Compliant Check Valve for Aggregate Pump Sealing and Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Two ball piston pumps are not effectively used for pumping heavy fillers or aggregates or cementitious materials due to restricted flow passages and the inability of ball check valves to seal properly, leading to packed out material that prevents the pump from functioning.
Innovation Solution
A pump design incorporating a ball cage and ball guide with compliant balls and seats, which utilize the venturi effect to increase flow velocity and prevent material from packing out, along with adjustable ball stops to control flow and ensure proper sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ball check valves are used in reciprocating pumps for pumping aggregate, then the pump can handle heavy fillers and aggregates, but the valves fail to seal properly causing material to pack out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the ball from traditional rigid materials to compliant materials with durometer between 40-70 Shore A. This parameter change allows the ball to deform and conform to the seat surface, creating effective sealing in heavily aggregate-filled material while maintaining the ability to handle heavy fillers and aggregates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with a rigid core (such as solid rubber or elastomeric material) providing structural integrity, combined with a compliant outer layer that provides sealing capability. This composite approach allows the ball to maintain shape under pressure while deforming sufficiently to seal against the seat
2Device complexity
If traditional ball check valves are used, then the valve structure is simple, but the flow passages become restricted and material packs out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic element by making the ball compliant rather than rigid, allowing it to deform under pressure to maintain sealing while accommodating aggregate material. The ball can dynamically adjust its shape to conform to the seat and passage geometry, preventing material from packing out while maintaining simple valve structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the flow passage parameters by designing a larger valve chamber and adjusting the ball size relative to the passage. The compliant ball with specific durometer (40-70 Shore A) changes the effective flow characteristics by deforming to allow aggregate passage while maintaining sealing, thus improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity
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 effectively prevents material from packing out and ensures adequate sealing, allowing for efficient pumping of heavy fillers and aggregates by increasing flow velocity and controlling material flow through the use of compliant coatings and adjustable ball stops.
Implementation Method 1
the ball is made of a compliant material... the inherent resiliency of the rubber causes it to grip inside of the pipe
Implementation Method 2
which utilize the venturi effect to increase flow velocity
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
A disclosure pertains to a reciprocating pump configured for pumping fillers or aggregates or cementitious material and the like.