Dual-Rotor Water Pump with Spring-Loaded Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water hydraulic pump devices require multiple units and significant space to pressurize large volumes of water, especially for reverse osmosis applications, leading to high costs and operational inefficiencies due to space requirements and mechanical challenges during startup.
Innovation Solution
A dual-rotor pump device with force-generating means, such as springs, to ensure proper alignment and sealing of port and valve plates independently of hydraulic pressure, allowing for efficient operation and reduced mechanical losses, and utilizing a common port housing and radial bearings for stability and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple pump devices are used to pressurize large volumes of water, then the pumping capacity is improved, but the space requirement and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two pump units into a single integrated device sharing a common shaft, drive mechanism, and housing. This merging allows the device to handle large volumes of water (improving productivity) while occupying less space than multiple separate pump devices would require
Solution Approach 2:
The pump device is segmented into multiple independent pump units (first and second pump units) that operate simultaneously on a shared shaft. Each unit has its own rotor, port plate, and valve plate, allowing independent operation while contributing to the overall pumping capacity
2Reliability
If hydraulic pressure is used to press valve plate and port plate together, then sealing is improved, but during startup insufficient pressure causes leakage
Solution Approach 1:
Springs are pre-installed between the rotor and port plate to provide preliminary pressing force that ensures sealing between the valve plate and port plate even before hydraulic pressure builds up during startup. This preliminary action prevents leakage during the critical startup phase
Solution Approach 2:
Springs act as an intermediary mechanical force generator between the rotor and port plate, providing the necessary pressing force independently of hydraulic pressure. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable sealing during all operational phases including startup
3Reliability
If high pressing force is applied between valve plate and port plate, then sealing is improved, but friction increases causing wear and mechanical losses
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing force parameter is dynamically adjusted through spring design and positioning to optimize the balance between sealing and friction. The springs provide sufficient force for sealing while avoiding excessive force that would cause excessive friction and mechanical losses
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 dual-rotor design enables efficient pressurization of large volumes of water within a limited space, reducing leakage and mechanical wear while maintaining operational efficiency and stability, thus addressing the challenges of space and cost associated with traditional pump devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of said first and said second rotor comprises force generating means pressing said second port plate against said second valve plate even in absence of hydraulic pressure in said second pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A pump device (1) is provided comprising: a shaft (2), rotor means (3a, 3b) fixed to said shaft (2) in rotational direction, said rotor means (3a, 3b) having pressure chambers (5a, 5b) the volume of which varying during a rotation of said rotor means (3a, 3b), port plate means (15a, 15b) having a through going opening (16a, 16b) for each of said pressure chambers (5a, 5b) and being connected to said rotor means (3a, 3b) in rotational direction, and valve plate means (17a, 17b) cooperating with said port plate means (15a, 15b). It is intended to pressurize a high volume of fluid, in particular water, within a limited space. To this end said rotor means (3a, 3b) comprise a first rotor (3a) and at least a second rotor (3b), both rotors being fixed to said shaft (2) in rotational direction, said first rotor (3a) having at least a first pressure chamber (5a) and said second rotor (3b) having at least a second pressure chamber (5b), said port plate means (15a, 15b) having a first port plate (15a) and at least a second port plate (15b), said first port plate (15a) having a through going opening (16a) for said first pressure chamber (5a) and being connected to said first rotor (3a) in rotational direction, said second port plate (15b) having a through going opening (16b) for said second pressure chamber (5b) and being connected to said second rotor (3b) in rotational direction, said valve plate means (17a, 17b) having a first valve plate (17a) and at least a second valve plate (17b), said first valve plate (17a) cooperating with said first port plate (15a), and said second valve plate (17b) cooperating with said second port plate (15b), wherein at least one of said first rotor (3a) and said second rotor (3b) comprises force generating means (19) pressing said second port plate (15b) against said second valve plate (17b) even in absence of hydraulic pressure in said second pressure chamber (5b).