Designing a Control and Containment Device for Cradle-Mounted, Transverse-Actuated Swash Plates

Many axial-piston pumps utilize a swash plate for regulating discharge flow. In this research, the required control and containment forces are examined for a cradle-mounted, transverse-actuated swash plate. These forces are described in closed-form for providing the designer with information that is necessary for sizing these critical components within the pump. In this research, it is shown that improper design of the containment device will cause the swash plate to dislocate itself from the cradle. In general, it is noted that this failure mode is severe and that it may even cause catastrophic failure of the pump. In summary, a design criterion is presented which describes the limits of successful operation during both high and low-pressure conditions. Design and operational changes are suggested for improving the adequacy of the swash-plate containment design.