Axially Displaceable Impeller Assembly for Solids-Handling Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps for pumping liquid with solid matter, such as sewage, often get obstructed by large pieces of solid matter, leading to costly and unplanned maintenance due to the impeller wedging, and current solutions require complex adjustments and are difficult to maintain, especially when the pump is submerged.
Innovation Solution
A pump design with an axially displaceable impeller and a connector system featuring a spring member and hollow adjustment screw allows precise adjustment of the axial gap between the impeller and suction cover, enabling the impeller to maintain a well-defined distal rest position, even when the pump is upside-down, and allows large pieces of solid matter to pass through without tilting or becoming wedged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the impeller and impeller seat are positioned at a fixed distance from each other, then the pump structure is simple, but large pieces of solid matter may cause the impeller to wedge and obstruct the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The impeller is made axially displaceable relative to the impeller seat through a telescopic connector mechanism. The connector includes a sleeve that can move axially along the drive shaft, allowing the impeller to dynamically adjust its position. This dynamic positioning enables the impeller to move away from the suction cover when solid matter accumulates, preventing wedging and obstruction while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the axial gap between the impeller and suction cover is adjusted, then the pump can handle larger solid matter, but the adjustment process becomes complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a spring member that automatically adjusts the axial position of the impeller based on resistance encountered during operation. When solid matter blocks the flow path, the increased resistance causes the impeller to move axially, and the spring automatically positions it at the appropriate gap distance without requiring manual intervention. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates complex manual adjustment procedures while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the pump operates with the impeller in a fixed position, then maintenance is simpler, but the impeller may tilt or wedge when handling large solid matter
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic connector with spring member enables the impeller to dynamically adjust its axial position during operation. When large solid matter is encountered, the impeller can move away from the suction cover to prevent tilting and wedging. The spring ensures the impeller returns to its normal operating position when obstruction is cleared. This dynamic adjustment maintains impeller stability and prevents damage while keeping the maintenance structure relatively simple.
4Measurement precision
If the connector uses a fixed telescopic engagement between the sleeve and drive shaft, then the assembly is simple, but the impeller cannot be precisely positioned in the distal rest position
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member in the connector automatically positions the impeller at the precise distal rest position by exerting a controlled axial force. The spring's elastic properties ensure consistent positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The hollow adjustment screw provides fine-tuning capability when needed, but the spring's self-adjusting nature maintains precision while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
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 ensures precise adjustment and reliable operation of the pump, allowing it to handle large pieces of solid matter while reducing maintenance complexity and preventing impeller tilting, thus extending the pump's working life and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the impeller is biased towards the distal rest position by means of a spring member arranged between the sleeve and the impeller
Implementation Method 2
the connector comprising a hollow adjustment screw that is in threaded engagement with an interior side of the sleeve and configured to limit the maximum degree of telescopic overlap between the sleeve and the drive shaft
Implementation Method 3
an impeller screw extends through the adjustment screw and is in threaded engagement with the drive shaft in order to press the adjustment screw towards the drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A pump for pumping a liquid, includes an impeller and an axially extending drive shaft assembly, wherein a distal end of the drive shaft assembly is received in a central recess of the impeller. The drive shaft assembly includes a drive shaft and a connector. The connector includes a sleeve that is in telescopic engagement with the drive shaft. During operation of the pump the impeller is displaceable in the axial direction in relation to the sleeve between a distal rest position and a proximal position. The impeller is biased towards the distal rest position by a spring member arranged between the sleeve and the impeller. The connector includes a hollow adjustment screw that is in threaded engagement with an interior side of the sleeve to limit the maximum degree of telescopic overlap between the sleeve and the drive shaft.