Constant-temperature liquid supply apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing constant-temperature water supply apparatuses for processing machines consume excessive power due to continuous operation of pumps and temperature adjustment systems even when the processing apparatus is not in use.
Innovation Solution
A constant-temperature liquid supply apparatus with a controller that switches from normal mode to stand-by mode when no liquid is flowing, reducing pump discharge quantity and stopping temperature adjustment operations, thereby minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the pump and temperature adjusting means operate continuously to maintain constant temperature liquid supply, then the liquid temperature stability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system switches between normal operation mode (pump operating at full discharge quantity) and stand-by mode (pump operating at reduced discharge quantity) based on whether liquid is being supplied to the processing apparatus. The controller monitors the liquid supply state and periodically adjusts the pump operation accordingly, maintaining temperature stability during active use while reducing power consumption during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The pump discharge quantity is made dynamic rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the pump discharge quantity between two levels (first discharge quantity in normal mode, second discharge quantity in stand-by mode) based on the liquid supply demand. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its power consumption to actual operational needs while maintaining adequate temperature control
2Use of energy by moving object
If the pump discharge quantity is reduced in stand-by mode, then the power consumption is lowered, but the temperature control capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the pump based on the operational mode. In normal mode, the pump operates at the first discharge quantity to ensure adequate liquid supply and temperature control. In stand-by mode, the pump operates at the second discharge quantity (smaller than the first) to reduce power consumption. The temperature adjusting means simultaneously adjusts its operation to compensate for the reduced pump flow, maintaining temperature control capability across both modes
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 apparatus effectively reduces power consumption by approximately 37% by limiting the operation of the pump and temperature adjustment unit when the processing apparatus is idle, while maintaining the liquid temperature within predetermined limits.
Implementation Method 1
a pump that is disposed adjacent to the tank in the circulation route and discharges the liquid accommodated in the tank
Implementation Method 2
a temperature adjusting unit that is disposed in the circulation route and adjusts the temperature of the liquid
Implementation Method 3
an on-off valve that is disposed in the circulation route and controls whether the liquid should be circulated in the circulation route
Data Source
AI summary
A constant-temperature liquid supply apparatus includes a circulation route for circulating liquid between an inlet and an outlet connected to a processing apparatus, a tank that accommodates the liquid supplied through the inlet, a pump that discharges the liquid in the tank, a temperature adjusting unit that adjusts the temperature of the liquid, an outflow quantity measuring section that measures the flow rate of the liquid, a solenoid valve that controls whether the liquid should be circulated in the circulation route, and a controller. The controller switches from a normal mode of supplying the liquid to the processing apparatus to a stand-by mode of circulating the liquid in the circulation route, when the flow rate is zero, and the discharge quantity from the pump is smaller than that in the normal mode, to thereby lower the power consumption of the pump in the stand-by mode.