Axial Actuation for Replacing Magnetically Coupled Pump Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal pumps with contactless, magnetically driven and mounted rotors face challenges in safely and easily replacing the pump unit, especially at high power outputs where strong magnetic forces make manual separation difficult and risky.
Innovation Solution
A device is proposed that allows for the simple, quick, and safe separation of the pump unit from the stator by exerting a mechanical force in the axial direction using an actuating device, such as a piston or a spring element, which reduces the risk of injury and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pump unit is locked into the stator using a bayonet lock, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The pump unit is pre-loaded onto a loading device with a lifting mechanism before being inserted into the stator. The lifting mechanism is pre-positioned to engage with the pump unit, allowing for rapid insertion and replacement without manual manipulation during the actual connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual bayonet locking mechanism is replaced with an automated lifting and insertion system. The loading device with lifting mechanism automates the previously manual process of securing the pump unit to the stator, reducing both time and labor requirements while maintaining connection reliability.
2Power
If strong permanent magnets are used in the rotor and stator for high power output, then the power output increases, but the magnetic forces make manual separation of the pump unit difficult and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The manual separation process is replaced with an automated lifting mechanism that uses mechanical force to overcome the strong magnetic attraction between the rotor and stator. The loading device with lifting mechanism safely extracts the pump unit from the stator without requiring manual intervention, eliminating the danger associated with strong magnetic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the pump unit. Instead of directly handling the pump unit against strong magnetic forces, the operator controls the loading device which then performs the separation action, reducing the risk of injury while maintaining high power output capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If the pump unit is designed as a disposable single-use part, then sterilization complexity is reduced, but the frequency of replacement increases leading to higher operational time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The pump unit is pre-loaded onto the loading device in advance, before the actual pumping operation begins. This preliminary loading allows the replacement process to be executed rapidly when needed, minimizing operational downtime despite the single-use nature of the pump unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement process is automated using the lifting mechanism and loading device, transforming a potentially time-consuming manual operation into a rapid automated process. This reduces the time penalty associated with frequent replacements of disposable pump units.
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 device enables rapid and safe replacement of the pump unit, reducing the risk of injury to operating personnel and protecting the pump components, while also facilitating quick exchanges, especially in applications where the pump unit is designed as a disposable part.
Implementation Method 1
The stator's electrical windings can be used to generate a magnetic rotating field which, on the one hand, exerts a torque on the rotor, causing it to rotate about a desired axis of rotation defined by the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
exerts an arbitrarily adjustable transverse force on the rotor, allowing its radial position to be actively controlled or regulated
Implementation Method 3
the rotor is passively magnetic, meaning it cannot be controlled; it is supported or stabilized by reluctance forces
Implementation Method 4
an actuating device with which a mechanical force can be exerted on the pump unit, wherein the mechanical force acts in the axial direction and is directed such that it separates the pump unit from the stator in the axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device is proposed for changing a pump unit (50) of a centrifugal pump (200), which comprises the pump unit (50) and a stator (100) which extends in an axial direction (A) from a first axial end (101) to a second axial end (102), wherein a cup-shaped recess (121) is provided at the first axial end (101), into which the pump unit (50) can be inserted, wherein the pump unit (50) comprises a pump housing (52) with a cup (531) which can be inserted into the cup-shaped recess (121) of the stator (100), wherein a rotor (51) for conveying a fluid is arranged in the pump housing (52), which rotor has a magnetically active core (511), wherein the rotor (51) is rotatable about the axial direction (A), and wherein the stator (100) is designed for a contactless magnetic drive and a contactless magnetic bearing of the rotor (51),wherein the rotor (51) is passively magnetically stabilized relative to the stator at least in the axial direction (A). The device comprises an actuating device (6) with which a mechanical force can be exerted on the pump unit (50), wherein the mechanical force acts in the axial direction (A) and is directed such that it separates the pump unit (50) from the stator (100) in the axial direction (A). Furthermore, a centrifugal pump for conveying a fluid is proposed, which comprises such a device.