Duplex Drive Head With Central Support for Easier Pump Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive heads for positive displacement pumps, such as the Gardner-Denver and Wheatley drive heads, are heavy, costly, and require external support at opposing ends, leading to interference and complex repairs.
Innovation Solution
A drive head design featuring a central support structure that eliminates external support at opposing ends, using off-the-shelf gear components and a central support member to prevent interference and simplify repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If external support at opposing ends is used, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and repair difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external support structure from the drive head design, extracting only the essential central support function while eliminating the complex external support system at opposing ends. This simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining necessary stability through the central support member.
2Stability of the object's composition
If external support at opposing ends is used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drive head is segmented into modular components centered around the central support member, allowing individual parts to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the entire structure. This segmentation significantly improves repairability while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
3Reliability
If traditional drive head design is used, then reliability is maintained, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the drive head by transitioning from a distributed external support system to a centralized support architecture. This parameter change reduces the overall weight while maintaining the reliability needed for positive displacement pump operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are embodiments of a drive head for use with positive displacement pumps. In one embodiment, a drive head for use with a pump comprises a central shaft having a first end and a second end; first and second drive rod connection points coupled to the central shaft proximate the first and second ends, the first and second drive rod connection points being located radially outside of a centerline of the central shaft; first and second drive rods coupled to the first and second drive rod connection points; and a central support member coupled to the central shaft between the first and second drive rod connection points.