Annular Fuel Tank for Self-Priming Floating Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available self-priming floating pumps have limited uninterrupted operation time due to small onboard fuel tank capacity, requiring frequent refueling during large pumping jobs.
Innovation Solution
A floatable fuel tank device with a large, annular shape spanning over 180-degrees around a central axis, accommodating a self-priming floating pump, and featuring movable blockers to maintain the tank's elevation and prevent vertical movement, allowing connection to a secondary fuel tank with greater capacity for extended operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small onboard fuel tank is used to maintain pump portability, then the pump can be easily transported by one or two individuals, but the uninterrupted operation time is limited and frequent refueling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel storage system is segmented into two independent parts: the original small onboard fuel tank and a separate large external floating fuel tank. This segmentation allows the pump to remain portable while providing extended fuel capacity through the external tank that can be detached and transported separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel storage capacity is expanded by transitioning from a single-dimensional onboard tank to a three-dimensional floating annular structure that surrounds the pump float. This dimensional expansion provides significantly greater fuel capacity without increasing the pump's footprint or compromising portability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a large external fuel tank is added to increase fuel capacity, then uninterrupted operation time is extended, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The external fuel tank is merged with the pump float through a coupling mechanism that integrates the fuel delivery system with the pump's existing fuel inlet. This merging allows the two separate components to function as a unified system, extending operational capacity without requiring complex additional infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating annular structure serves multiple functions: it provides buoyancy for the external fuel tank, acts as a mounting structure for fuel delivery components, and can be coupled to or decoupled from the pump float. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the fuel tank is positioned close to the pump for integrated operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the engine exhaust may be obstructed by the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank is designed with an annular (ring-shaped) geometry that curves around the pump float rather than positioning a solid block near the engine. This curved configuration provides adequate clearance for exhaust flow while maintaining integrated operation, as the open center of the annulus allows exhaust to pass through without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel tank positioning is optimized with asymmetric clearance zones: greater vertical clearance is provided in the region where exhaust flows, while maintaining horizontal proximity for operational integration. This asymmetric spatial arrangement resolves the conflict between integrated operation and exhaust flow requirements.
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 increases the operating time of self-priming floating pumps by providing a larger fuel capacity, preventing inadvertent movement of the tank, and ensuring the engine exhaust is not obstructed, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing refueling needs.
Implementation Method 1
a float device arranged to be floatable independently of the self-priming floating pump and a fuel chamber carried by the float device for floating support of the fuel chamber by the float device
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary fuel tank for portable self-priming floating pumps is configured to float independently of the pump while being retained therewith. The tank features an annular shape having a central opening that is sized to accommodate receipt of the pump, whereby the tank fits around the pump so as to move therewith over the body of water in which the pump is deployed.