Buffer Tank Fluid Supply for Continuous Discharge During Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid discharging systems require frequent refilling and suspension of fluid discharge when the pump device runs out, leading to increased installation space and cost when multiple pumps are used to maintain continuous supply.
Innovation Solution
A fluid discharging system with a buffer tank at an intermediate location in the supply line, optimizing storage volume based on discharge flow rate, time limits, and variable parameters to ensure continuous fluid supply without multiple pumps, allowing refilling and reservoir replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pump devices are used to maintain continuous fluid supply, then the fluid discharge continuity is improved, but the installation space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer tank is introduced as an intermediary component between the pump device and the discharging device. The buffer tank stores fluid temporarily and supplies it to the discharging device when the pump is not operating, enabling continuous discharge without requiring multiple pumps. This mediator component resolves the contradiction by providing continuity through storage rather than redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer tank is pre-filled with fluid before the pump stops operating. This preliminary action of storing fluid in advance allows the discharging device to continue operating without interruption. The system prepares the necessary fluid supply beforehand, eliminating the need for immediate pump operation and avoiding the need for multiple pumps.
2Reliability
If multiple pump devices are used to maintain continuous fluid supply, then the fluid discharge continuity is improved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer tank serves as a cost-effective intermediary that replaces the need for expensive redundant pump devices. By using a simple storage tank instead of additional pumping equipment, the system achieves continuous discharge at lower manufacturing and installation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer tank provides a simple, inexpensive solution compared to multiple pumps. The tank can be refilled from the container when needed, using a low-cost storage component rather than expensive pumping equipment to achieve the same continuity goal.
3Productivity
If the pump operates continuously to supply fluid, then the fluid supply to discharging device is maintained, but the pump cannot be refilled or have reservoir replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer tank is pre-filled with fluid before the pump needs to stop for refilling. This preliminary storage of fluid allows the pump to be temporarily stopped for reservoir replacement or refilling without interrupting the discharge operation. The system prepares the necessary fluid supply in advance, enabling maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer tank mediates between the pump and the discharging device, allowing the pump to stop for refilling while the buffer tank continues to supply fluid to the discharging device. This intermediary storage enables independent refilling operations without affecting discharge continuity.
4Reliability
If the buffer tank storage volume is increased to ensure continuous supply during refilling, then the discharge continuity is improved, but the installation space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer tank stores only the minimum necessary amount of fluid required to bridge the gap between pump refilling and discharge requirements. Rather than storing excessive fluid, the system uses a modest buffer volume combined with controlled pump operation to achieve continuity, avoiding unnecessary space and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the fluid level in the buffer tank and controls pump operation accordingly. When the buffer level drops below a threshold, the pump is activated to refill it. This feedback control allows for a smaller buffer volume while maintaining reliability, as the system dynamically manages fluid supply based on actual needs.
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
Enables continuous fluid supply to the discharging device while minimizing installation space and cost by optimizing buffer tank volume and controlling fluid pressure states, ensuring stable fluid delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer tank, disposed at an intermediate location of the supply line, and configured to suck and discharge the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid discharging system 10 includes a discharging device 30 configured to discharge fluid, a pump 20 configured to supply the fluid stored in a reservoir 22 to the discharging device 30, a supply line 40 connecting the discharging device 30 with the pump 20 to allow the fluid to pass therethrough, and a buffer tank 50, disposed at an intermediate location of the supply line 40, and configured to suck and discharge the fluid. The fluid discharging system 10 is capable of continuing supply of the fluid to the discharging device 30 by discharging the fluid from the buffer tank 50 to the supply line 40, while limiting the supply of the fluid from the pump 20 to the discharging device 30. The buffer tank 50 is capable of realizing a pressure acting state and a holding state.