Eccentric Apex Impeller Hub for Clogging Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid pumps, especially those used in applications with high solids content, suffer from clogging and cavitation issues, leading to reduced efficiency and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an impeller with a hub having a base that is concentric to the rotational axis and at least one eccentric apex, eliminating leading edges that could cause clogging and allowing for improved flow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bladed impeller design is used, then pump efficiency is maintained, but clogging occurs due to leading edges impacting debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional bladed impeller structure and extracts only the essential rotational hub, eliminating the leading edges that cause clogging while maintaining the pumping function through a different mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using blades to push fluid (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using a bladeless hub design where fluid is moved through the rotation and geometry of the hub itself, eliminating the problematic blade leading edges
2Reliability
If asymmetric single blade arrangement is used to reduce clogging, then clogging risk decreases, but hydraulic imbalance and vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric geometry in the hub design, particularly in the curvature and orientation of the hub surfaces, to optimize fluid flow while maintaining balance and reducing vibrations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different geometric characteristics to different parts of the hub - the front surface has a first curvature while the rear surface has a second curvature, creating localized flow optimization without causing overall hydraulic imbalance
3Reliability
If hollow tubular body impeller is used to maximize through-flow, then clogging is reduced, but pump efficiency becomes very low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes geometric parameters of the hub, including the curvature values, angles, and dimensional ratios, to achieve the optimal balance between through-flow capability and pumping efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extensively uses curved surfaces and optimized curvature radii in the hub design to guide fluid flow smoothly, reducing turbulence and energy losses while maintaining high efficiency
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 significantly reduces clogging risks and enhances pump efficiency, allowing for operation closer to bends in supply lines without turbulence hindrance.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller having a hub with an impeller body. The impeller body comprises a base which is concentric relative to a rotational axis of the impeller, and at least one eccentric apex
Data Source
AI summary
An impeller assembly including a shroud and an impeller body. The shroud has an inner surface flaring outwardly from an inlet toward an outlet. The impeller body extends into the shroud. The impeller body has an eccentric apex that is connected to an inner surface of the shroud proximate an upstream edge of the inlet.