A condensate pump assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condensate pump assemblies face challenges such as the need for multiple versions or fasteners to accommodate different installation sites, difficulty in removing the pump due to stiff discharge lines, and limited cooling options due to proximity to liquids.
Innovation Solution
The condensate pump assembly features a housing with adjustable clips that can be mounted to various external elements, a removable lower section for easy cleaning, and an outlet assembly with a separate locking element for easier disconnection from discharge lines. Additionally, the design includes a lid with fins to enhance air flow and cooling of electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of the pump or range of fasteners are included to account for different installation sites, then adaptability to different installation sites is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different installation sites. The clip includes a first mounting portion for wall mounting and a second mounting portion for duct mounting, allowing a single pump design to be installed in multiple locations without requiring different pump versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clip incorporates a movable element that can transition between different mounting configurations. The dynamic design allows the clip to adapt its mounting portion based on the installation site, enabling versatility without requiring multiple static pump versions.
2Reliability
If the discharge line is made stiff for durability, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation during removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet assembly is segmented into separate components: the discharge line connection portion and the pump body connection portion. This segmentation allows the discharge line to remain stiff for durability while enabling independent removal of the outlet assembly from the pump body without requiring twisting of the discharge line.
3Temperature
If large openings are provided for cooling electrical components, then temperature control is improved, but protection from liquid ingress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing incorporates a flexible or sealed barrier structure that allows thermal management while preventing liquid ingress. The design uses sealed pathways or thermal conductive materials that can transfer heat from electrical components to the housing without requiring large openings that would allow water to reach the components.
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
This design allows for versatile installation on different sites without the need for multiple pump versions, simplifies the removal process by reducing the strain on installers, and effectively cools electrical components to increase the pump's duty cycle.
Implementation Method 1
a lid with fins to enhance air flow and cooling of electrical components
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6C
AI summary
A condensate pump assembly comprising: a housing having an inlet port, a reservoir arranged to receive liquid through the inlet port, and an outlet port having an outlet assembly mounted thereto, a pump arranged to pump liquid from reservoir to the liquid outlet assembly, and a pair of clips releasably connectable to the housing at a first pair of mounting portions and a second pair of mounting portions, wherein each of the pair of clips has a first portion for connecting to a first external element and a second portion for connecting to a second external element, wherein the pair of clips are configured to mount the housing to the first external element when connected to the first pair of mounting portions, and wherein the pair of clips are configured to mount the housing to the second external element when connected to the second pair of mounting portions.