Centrifugal Pump Casing for Flexible, Low-Leakage Cooling Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The structure of centrifugal pumps limits the development of liquid cooling stations, leading to complex connections, increased leakage risk, and high component and assembly costs.
Innovation Solution
A tailored casing for a centrifugal pump with integrated connections and a three-way valve, manufactured using additive manufacturing, allowing for optimized design and reduced joints, and enabling pressure and temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional centrifugal pump casing is used, then the pump can circulate cooling liquid, but the connection arrangements are limited and require multiple separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pump casing with integrated connection ports for suction, delivery, and heat-exchanger connections into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate connection components and allows flexible arrangement of all fluid connections within one housing, directly resolving the contradiction between connection flexibility and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The unified casing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the pump mechanism, provides suction and delivery connections, and integrates heat-exchanger connections. This multi-functional design enables versatile connection arrangements while reducing the overall number of components needed in the cooling system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate connections are used for suction, delivery and heat-exchanger, then connections can be arranged independently, but the leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all connection ports (suction, delivery, and heat-exchanger connections) into a single unified casing structure, the patent reduces the number of joints and connection points where leakage can occur. The integrated design maintains flexible connection arrangements while improving reliability by eliminating multiple separate connection interfaces
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional casing manufacturing is used, then the structure is simple, but component and assembly costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (casing, connection ports, mounting structures) into a single integrated unit manufactured through additive manufacturing. This reduces the total number of components that need to be produced and assembled, thereby reducing both component costs and assembly costs while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through 3D printing technology
4Device complexity
If a solid compact casing is used, then the structure is simple, but the mass is high
Solution Approach 1:
The additive manufacturing process enables the creation of porous or lattice-structured casing materials that maintain structural integrity while significantly reducing mass. The integrated design allows for optimized material distribution, providing structural simplicity and strength while minimizing weight through controlled porosity or lightweight materials
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
Facilitates flexible connection arrangements, reduces leakage risk, lowers costs, and optimizes material usage while maintaining precise temperature and pressure control.
Implementation Method 1
The pump chamber comprises an impeller that causes a centrifugal force that makes the cooling liquid flow
Data Source
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AI summary
A casing (5) for a centrifugal pump (21) that circulates cooling liquid between a cooling station (15), an object to be cooled and a heat-exchanger (26). The casing (5) is a single piece that comprises a channel system provided with a case (22) for a valve for guiding the cooling liquid and connections (1, 2, 3, 4) for circulating cooling liquid outside the casing (5). The invention also relates to a liquid cooling station (15).