Outlet Check Valve Flow Path Geometry for Lower Pump Backpressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fluid pumps with check valve assemblies experience backpressure issues, which hinder efficient fluid delivery.

Innovation Solution

A fluid pump design featuring a check valve assembly with a flow path that includes a sequence of restrictions and expansions within the outlet conduit and valve stem, optimizing fluid flow to minimize backpressure by varying velocity and pressure through specific geometric configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a check valve assembly is added to prevent backflow, then backflow prevention is improved, but backpressure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackflow preventionVSAvoidbackpressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is segmented into multiple sections with alternating restrictions and expansions. The restrictions are positioned at specific locations where the valve stem interacts with the outlet conduit, creating localized flow control zones that manage pressure distribution throughout the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the flow path have different geometric properties - some sections have restricted cross-sectional areas while others have expanded areas. This local variation in flow path geometry creates specific pressure and velocity conditions at different locations to minimize overall backpressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If flow velocity is increased through restrictions, then flow control is improved, but energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow controlVSAvoidenergy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The kinetic energy that would normally be lost in abrupt restrictions is converted into beneficial pressure management. The restrictions create velocity increases that are then converted back to pressure in the expansion sections, recovering energy that would otherwise be lost and using it to control flow more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 significantly reduces backpressure, enhancing fluid delivery efficiency while maintaining ease and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

a first restriction which increases velocity of fluid passing through the flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi Effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

a first expansion, downstream of the first restriction, which decreases velocity of fluid passing through the flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffuser effect: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11499559B2Fluid pump and outlet check valve assembly thereof

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 PHINIA JERSEY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A fluid pump includes a housing; an inlet passage; an outlet conduit; a pumping element within the housing; and a check valve assembly. The check valve assembly includes a valve stem within the outlet conduit such that a flow path is created radially between the outlet conduit and the valve stem, the valve stem moving along a check valve assembly axis between a closed position and an open position. The flow path includes a first restriction which increases velocity of fluid passing through the flow path; a first expansion, downstream of the first restriction, which decreases velocity of fluid passing through the flow path; a second restriction, downstream of the first expansion, which increases velocity of fluid passing through the flow path; and a second expansion, downstream of the second restriction, which decreases velocity of fluid passing through the flow path.