Convertible Wirtz Pump: Multi-Function Design for Portable Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Wirtz style pumps occupy too much space and weight, making them less desirable for applications where space and weight are limited, such as hiking, camping, and remote agriculture, and lack versatility to justify their transport.
Innovation Solution
A convertible Wirtz pump design featuring collapsible fins, a swivel mount for vertical and horizontal orientations, and a power shaft for driving generators or providing irrigation, allowing the pump to function as a table or working surface, and to power machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional Wirtz pump is used, then water pumping function is provided, but the pump occupies too much space and weight for portable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: water pumping, generator power source, and table/working surface. The horizontal mounting configuration allows the circular disc to serve as a table surface while the paddle wheel drives the pump mechanism, eliminating the need for separate equipment in portable applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly can be mounted in different orientations (vertical or horizontal) depending on the application requirements. The horizontal mounting provides compact storage volume, while the vertical mounting optimizes water discharge. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the same device to adapt to different operational contexts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional Wirtz pump is transported to remote locations, then water access is enabled, but the space and weight penalties reduce its desirability
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating generator power capability and table functionality into the pump assembly, the device provides multiple utilities (water pumping, electricity generation, and workspace) in a single unit, justifying its transport weight through the cumulative value of its multifunctional capabilities in remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines three separate functions (pump, generator mount, and table) into a single integrated assembly. The circular disc serves simultaneously as the pump housing, generator mounting base, and table surface, reducing the total weight compared to transporting three separate devices.
3Volume of moving object
If the Wirtz pump is compacted for storage, then transport space is reduced, but the pump must be enlarged for use
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is designed with dynamic mounting capabilities that allow it to be configured in horizontal position for compact storage and vertical position for optimal water pumping operation. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same structure to serve both compact storage and full operational requirements without complex assembly/disassembly procedures.
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 enables the Wirtz pump to be compact during storage and transport while providing additional functionalities like powering generators and serving as a table, thus justifying its space and weight by offering multiple uses in remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
a scoop at an entry point to the wound tube, when submerged in a water source, communicates water from that water source, such as a stream, into the circular conduit provided by flexible circular-wound tubing
Implementation Method 2
Positioned thereon, the wound tubing is driven by paddles engaged thereto, which are moved by the force of the water from a stream, or other moving water source
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible pump formed of wound flexible tubing having an inlet communicating water to an outlet at an opposite end of the tubing. A paddle wheel with collapsible fins provides power to rotate the pump when in a vertical position. A planar surface of the wound tubing forms a table when pivoted on a stand to a horizontal disposition with the support surface for the stand.