Flexible Impeller Pump Disassembly for Food Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps for flowable food products are not easily disassembled for cleaning and reuse, and they often require multiple components, which complicates the cleaning process and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible impeller pump designed with a minimum number of components, including a pump body, an impeller assembly, and a cover, that can be easily assembled and disassembled for cleaning. The impeller assembly is over-molded with flexible impeller vanes, and the cover has a seal that is co-molded and cannot separate, simplifying the assembly and cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing pumps use multiple components, then they can perform pumping function, but they are difficult to disassemble for cleaning and reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into three main segments: pump body, impeller assembly, and cover. These segments are designed to be easily separated from each other through simple snap-fit connections, allowing quick disassembly for cleaning without requiring complex tools or procedures. The segmentation enables each component to be independently cleaned and reassembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller vanes are over-molded directly onto the impeller shaft, creating a unified impeller assembly that cannot separate during operation. Similarly, the seal is co-molded with the cover member, integrating these components into a single piece. This merging eliminates separate fasteners and reduces the number of parts that could potentially separate or require assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing pumps have multiple components, then they can perform pumping function, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The over-molding process combines the impeller vanes and shaft into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, adhesives, or assembly steps. The co-molding of the seal with the cover member further reduces part count. These merging operations simplify manufacturing and reduce assembly complexity while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump components are designed with standardized dimensions and geometries that optimize manufacturing efficiency. The snap-fit connections use consistent dimensional parameters across all interfaces, enabling automated assembly and reducing manufacturing variability. Material selections are optimized for cost-effective production while maintaining performance requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the pump is designed for cleaning and reuse, then it requires removable components, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is segmented into robust main components (pump body, cover, impeller assembly) that maintain full structural integrity during operation. The segmentation interfaces are designed with reinforced snap-fit features that provide sufficient strength for normal operation while allowing controlled disassembly for cleaning. The modular design ensures that structural strength is concentrated where needed while enabling access for maintenance.
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 impeller pump can be easily cleaned and reused, reducing production costs and allowing for use in both cleanable and disposable applications, while maintaining efficiency over a wide range of operating speeds and viscosities.
Implementation Method 1
The impeller vanes contact the inner wall of the main body to create suction to draw the flowable food products through the pump body
Implementation Method 2
The cover includes a cover member and a seal over molded into the cover member. The seal cannot separate from the cover member such that the seal remains a part of the cover member
Implementation Method 3
The inlet and outlet ports include barbs for connection to a flexible line for receiving food products or dispensing the food product through an outlet conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible impeller pump designed for use in dispensing a flowable food product includes a cover, impeller assembly and a pump body that are assembled to create the pump without other separate components. The components can be permanently connected to each other to create a disposable pump or can be disassembled for cleaning and reuse. The impeller assembly includes an impeller shaft and a flexible impeller molded over the impeller shaft to prevent separation. The impeller assembly is received within the pump body and the cover is secured to the pump body. The cover includes a seal that is molded over the pump body to prevent separation of the seal from the cover. The impeller shaft extends through the pump body and is coupled to a drive shaft of an electric motor that is operable to drive the impeller pump.