Electromagnetic Pipe Pump for Compact Fluid Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor pump systems are bulky, energy-intensive, and prone to thermal damage due to heat generation, while they require additional equipment for fluid transport and lack efficiency in variable flow and pressure applications.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pipe pump system actuated by electromagnets or piezoelectric crystals that can function independently or augment motorized pumps, incorporating sensors and turbines to manage flow and pressure, and convert into an electricity generator when fluid flow is discontinuous, allowing for efficient fluid transport and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motor pump systems are used to transport fluids, then reliable fluid transport is achieved, but the systems become bulky and occupy excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pump function directly into the pipe structure by embedding actuators within the pipe walls, eliminating the need for separate motor pump systems. The pipe itself becomes the pump through radial caliber changes actuated by integrated actuators, achieving compact fluid transport without external pump equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the fluid conduit and the pump mechanism. The same pipe that transports fluid also contains the actuators that create pressure changes to move the fluid, eliminating the need for separate pump components and reducing overall system volume.
2Productivity
If motor pump systems operate continuously, then fluid transport is maintained, but thermal energy damages the actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful thermal energy generated by actuators into a beneficial cooling mechanism. The pumped fluid absorbs heat from the actuators through thermal conduction across the pipe walls, carrying thermal energy away and cooling the actuators while simultaneously performing the transport function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operating fluid to cool the actuators. The fluid being pumped serves dual purposes: transporting material and removing heat from the actuator system, eliminating the need for separate cooling equipment and enabling continuous operation.
3Productivity
If conventional pump systems are used, then fluid transport is achieved, but additional equipment is required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pipe and pump functions into a single integrated structure. The actuators are embedded within the pipe walls, and the pipe itself performs the pumping action through radial caliber changes, eliminating the need for separate pump housing, coupling mechanisms, and control systems required by conventional pump installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe structure is designed to perform multiple functions: fluid transport, actuator housing, thermal management, and pressure generation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture compared to conventional pump systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If motor pump systems are designed for variable flow applications, then flow flexibility is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic actuators that can rapidly adjust the pipe's radial caliber in response to varying flow demands. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize energy consumption by matching the pumping action to the actual flow requirements, avoiding the energy waste associated with conventional pumps operating at fixed speeds or capacities.
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 pipe pump system provides a compact, energy-efficient means of fluid transport that extends actuator lifespan by thermal management and can generate electricity from variable fluid flow, offering versatility in fluid handling and energy production.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible and resilient pipe (or, tube), which is actuated by a set of actuators, that surrounds the wall of the said pipe and causes any fluid contained within its boundaries to be pumped out. (And these actuators can be electromagnets, piezoelectric crystal arrangements, or any combinations, thereof.)
Implementation Method 2
a flexible and resilient pipe (or, tube), which is actuated by a set of actuators, that surrounds the wall of the said pipe and causes any fluid contained within its boundaries to be pumped out. (And these actuators can be electromagnets, piezoelectric crystal arrangements, or any combinations, thereof.)
Implementation Method 3
the pumped out fluids in the pipe pump system will carry away the heat and, or, the thermal energy with it, thus cooling the heated actuators of the pipe pump system
Implementation Method 4
turbine or fan blades can be introduced inside the pipe pump that will further enhance the pumping action of the pipe pump system
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an embodiment that introduces a novel system to pump fluids, or, gases or, semi-solids, or, solids, from one place to another. Conventionally, a motorized pump systems are used to pump any given fluid from one position to another, nonetheless, in this invention not only a new system of pumping fluids is so introduced, but, existing functions of a conventional motorized pumping systems are saliently augmented by the pipe pump system. The pipe pump functions basically, by a series of electromagnets, that are placed around a flexible and resilient tube, (a rubber tube, for instance), and when these said electromagnet arrangements are actuated, then, that causes the pipe pump to pump out fluids, by squeezing on the fluids, or gases, contained within.