Flow-Through Pump Shaft for Compact Fluid Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid pumping systems are not compact and are prone to contamination due to the remote installation of fluid storage devices connected via piping and hoses, which also increase the system's footprint and weight.
Innovation Solution
A pump design with flow-through shafts that allow direct fluid communication between the pump and storage device, integrating the storage device into the pump body, and utilizing a tapered and expansion portion in the through-passage to stabilize fluid flow and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluid storage devices are installed remotely and connected via piping and hoses, then the pump and storage device can be independently positioned, but the system footprint increases and contamination risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fluid storage device directly into the pump body, merging two previously separate components into a single unified structure. The storage device is positioned within the pump housing and connected to the pumping chambers through internal passages, eliminating the need for external piping and hoses. This merging reduces the overall system footprint while maintaining the functional independence of fluid storage and pumping operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid storage devices are installed remotely and connected via piping and hoses, then installation flexibility is improved, but contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the storage device into the pump body with internal fluid passages, the patent eliminates external connections that could introduce contamination. The integrated design ensures that fluid transfers between storage and pumping chambers occur through sealed internal pathways, preventing exposure to external contaminants while maintaining installation flexibility through the compact unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful element (external piping and hoses that enable contamination) from the system while retaining the essential function of fluid storage and transfer. By taking out the external connection infrastructure and replacing it with internal passages, the design eliminates contamination risks associated with external piping while preserving the core functionality of independent fluid management.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional pump design is used without flow-through shafts, then manufacturing is simpler, but fluid communication efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality to the shaft by designing it as a flow-through component that simultaneously serves as a structural support element and a fluid conduit. The shaft includes integrated passages that allow fluid to flow directly from one chamber to another, combining the functions of mechanical support and fluid transport into a single component. This increases fluid communication efficiency without significantly complicating manufacturing, as the passages can be formed using standard machining or casting processes.
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 integrated design reduces system size and weight, minimizes contamination risks, and enhances thermal stability and efficiency by stabilizing fluid flow, while allowing for compact and modular installation.
Implementation Method 1
The through-passage includes a tapered portion that extends from one end of the shaft and an expansion portion that extends from the other end of the shaft in opposition to the tapered portion. The tapered and expansion portions serve to stabilize fluid flow and prevent cavitation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A fluid delivery system having at least one fluid storage device and a pump with at least one fluid driver with a flow-through shaft that has a through-passage. The pump includes a casing, and at least one fluid driver having a prime mover and at least one fluid displacement member. A shaft of the prime mover and/or a shaft of the fluid displacement member and/or a common shaft of the prime mover/fluid displacement member (depending on the configuration of the pump) is a flow-through shaft with a through-passage configuration that allows fluid communication between at least one port of the pump and the at least one fluid storage device.