Boiler Hydraulic Pump Unit With Integrated Bypass and Check Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic pumping assemblies for boilers require a large number of components and plumbing connections, leading to increased risks of leakage, excessive dimensions, and high costs.

Innovation Solution

The by-pass conduit and one-way valve are integrated within the body of the pumping unit, reducing the number of external inlet connectors and plumbing connections, and incorporating them pre-assembled to minimize leakage risks and overall size and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the by-pass conduit and one-way valve are integrated within the body of the pumping unit, then the number of plumbing connections and overall dimensions are reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of plumbing connectionsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The by-pass conduit and one-way valve are merged into the body of the pumping unit, forming an integrated structure. This combines multiple previously separate components (body, by-pass conduit, one-way valve) into a single unified component, reducing the number of plumbing connections from multiple external connections to integrated internal pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The body of the pumping unit is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the main housing, contains the by-pass conduit for alternative flow paths, and incorporates the one-way valve mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of stationary object

If the by-pass conduit and one-way valve are integrated within the body of the pumping unit, then the overall dimensions and cost are reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall dimensionsVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The by-pass conduit is nested within the body of the pumping unit, and the one-way valve is integrated into this nested structure. This nesting arrangement allows the by-pass pathway to be contained within the existing volume of the pump body, achieving space efficiency and compact dimensions without requiring additional external space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This configuration results in a more compact and cost-effective hydraulic pumping assembly with reduced leakage risks and dimensions, enhancing the assembly's efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

A circulation pump 7 and a three-way solenoid valve indicated as a whole by 8 are provided, in series with each other, between the outlet 3 and the inlet 2 of the body 1 of the pumping unit A

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a one-way valve 32 can be interposed. This by-pass conduit extends essentially in parallel with the primary heat exchanger 21

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOne-way valve: Valve

Implementation Method 3

The boiler B further comprises a secondary heat exchanger 25, of the liquid/liquid type, for example a plate heat exchanger, for transferring heat from a water flow coming from the primary heat exchanger 21

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP2697570B1Hydraulic unit
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 ELBI INT
  • EP2697570B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2697570B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2697570B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The pumping unit (A) is intended for a boiler (B) comprising a primary heat exchanger (21) for heating a flow of water for use in a heating circuit (22, 24), a secondary heat exchanger (25) for transferring heat from a flow of water coming from the primary heat exchanger (21) to a flow of domestic water, and a by-pass conduit (31) for protecting the primary heat exchanger (21). The pumping unit (A) comprises a body (1) with an outlet (3) and a first inlet (2), for connection to the primary heat exchanger (21) and to a return pipe of the heating circuit (22, 24), respectively, and with a second inlet (4) intended to receive a flow of heating water from the secondary heat exchanger (25). A circulation pump (7) and a three-way solenoid valve (8), in series with one another, are provided between the outlet (3) and the first inlet (2) in the body (1), the valve being further connected to the second inlet (4). The by -pass conduit (31) is formed inside the body (1).