Annular Fluid Pump Connector for Orientation-Independent Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid feed pumps require specific orientation for connection, limiting flexibility and increasing assembly complexity due to the need for precise alignment of fluid supply and discharge connections.

Innovation Solution

A connecting element with separate first and second connection areas, where the second area is annularly designed around the first, allowing fluid transmission independently and enabling connection in any rotational alignment, thus eliminating the need for specific orientation and enhancing flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If parallel lines for fluid supply and discharge are used, then fluid transmission is enabled, but the pump requires specific orientation and assembly flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidconnection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection element is divided into separate first and second connection areas, each independently connectable to counter-elements. This segmentation allows the pump to be connected without requiring specific orientation between supply and discharge lines, thereby improving assembly flexibility while maintaining functional simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection element provides universal connectivity by enabling both fluid supply and discharge connections to be made independently at different orientations. The pump can be connected to counter-elements in various rotational positions, making the connection system adaptable to multiple installation scenarios without increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If specific orientation is required for connection, then fluid supply and discharge are properly connected, but assembly complexity increases due to precise alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the connection areas into independent first and second connection zones, each can be connected reliably without requiring precise alignment between them. This maintains connection reliability while significantly improving assembly ease, as workers can connect supply and discharge lines independently without complex positioning requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the pump to be oriented in a specific direction relative to counter-elements, the invention allows counter-elements to be connected in any rotational position. This inversion of the orientation requirement maintains reliable fluid connection while greatly simplifying the assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3572666B1Connecting element of a fluid supply pump

Publication Date: 2021.03.31 THOMAS MAGNETE GMBH

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Figure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection element (1) of a fluid transfer pump (10) for connecting the fluid transfer pump (10) to a counter element (11) comprising at least a first connection area (2) for conveying fluid to the fluid transfer pump (10) and at least a second connection area (3) separated from the first connection area (2) for supplying fluid from the fluid transfer pump (10), wherein the second connection area (3) is formed in an annular shape around the first connection area (2).