Epicyclic Gearing Pumping Unit for Compact Agricultural Fluid Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumping units for agricultural machines require large dimensions and high maintenance costs due to the need for two separate pumps, one for high-pressure liquid delivery and another for filling and stirring, which complicates motor connections and increases installation and maintenance expenses.
Innovation Solution
A pumping unit with a first volumetric pump for high-pressure liquid delivery and a second centrifugal pump for filling and stirring, connected via an epicyclic gearing system that allows for coordinated operation and independent functionality, reducing overall dimensions and simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate pumps are used (one volumetric for high-pressure delivery, one centrifugal for filling and stirring), then each pump can perform its specific function optimally, but the device dimensions increase and installation costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pumps (volumetric pump for high-pressure delivery and centrifugal pump for filling/stirring) into a single integrated pumping unit. The pumps share common components including a single drive shaft, coupled motors, and integrated mounting structures, allowing both functions to be performed optimally while reducing overall device dimensions and installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pumping unit is designed with multi-functional capability where a single integrated system performs both high-pressure liquid delivery and tank filling/stirring operations. The system can selectively activate either the volumetric pump function or the centrifugal pump function (or both simultaneously) through a common power transmission system, eliminating the need for separate standalone pump installations.
2Reliability
If two separate pumps with dedicated motors are installed, then each pump can be optimized for its specific operating parameters, but the complexity of motor connections and power transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates two previously separate motor-drive systems into a single coupled motor assembly sharing a common drive shaft. The motors are mechanically coupled through gears or direct coupling to the respective pumps, simplifying electrical connections and power transmission while maintaining optimized operating parameters for each pump type through independent speed control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common power transmission system with intermediate coupling mechanisms (gears, belts, or direct-drive couplings) that mediate between the motor assembly and the two pump types. This intermediary transmission system allows optimized power delivery to each pump while simplifying the overall motor connection architecture compared to two completely separate motor installations.
3Quantity of substance
If a speed variator is used to coordinate the two pumps, then the overall displaced volume can be kept constant, but the pumps cannot operate at their optimum rotation speeds simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable speed control for each pump independently through variable frequency drives or adjustable motor speeds. This allows the system to adapt rotation speeds in real-time based on operational requirements, enabling both pumps to operate at their optimum speeds simultaneously while maintaining constant overall displaced volume through coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (rotation speeds) of the two pumps independently through variable speed motors or adjustable drive systems. This allows each pump to operate at its optimal speed range for its specific function (volumetric pump for high-pressure delivery, centrifugal pump for high-volume filling) while the control system coordinates them to maintain constant overall displaced volume output.
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 epicyclic gearing system reduces the assembly's dimensions, allows for independent operation of pumps, and simplifies maintenance, enabling efficient and cost-effective operation in agricultural applications.
Implementation Method 1
a means for transmission of the movement between the two pumps in the form of an epicyclic gearing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A pumping unit comprises: a first pump (6), having a respective first drive shaft (6a) and able to be associated with a tank (2) containing a first liquid and with at least one delivery pipe (E) for conveying a quantity of said first liquid from the tank (2) to said delivery pipe (E); a second pump (7), having a respective second drive shaft (7a) and able to be associated with the tank (2) and with a source (S) of a second liquid for supplying a quantity of said second liquid to the tank (2), one of said pumps (6, 7) being connected to motor means for receiving a driving power; means (8) for transmission of the movement, active between said first drive shaft (6a) and second drive shaft (7a) so as to transmit a driving power between the two pumps (6, 7). The transmission means (8) comprise an epicyclic gearing (9), which is connected to both the drive shafts (6a, 7a) so as to cause rotation of said drive shafts (6a, 7a) at different relative speeds, and said first drive shaft (6a) and second drive shaft (7a) are coaxial and rotatable about a same main axis of rotation (X).