Centrifugal pump assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal pump assemblies with integrated valve elements face challenges in achieving reliable switching between valve positions due to high hydraulic resistance and torque requirements, which affect efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal pump assembly with a valve element that utilizes protrusions on its outer circumference, oriented in radial and inclined directions, to transfer torque from the fluid flow, minimizing hydraulic resistance and optimizing the switching mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guide vanes are arranged inside the valve element to rotate the valve, then the valve switching is enabled, but hydraulic resistance increases and pump efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide vanes are extracted from the valve element interior and relocated to the outer circumference of the valve element. This extraction removes the obstructive internal structure that caused hydraulic resistance, allowing fluid to flow freely through the pump while the outer vanes still receive fluid force for rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve actuation mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional internal vane arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where vanes are positioned on the outer cylindrical surface of the valve element. This dimensional shift allows the fluid to act on the vanes from the radial direction without obstructing the axial flow path through the pump.
2Power
If protrusions are arranged on the impeller surface to drive the valve, then torque is provided, but fluid flow disturbance increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque-generating protrusions are extracted from the impeller surface and transferred to the outer circumference of the valve element itself. This eliminates the need for impeller modifications that would disrupt the fluid flow, while the valve-mounted protrusions still receive sufficient fluid force to generate the required rotation torque.
3Ease of manufacture
If the valve element structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but switching reliability between valve positions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is segmented into functional zones: a simplified central body for easy manufacturing and sealing, and peripheral protrusions for reliable fluid-driven rotation. This segmentation allows the bulk of the valve to remain simple while adding minimal external features that provide the switching function.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element uses its own outer surface geometry (protrusions) to receive fluid force and generate rotation, eliminating the need for separate drive mechanisms. The fluid flow itself serves the dual purpose of driving the valve while passing through the pump, making the system self-actuating and reliable.
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 design maintains high efficiency by reducing hydraulic resistance and ensuring reliable switching between valve positions, enhancing the pump's operational performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The valve element is moved between these valve positions by a fluid flow produced by said impeller
Implementation Method 2
the protrusions constitute force application surfaces onto which a force provided by the flow or fluid is applied such that it produces a torque acting on the valve element and rotating the valve element around its rotational axis
Implementation Method 3
a fluid flow in rotational direction inside the pump space
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a centrifugal pump assembly comprising an electric drive motor (2), at least one impeller (14) driven by said electric drive motor (2) and a valve element (24; 24') rotatable between two valve positions driven by a fluid flow produced by said impeller (14), wherein the valve element (24; 24') comprises a cover plate (104; 104') extending transverse to the rotational axis (X) of the impeller (14) and facing the impeller (14), wherein the valve element (24; 24') comprises protrusions (102, 102') arranged on an outer surface side facing away from the impeller (14) such that a flow can act on them for driving the valve element (24; 24').