Flexible Disk Seal for Plastic Utility Pump Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lightweight, inexpensive, corrosion-proof utility hand pumps made from plastic components face leakage issues due to the failure of existing sealing methods, which are costly and require precision parts, defeating the purpose of having a low-cost, durable pump.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible disk in an interference fit around the pump rod, sandwiched between the bushing and end cap, creates a wiping action that prevents leakage without altering existing components, using a commercially available silicone washer for effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If plastic components are used in the pump, then the pump is lightweight, inexpensive, and corrosion-proof, but leakage problems occur due to difficulty in mating component parts with precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible seal member (thin film) that forms an interference fit with the pump rod to create an effective seal. This flexible membrane approach allows plastic components to mate without precision while preventing leakage, resolving the contradiction between using inexpensive plastic parts and achieving reliable sealing.
2Reliability
If sealing rings such as O-rings are used to prevent leakage, then leakage is prevented, but the pump becomes costly and requires precision parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive flexible seal member made from materials like silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomer that can be easily manufactured and installed. This low-cost sealing solution replaces expensive precision sealing rings while maintaining effectiveness, allowing the seal to be replaced if needed without significant cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sealing mechanism from rigid precision-mated sealing rings to a flexible interference fit approach. By changing the material properties and sealing principle rather than relying on dimensional precision, the system achieves effective sealing at low manufacturing cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If a slide interference fit is used between the end cap seal and pump rod, then the pump remains simple and low-cost, but leakage occurs through the end cap seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the simple slide interference fit by using a flexible seal member that can deform to conform to the pump rod surface. This flexible element maintains the simplicity of the plastic pump construction while effectively preventing leakage through its ability to adapt to surface irregularities.
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 flexible disk effectively seals the pump rod, preventing water leakage while maintaining the pump's lightweight and corrosion-proof characteristics without increasing operational resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible member forming a slide interference fit with a pump rod
Implementation Method 2
creates a wiping action that prevents leakage
Data Source
AI summary
A lightweight, inexpensive, corrosion proof, utility pump having a flexible member forming a sliding interference fit with a pump rod with the flexible member confined between a pump rod bushing and an end cap to prevent leakage and a method of converting an inexpensive utility pump from a leaking condition to a non leaking condition without having to modify the existing components of the utility pump.