Reversing Dual-Impeller Pump for Drain and Recirculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump devices for household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers require additional components and complexity to manage both fluid pumping out and circulation efficiently, leading to increased costs and mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pump device with a single drive and two impellers, connected via a common drive axle and freewheel drives, allowing for efficient fluid pumping out and circulation by changing the direction of rotation, eliminating the need for separate pumps and simplifying hydraulic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate pumps are used for pumping out and circulating fluid, then each pump can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pump functions (pumping out and circulating) into a single pump device with a common drive mechanism. The drive shaft connects both impellers, allowing one drive to perform two functions that would traditionally require separate pumps, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can pump fluid out of the appliance and also circulate fluid within the appliance. The directional control mechanism allows the same pump to selectively perform different functions based on operational requirements, achieving multi-functionality without increasing device complexity
2Reliability
If separate pumps are installed for different operating conditions, then each pump can be optimized for its operating state, but the appliance space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate pump units into a single compact pump device, significantly reducing the volume required in the appliance. The shared drive shaft and housing allow both pumping functions to coexist in a space that would be occupied by only one pump if separate units were used
Solution Approach 2:
The second impeller is positioned on the opposite side of the drive shaft from the first impeller, creating a nested or back-to-back arrangement. This spatial arrangement allows both impellers to be accommodated within the same housing volume, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the overall pump unit volume
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 achieves a cost-effective and compact pump solution that efficiently manages both fluid pumping out and circulation within household appliances, reducing mechanical complexity and assembly effort while maintaining high operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the rotation of the first impeller within the first pressure chamber consequently generates a flow of washing solution from the first pressure chamber into the wastewater network
Implementation Method 2
the rotation of this second impeller within the pressure chamber creates a flow of washing solution out of the chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A pump device (103) for a domestic appliance (100), wherein the pump device (103) comprises a drive (105) with a first impeller (107) for operating the pump device (103) in a first operating state with a first conveying direction, in order to pump fluid out of the domestic appliance (100), and with a second impeller (109) for operating the pump device (103) in a second operating state with a second conveying direction, in order to pump fluid around within the domestic appliance, wherein a first freewheeling drive (119) is arranged between the drive (105) and the first impeller (107) and a second freewheeling drive (121) is arranged between the drive (105) and the second impeller (109) in a manner such that always only the first impeller (107) or only the second impeller (109) can be driven, depending on the first or the second operating state.