such as heavy machinery, aircrafts, cruises, and automobiles, wherein automobiles may include passenger cars, tractors, earthmovers, etc. Such exemplary embodiments in which the geared fluid transmission device (10) is configured to operate at two or more flow rates (e.g., a first flow rate and a second flow rate) are explained in greater detail with reference to FIG. 3 through FIG. 6.
[0032] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a geared fluid transmission device (30) having a first configuration, in which the geared fluid transmission device is operated at a first flow rate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The geared fluid transmission device (30) includes a vertical split housing (32). The vertical split housing (32) includes a first vertical split housing segment (34) and a second vertical split housing segment (36). In one exemplary implementation, the first vertical split housing segment (34) and the second vertical split housing segment (36) are mechanically coupled along a vertical axis (38) of the geared fluid transmission device (30) to form the vertical split housing (32) having a vertical split housing bore (40). The vertical split housing (32) is further mounted on a casing (42) using the plurality of mounting holes as depicted in FIG. 2 and described in detail in the following sections.
[0033] In one embodiment, during operation of the geared fluid transmission device 10, the fluid may flow from a right direction (41) to a left direction (43). In such an embodiment, the first vertical split housing segment (34) is operatively coupled to an inlet flow port pipe (44) through the casing (42) to enable flow of fluid from a fluid source (not shown) in to the geared fluid transmission device (30). The fluid enters the vertical split housing (32) through the inlet flow port pipe (44). The vertical split housing (32) includes a first gear assembly (46) disposed within the vertical split housing bore (40). In one embodiment, the first gear assembly (46) may include a first gear pair configured to mesh with each other. The first gear assembly (46) includes a drive gear (48) that is operatively coupled to a first gear shaft (50) and a driven gear (52) that is disposed above the drive gear (48) and is operatively coupled to a second gear shaft (55).
[0034] During an exemplary operation, the drive gear (48) and the driven gear (52) mesh together in a clockwise direction to transmit the fluid received from the inlet flow port pipe (44) in the right direction (41) to an outlet flow port pipe (54) in the left direction (43) at the first flow rate. In other embodiments, however, the position of the inlet flow port pipe (44), the outlet flow port pipe (54), the drive gear (48) and the driven gear (52) may change based on the direction of flow of the fluid as discussed in table below:
Scenario Inlet Position Outlet Position Gear Assembly Position Direction of Rotation
1 Right Side Left Side Driven gear is disposed above the drive gear Gear assembly rotates in a clockwise direction with respect to the drive shaft
2 Left Side Right Side Driven gear is disposed above the drive gear Gear assembly rotates in an anti-clockwise direction with respect to a drive shaft
3 Left Side Right Side Drive gear is disposed above the driven gear Gear assembly rotates in a clockwise direction with respect to a drive shaft
4 Right Side Left Side Drive gear is disposed above the driven gear Gear assembly rotates in an anti-clockwise direction with respect to a drive shaft.
[0035] In certain embodiments, the first gear assembly (46) having a first tip circle diameter is selected, wherein the first tip circle diameter is determined based on the first flow rate. Subsequently, the first gear assembly (46) having the first tip circle diameter is disposed within the vertical split housing bore (40) to transmit the fluid at the first flow rate to the outlet flow port pipe (54). The outlet flow port pipe (54) is operatively coupled to the second vertical split housing segment (36) through the casing (42) and enables an exit of the fluid from the geared fluid transmission device (30) to an external device (e.g., heavy machineries and automobiles) at the first flow rate.
[0036] The geared fluid transmission device (30) further includes a) disposed between the first gear assembly (46) and the vertical split housing (32). The first non-split type flow insert (56) follows a shape of the vertical split housing bore (40) and has a first non-uniform shape capable of being disposed between the first gear assembly (46) and the vertical split housing (32). The first non-split type flow insert (56) includes an inlet port (57) operatively coupled to the inlet flow port pipe (44) and an outlet port (59) operatively coupled to the outlet flow port pipe (54). Furthermore, the first non-split type flow insert (56) includes a first thickness to fill a gap between the first gear assembly (46) and the vertical split housing (32), as shown in FIG. 4.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the vertical split housing (32) of FIG. 3 including the first gear assembly (46) disposed within the vertical split housing bore (40) and the first non-split type flow insert (56) disposed between the vertical split housing (32) and the first gear assembly (46) such that a gap between the first gear assembly (46) and the vertical split housing (32) is at least partially occupied. In one embodiment, the first non-uniform shape of the first non-split type flow insert (56) follows the shape of the vertical split housing bore (40) such that the first non-split type flow insert (56) is disposed between the first gear assembly (46) and the vertical split housing (32). Furthermore, a first thickness of the first non-split type flow insert (56) varies with the first tip circle diameter of the first gear assembly (46) that is disposed within the vertical split housing bore (40) such that the gap between the first gear assembly (46) and the vertical split housing (32) is least partially occupied.
[0038] Such a configuration of the non-split type flow insert (56) enables an inner surface of the non-split type flow insert (56) to act as a bearing surface for the first gear assembly (46). The non-split type flow insert (56) also facilitates a formation of a fluid film between the first gear assembly (46) and the inner surface of the non-split type flow insert (56). Thus, the non-split type flow insert (56) prevents wear of the vertical split housing bore (40) due to meshing of the first gear assembly (46).
[0039] Moreover, the use of the non-split type flow insert (56) having the first thickness corresponding to the first tip circle diameter of the first gear assembly (46) enables the non-split type flow insert (56) to maintain a pressure balance in the geared fluid transmission device (30). Furthermore, the configuration of the non-split type flow insert (56) facilitates a flow of the fluid entering and exiting the vertical split housing (32), respectively, through an inlet port and an outlet port provided in the non-split type flow insert (56).
[0040] With returning reference to FIG. 3, as previously discussed, the vertical split housing (32) is mounted on the casing (42) using the plurality of mounting holes (16), as shown in FIG. 2. The vertical split housing (32) is also affixed to the casing (42) using a plurality of clamps (62) and a base plate (64). In one embodiment, the plurality of clamps (62) are C-shaped clamps. The plurality of clamps (62) are used to fasten the first vertical split housing segment (34) and the second vertical split housing segment (36) with the casing (42) upon disposing the vertical split housing (32) in the casing (42). The plurality of clamps (62) hold the vertical split housing (32) tightly together in order to prevent movement or separation of the first vertical split housing (34) and the second vertical split housing (36) during an inward fluid pressure towards the vertical split housing (32). Furthermore, the plurality of clamps (62) provides a sealing, dampens vibrations, and prevents fluid leakage in the geared fluid transmission device (30).
[0041] In one example of mounting the vertical split housing (32) on the casing (42) using the plurality of clamps (62) and the base plate (64), a first bolt passes through a first clamp hole (31) of the clamp (62), a first split housing hole (33) of the vertical split housing (32), a first base plate hole (35) of the base plate (64), a second clamp hole (71) of the clamp (62), and a first casing hole (37). Furthermore, a second bolt passes through a third clamp hole (39) of the clamp (62), a second split housing hole (45) of the vertical split housing (32), a second base plate hole (47) of the base plate (64), a fourth clamp hole (73) of the clamp (62), and a second casing hole (49) for mounting the vertical split housing (32) on the casing (42). Moreover, a third bolt passes through a third split housing hole (53) of the vertical split housing (32), a third base plate hole (61) of the base plate, and a third casing hole (63) in the casing (42) for mounting the vertical split housing (32) on the casing (42). Similarly, a fourth bolt passes through a fourth split housing hole (65) of the vertical split housing (32), a fourth base plate hole (67) of the base plate (64) and a fourth casing hole (69) for mounting the vertical split housing (32) on the casing (42).
[0042] Moreover, the base plate (64) includes a plurality of base plate openings (66) configured to mount a first journal outer diameter liner (68) and a second journal outer diameter liner (70). The first journal outer diameter liner (68) and the second journal outer diameter liner (70) are operatively coupled to the base plate (64) and a first side (72) of the first gear assembly (46). In one embodiment, the first journal outer diameter liner (68) is operatively coupled to the base plate (64) through the plurality of base plate openings (66). In another embodiment, a plurality of bushes (76) and a thrust plate (77) are disposed between the base plate (64) and the vertical split housing (32), wherein the plurality of bushes (76) and the thrust plate (77) are concentric to the first journal outer diameter liner (68) and the second journal outer diameter liner (70). In yet another embodiment, a third journal outer diameter liner (71) is operatively coupled to the first gear shaft (50) located on a second side (73) of the first gear assembly (46). Additionally, a fourth journal outer diameter liner (74) is operatively coupled to a second gear shaft (55) located on the second side (73) of the first gear assembly (46).
[0043] In one embodiment, the first journal outer diameter liner (68) and the third journal outer diameter liner (71) are offset with respect to a first central axis (75) of the first gear shaft (50) of the first gear assembly (46). Furthermore, the second journal outer diameter liner (70) and the fourth journal outer diameter liner (74) are offset with respect to a second central axis (78) of the second gear shaft (55) of the first gear assembly (46). In certain embodiments, the first journal outer diameter liner (68) and the third journal outer diameter liner (71) are offset with respect to the first central axis (75) towards the inlet flow port pipe (44) of the geared fluid transmission device (30). Furthermore, the second journal outer diameter liner (70) and the fourth journal outer diameter liner (74) are offset with respect to the second central axis (78) towards the inlet flow port pipe (44) of the geared fluid transmission device (30), as shown in FIGs. 5A and 5B.
[0044] FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first journal outer diameter liner (68) of the geared fluid transmission device (30) of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The first journal outer diameter liner (68) is aligned with the first central axis (75) of the first gear shaft (50) and is placed offset with respect to the first central axis (75) as described in detail with respect to FIG. 5B.
[0045] FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the first journal outer diameter liner (68) depicting the offset of the first journal outer diameter liner (68) with respect to the first central axis (75) of the first gear shaft (50) , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 5B depicts an offset of the first journal outer diameter liner (68) at 0.1 millimetres (mm) with respect to the first central axis (75) of the first gear shaft (50) towards the inlet flow port pipe (44). Though FIG. 5B depicts the offset of only 0.1 mm, it is to be understood that the first journal outer diameter liner (68) can be placed at any offset with respect to the first central axis (75). Further, FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B depict only the offset of the first journal outer diameter liner (68) with respect to the first central axis (75) of the first gear shaft (50). It is to be understood that the third journal outer diameter liner (71) is also similarly offset with respect to the first central axis (75). Furthermore, the second journal outer diameter liner (70) and the fourth journal outer diameter liner (74) are also similarly offset with respect to the second central axis (78) of the second gear shaft (55).
[0046] Such an offset of the first journal outer diameter liner (68), the second journal outer diameter liner (70), the third journal outer diameter liner (71), and the fourth journal outer diameter liner (74) prevents the first gear assembly (46) from moving abruptly away from a default position of the first gear assembly (46) upon sudden back pressure. Preventing abrupt movements, in turn prevents wear and tear of the first gear assembly (46), damages to inner walls of the vertical split housing (32), and maintains a smooth flow of the fluid within the geared fluid transmission device (30).
[0047] Therefore, the first configuration depicted and disclosed with reference to FIG. 3-5 enables the geared fluid transmission device (30) to operate at the first flow rate. Furthermore, FIG. 6-8 disclose a second configuration, in which the geared fluid transmission device (30) may be configured to operate at a second flow rate.
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a second configuration of the geared fluid transmission device (30) of FIG. 3, in which the geared fluid transmission device (30) is operated at a second flow rate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The geared fluid transmission device (30) in the second configuration is represented by reference numeral (90) in FIG. 6. Specifically, the geared fluid transmission device (30) of FIG. 3 may be operated at the second flow rate by replacing the first gear assembly (46) and the first non-split type flow insert (56) of the geared fluid transmission device (30) with a second gear assembly (92) and a second non-split type flow insert (94) to form the geared fluid transmission device (90). In one embodiment, the first flow rate of the fluid is higher than the second flow rate.
[0049] As previously mentioned, the tip circle diameter of the gear assembly (46) varies with the flow rate at which the geared fluid transmission device (30) is desired to be operated. Therefore, in order to operate the first geared fluid transmission device (30) at the second flow rate, the first gear assembly (46) with the first tip circle diameter in the geared fluid transmission device (30) is replaced with the second gear assembly (92) having a second tip circle diameter. It is to be noted that the first tip circle diameter of the first gear assembly (46) is greater than the second tip circle diameter of the second gear assembly (92) as the first flow rate is higher than the second flow rate.
[0050] Moreover, replacing the first gear assembly (46) with the second gear assembly (92) in the geared fluid transmission device (30) creates an additional gap between the first non-split type flow insert (56) and the second gear assembly (92) as the second tip circle diameter is lesser than the first tip circle diameter. Such an additional gap may lead to pressure losses, cause fluid leakage, and damage the geared fluid transmission device (90). Therefore, the first non-split type flow insert (56) is replaced with the second non-split type flow insert (94) having a second shape and a second thickness to avoid the formation of such additional gap. In one embodiment, the second shape and the second thickness of the second non-split type flow insert (94) is determined based on the second tip circle diameter and/or the second flow rate. Particularly, the second thickness and the second shape of the second non-split type flow insert (94) are selected such that only a designated gap is formed between the second non-split type flow insert (94) and the second gear assembly (92) and the second non-split type flow insert (94) is also capable of being disposed within the split housing (14). In one embodiment, the thickness of the second non-split type flow insert (94) is more than the thickness of the first non-split type flow insert (56) such that the designated gap is formed between the second non-split type flow insert (94) and the second gear assembly (92).
[0051] Furthermore, in order to operate the geared fluid transmission device (90) including the second gear assembly (92) and the second non-split type flow insert (94) at the second flow rate, an inlet flow liner (96) and an outlet flow liner (98) are operatively coupled to an inlet port (100) and an outlet port (102), respectively, of the second non-split type flow insert (94) to control a volume of the fluid at the inlet port (100) and the outlet port (102). In one embodiment, the inlet flow liner (96) and the outlet flow liner (98) have an inner diameter that is determined based on the second flow rate as the inner diameter regulates the volume of the fluid entering and existing the geared fluid transmission device (90) to obtain the second flow rate. In another embodiment, the inlet flow liner (96) and the outlet flow liner (98) include a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of the plurality of layers includes an elastomeric layer configured to absorb a pressure pulse occurring due to flow of the fluid.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of an exemplary flow liner (104) depicting the plurality of layers of the inlet flow liner (96) and the outlet flow liner (98) of FIG. 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flow liner (104) includes a first metal layer (106) and a second metal layer (108). The flow liner (104) also includes an elastomeric layer (110) disposed between the first metal layer (106) and the second metal layer (108). In one embodiment, the elastomeric layer (110) may include a rubber layer. Furthermore, the flow liner (104) includes a wear resistant coating layer (111) formed of polymer coatings such as fluoropolymer and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), molybdenum di-sulfide (MoS2), and graphite, for example. Such a configuration of the plurality of layers in the flow liner (104) enables the flow liner (104) to absorb the pressure pulse occurring due to flow of the fluid. Similarly, the journal outer diameter liners (68, 70, 71 and 74) also include the first metal layer (106) and the second metal layer (108). The journal outer diameter liners also include the elastomeric layer (110) disposed between the first metal layer (106) and the second metal layer (108). In one embodiment, the elastomeric layer (110) may include a rubber layer. Furthermore, the journal outer diameter liners include the wear resistant coating layer (111), which forms the innermost layer of the journal outer diameter liner, is in direct contact with the first gear shaft (50) and the second gear shaft (55), and prevents wear and tear of the gear shafts.
[0053] Furthermore, FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of the first vertical split housing segment (34) of FIG. 6, which further includes the second gear assembly (92) disposed within the first vertical split housing segment (34) and the second non-split type flow insert (94) located between the second gear assembly (92) and the first vertical split housing segment (34). As previously discussed, the inlet flow liner (96) and the outlet flow liner (98) are operatively coupled to the inlet port (100) and the outlet port (102) of the second non-split type flow insert (94) to control a volume of the fluid at the inlet port (100) and the outlet port (102).
[0054] With combined reading of FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, it is understood that the geared fluid transmission device (30) can be configured to operate at the first flow rate and the second flow rate, where the first flow rate is higher than the second flow rate. In a non-limiting example, the first flow rate may be 15 litres/minute of fluid flowing through the geared fluid transmission device (30) and the second flow rate may be 10 litres/minute of fluid flowing through the geared fluid transmission device (30). In the first configuration, the geared fluid transmission device (30) can be operated at the first flow rate using the first gear assembly (46) and the first non-split type flow insert (56) disposed within the vertical split housing (32). In the second configuration, the first gear assembly (46) and the first non-split type flow insert (56) are replaced with the second gear assembly (92) and the second non-split type flow insert (94) to operate the geared fluid transmission device (30) at the second flow rate. Additionally, the inlet flow liner (96) and the outlet flow liner (98) are operatively coupled to the second non-split type flow insert to obtain the second flow rate in the geared fluid transmission device (30).
[0055] Thus, a modular geared fluid transmission device kit may be provided to a user, where elements of the modular geared fluid transmission kit enable the user to operate a geared fluid transmission device (30) at two or more flow rates. The modular geared fluid transmission device kit may include at least one split housing, where the at least one split housing may include at least two vertical or horizontal split housing segments. The modular geared fluid transmission device kit may also include at least two gear assemblies configured to be housed in the split housing, wherein a first gear assembly includes gear pairs having a first tip circle diameter and a second gear assembly that includes another gear pairs having a second tip circle diameter. The modular geared fluid transmission device kit may further include at least two non-split type flow inserts, wherein a first non-split type flow insert may be configured to be disposed between the at least one split housing and the first gear assembly, and wherein a second non-split type flow insert may be disposed between the at least one split housing and the second gear assembly. The modular geared fluid transmission device kit also includes at least two flow liners configured to be operatively coupled to the second non-split type flow insert, wherein a first combination of the at least one split housing, the first gear assembly, and the first non-split type flow insert provides a first flow rate. Furthermore, a second combination of the at least one split housing, the second gear assembly, the second non-split type flow insert and the at least two flow liners provides a second flow rate.
[0056] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of another embodiment (114) of the geared fluid transmission device (30) of FIG. 3 having a horizontal split housing (116) instead of the vertical split housing (32) and operating in a first configuration. In the first configuration, the geared fluid transmission device (114) may be operated at a first flow rate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The geared fluid transmission device (114) is substantially similar to the geared fluid transmission device (30) of FIG. 3 and is configured to operate at the first flow rate similar to the first flow rate of the geared fluid transmission device (30). All of the components of the geared fluid transmission device (30) are substantially similar to the components of the geared fluid transmission device (114) except that the vertical split housing (32) in the geared fluid transmission device (30) is replaced with the horizontal split housing (116). The horizontal split housing (116) includes a first horizontal split housing segment (118) and a second horizontal split housing segment (120), wherein the first horizontal split housing segment (118) and the second horizontal split housing segment (120) are mechanically coupled along a horizontal axis (122) of the geared fluid transmission device (114). Furthermore, the horizontal split housing (116) enables a placement of the inlet flow port pipe (44) and the outlet flow port pipe (54) between the first horizontal split housing segment (118) and the second horizontal split housing segment (120) at an inlet (124) and an outlet (126) of the horizontal split housing (116), respectively, in the geared fluid transmission device (114).
[0057] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of another embodiment (130) of the geared fluid transmission device (90) of FIG. 6 having the horizontal split housing (116) of FIG. 9 instead of the vertical split housing (32) and operating in a second configuration. In the second configuration, the geared fluid transmission device (130) is configured to operate at a second flow rate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The geared fluid transmission device (130) is substantially similar to the geared fluid transmission device (90) of FIG. 6 and is configured to operate at a second flow rate substantially similar to the second flow rate of the geared fluid transmission device (90). All of the components of the geared fluid transmission device (130) are substantially similar to the components of the geared fluid transmission device (90) except that the vertical split housing (32) in the geared fluid transmission device (90) is replaced with the horizontal split housing (116). The horizontal split housing (116) includes a first horizontal split housing segment (118) and a second horizontal split housing segment (120) that are mechanically coupled along a horizontal axis (122) of the geared fluid transmission device (114). Furthermore, the horizontal split housing (116) enables placement of the inlet flow liner (96) and outlet flow liner (98) between the first horizontal split housing segment (118) and the second horizontal split housing segment (120) at the inlet (124) and the outlet (126) of the horizontal split housing (116), respectively, in the geared fluid transmission device (130).
[0058] FIG. 11 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method (150) for operating a geared fluid transmission device at a first flow rate and a second flow rate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The order in which the exemplary method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described blocks may be combined in any order to implement the exemplary method disclosed herein, or an equivalent alternative method. Additionally, certain blocks may be deleted from the exemplary method or augmented by additional blocks with added functionality without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.
[0059] The method (160) includes operating the geared fluid transmission device at the first flow rate using a split housing, a first gear assembly having gear pairs that have a first tip circle diameter, and a first non-split type flow insert having a first non-uniform shape and a first thickness. At step (170), a second tip circle diameter of a second gear assembly is selected based on the second flow rate. At step (180), the first gear assembly housed in the split housing is replaced with the second gear assembly. At step (190), a second thickness of a second non-split type flow insert is selected to place between the second gear assembly and the split housing based on the second flow rate. At step (200), the geared fluid transmission device is operated at the second flow rate using the split housing, the second gear assembly, and the second non-split type flow insert. In one embodiment, the first gear assembly housed in the split housing is removed and the second gear assembly is disposed in the split housing. In one embodiment, the first non-split type flow insert disposed between the split housing and the first gear assembly is removed and the second non-split type flow insert is disposed between the split housing and the second gear assembly.
[0060] In another embodiment, instead of replacing the first non-split type flow insert with the second non-split type flow insert, more than one non-split type flow inserts are combined or coupled to each other such that an effective thickness of combined non-split flow inserts is same as the thickness of the second non-split type flow insert. Specifically, in one implementation, a custom second non-split type flow insert of a determined thickness may be added over the first non-split type flow insert such that an effective thickness of combined non-split flow inserts is same as the thickness of a single second non-split type flow insert required to provide the second flow rate. However, in such embodiments, the combined non-split type flow inserts may be firmly coupled to each other, for example using a bolt and nut mechanism, such that the combined non-split type flow inserts are not moved due to incoming fluid pressure towards the split housing (14). In yet another embodiment, a plurality of journal outer diameter liners are offset with respect to a central axis of a first gear shaft of the first gear assembly and/or a second gear shaft of the second gear assembly to prevent wear and tear of the fluid transmission device due to a back pressure in the geared fluid transmission device.
[0061] The various embodiments described herein enable the geared fluid transmission device to obtain at least two flow rates, which reduces cost of replacement of the entire geared fluid transmission device. Furthermore, the geared fluid transmission device includes a split housing that enables easy removal and replacement of the components of the geared fluid transmission device during assembly and maintenance. Moreover, the geared fluid transmission device includes a casing with a plurality of mounting holes that allows a user to mount two or more sizes of split housing in the same casing, which provides scope for future expansion of the geared fluid transmission device without replacing the casing. Additionally, when the fluid is flowing to the inlet port (100), a small volume of this fluid is used for forming a film between the gear shafts (50 and 55) and the journal outer diameter liners (68, 70, 71 and 74), thereby lubricating the journal outer diameter liners (68, 70, 71 and 74). Such low pressure lubrication ensures efficient cooling and lubrication of the journal bearings with a constant supply of fluid irrespective of operating conditions.
[0062] Although specific features of various embodiments of the present systems and methods may be shown in and/or described with respect to some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. It is to be understood that the described features, structures, and/or characteristics may be combined and/or used interchangeably in any suitable manner in the various embodiments shown in the different figures.
[0063] While only certain features of the present systems and methods have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the claimed invention
[0064] It is to be understood that a skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of various features from different embodiments and that the various features described and depicted in different figures, as well as other known equivalents for each feature, may be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to construct additional systems and techniques in accordance with principles of this disclosure. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the claimed invention.