CVT Mobile Water Pumping System for Remote Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumping systems are ill-suited for transporting fluids to remote locations to fight wildfires or flooding due to their weight and inability to navigate rough terrain, and airdrops are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mobile water-pumping system equipped with a rotary power source, continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a rotodynamic pump, which regulates rotational speed and water capacity to efficiently deliver water to hazardous locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing pumping systems are used to transport water to remote locations, then water delivery capability is provided, but the systems weigh considerably more than can be readily carried by vehicles over rough terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system that dynamically adjusts the turn ratio between the rotary power source and pump rotor based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize performance across varying water delivery requirements while maintaining a compact, vehicle-transportable design. The CVT enables the pump to operate efficiently at different flow rates and head pressures without requiring multiple fixed-speed motors or complex gear systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the rotational speed of the rotary power source is maintained at a target speed, then operational efficiency is improved, but the water capacity provided by the pump decreases when head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the CVT to continuously adjust the turn ratio parameter in response to changing head conditions. When head increases, the CVT modifies the speed relationship between the power source and pump rotor to maintain optimal pump efficiency while compensating for the natural decline in water capacity. This parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying operational demands without sacrificing energy efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the turn ratio of the CVT is decreased to reduce water capacity while maintaining power source speed, then operational flexibility is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CVT acts as an intermediary mechanism between the rotary power source and the pump rotor, providing smooth and continuous adjustment of the speed relationship. This intermediary device enables operational flexibility by allowing the system to adapt to various water delivery requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture. The CVT's continuous variability eliminates the need for multiple discrete gear sets or complex valve systems that would otherwise be required to achieve similar adaptability.
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 system effectively delivers water to remote areas, overcoming terrain challenges and maintaining operational efficiency despite varying conditions, with a dry weight of 200-1000 pounds and output of 1-5000 imperial gallons per minute under static head pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a CVT with a variable turn ratio... driving the CVT with the rotary power source; in response to driving the CVT, turning the rotor... with the CVT, regulating rotational speed of the rotary power source relative to a selected target
Implementation Method 2
a pump with a rotor, an intake in fluid communication with the water source, and a discharge outlet in fluid communication with a discharge conduit... turning the rotor to convey water from the water source through the discharge conduit
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique for providing a water pumping system suitable for fighting wildfire, flood mediation, sewage transport, and the like is revealed. The system includes an internal combustion engine, a CVT with an input shaft and an output shaft, and a pump with an axial flow impeller. In one variation, multiple impeller stages are used and/or several systems are daisy-chained to provide for suitable delivery of water from its source. In another form, the system is carried by an all- terrain vehicle, side-by-side, or the like, to reach remote areas that need to move water to address a hazardous condition.