Edge-Mounted O-Ring Seal for High-Pressure Fluid Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional O-ring seals in fluid pumps are limited in accommodating high internal pressures, making it difficult to pump fluids at great depths without leakage, particularly in applications like deep groundwater sampling wells.
Innovation Solution
An edge-mounted O-ring seal with a radiused edge on the impeller retainer and a controlled deformation mechanism, creating multiple sealing surfaces to handle significantly higher internal pressures without additional components or complex modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If conventional O-ring seals are used on planar metal surfaces, then the pump structure remains simple, but the internal pressure capability is limited and leakage occurs at high pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by transitioning from a conventional planar sealing surface to a radiused edge geometry. The O-ring seal contacts a rounded edge rather than a flat surface, creating a curved sealing interface that distributes pressure more effectively and prevents leakage at higher internal pressures while maintaining structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional O-ring seals are used, then the pump design remains simple, but the pump cannot accommodate deep well bore applications requiring high internal pressures
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a radiused edge geometry at the sealing surface, the patent enables the pump to withstand the high internal pressures required for deep well bore applications. This curved sealing interface allows the pump to be adapted for deep groundwater sampling wells extending 100 meters or more below ground surface
3Stress or pressure
If additional components or complex modifications are added to improve sealing, then pressure capability increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only the specific sealing surface geometry (creating a radiused edge) rather than redesigning the entire pump structure. This localized geometric change at the O-ring contact point achieves enhanced pressure capability without adding components or increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The radiused edge geometry provides a curved sealing surface that improves pressure distribution and sealing performance. This simple geometric modification achieves high pressure capability without requiring additional sealing components or complex structural changes
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
Enables the pump to achieve higher internal pressures, allowing fluid pumping at depths previously impossible with conventional O-ring seals, enhancing the pump's operational capability without increasing cost or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an upper flat surface of a leg of the impeller housing and an inner wall surface of the pump housing to cause controlled deformation of the O-ring seal
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fluid pump having a pump housing and an inlet wall portion positioned adjacent the pump housing. The inlet wall portion has an extending portion which extends generally parallel to an inner surface of the pump housing. A motor is housed within the pump housing. An impeller is included which is responsive to the motor. An impeller retainer is disposed adjacent the impeller and includes a radiused corner portion. An O-ring is positioned at the radiused corner portion. The O-ring exerts a force non-perpendicular to the inner surface of the pump housing to form a seal against the inner surface of the pump housing and the extending portion of the inlet wall portion.