Dual-Stroke Fluid Pump Reducing Pressure Spikes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pumps experience high fluid pressure spikes and increased vibration and noise due to limited fluid flow during the compression stroke, requiring larger piston strokes or areas or higher cycle rates, which are inefficient and noisy.
Innovation Solution
A dual-stroke fluid pump design with first and second pistons of different sizes, utilizing a one-way valve to allow fluid communication between a secondary and pumping chamber during the compression stroke, distributing fluid flow over both strokes and utilizing fluid pressure to aid strokes, reducing the need for strong springs and solenoids, thus minimizing noise and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the piston stroke is increased or piston area is enlarged to increase fluid flow rate, then fluid flow rate is improved, but fluid pressure spikes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into two separate pumping chambers (first and second chambers) with separate pistons, allowing fluid to be pumped during both compression and suction strokes. This segmentation distributes the fluid flow over the entire cycle rather than concentrating it in only the compression stroke, thereby reducing pressure spikes while maintaining flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid is pre-compressed in the first chamber during the compression stroke before being transferred to the second chamber. This preliminary compression action allows the fluid to be delivered more gradually during the suction stroke, smoothing out pressure fluctuations and reducing spikes.
2Productivity
If the cycles per minute of the piston is increased to increase fluid flow rate, then fluid flow rate is improved, but vibration and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the pumping action into two chambers operating in sequence, the system achieves smoother fluid delivery with fewer pressure fluctuations per cycle. This reduces the vibration and noise generated at each cycle while maintaining overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-chamber design ensures that fluid is being pumped continuously throughout the entire cycle (both compression and suction strokes), creating a more continuous and steady flow. This continuity reduces the pulsating effects that cause vibration and noise.
3Device complexity
If a single piston is used with spring and solenoid, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid flow distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The single piston is segmented into two separate pistons operating in different chambers, allowing fluid to be pumped during both strokes of the cycle. This segmentation improves fluid flow distribution while keeping each individual piston relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The two chambers are merged into a single integrated pump system with a common drive mechanism (spring and solenoid), combining the benefits of dual-stroke pumping with a unified control system. This merging maintains reasonable device complexity while achieving improved flow distribution.
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 allows for a more even fluid flow distribution over both compression and suction strokes, reducing maximum pressure spikes and operating temperature, resulting in a quieter and less vibrating pump with reduced size and power requirements for components.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (14) traverses the piston (16) in the direction of arrow 17
Implementation Method 2
the solenoid (12) is energized so as to overcome the force of the spring (14) and retract the piston (16)
Data Source
AI summary
First and second pistons are mounted to a common shaft which reciprocates during compression and suction strokes. During each of the strokes, fluid is pumped out at an outlet, via a one-way valve on the second piston. The one-way valve is opened or closed depending on whether the first and second pistons are in the compression or suction stroke. Additionally, pressure from the outlet assists in traversing the first and second pistons in the compression stroke. During the suction stroke, the fluid pressure applies a force on the first piston to counteract the fluid pressure on the second piston so that a smaller spring may be used. The size requirements of the solenoid and spring are reduced. Additionally, the fluid pump provides lower pressure spikes, since fluid is pumped out during both the compression and suction strokes and also provides a more even flow of fluid.