Fluid Pump Handle Segmentation for Ergonomic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid pumps, especially submersible types, have ergonomically challenging control mechanisms that require complex operations and laborious adjustments for mode switching and speed control, making them difficult to use effectively.

Innovation Solution

A fluid pump design featuring a handle portion with a movable second portion that alters operational characteristics such as activation, mode switching, speed control, and flow control by moving between defined positions, allowing for ergonomic and intuitive operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If controls are located within a fluid tight housing, then the housing provides protection and sealing, but the pump must be completely removed out of the fluid to operate the controls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing sealingVSAvoidcontrols accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle portion is divided into a first portion fixedly coupled to the housing and a second portion movably coupled to the first portion. This segmentation allows the second portion to be accessible for operation while the first portion remains connected to the sealed housing, resolving the contradiction between maintaining housing sealing and providing control accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mechanism is used to switch between clean and dirty fluid operation modes, then mode switching capability is provided, but the operation becomes laborious and time-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second portion of the handle is made movable relative to the first portion, allowing dynamic adjustment between different positions. This movable design enables simple switching between clean and dirty fluid operation modes without requiring complex mechanisms, as the user can easily move the second portion to the desired position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the base or inlet is adjusted to provide increased inlet area for dirty fluid operation, then adaptability to different fluid types is improved, but the adjustment mechanism becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinlet area adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable second portion of the handle serves multiple functions: it acts as a control mechanism for mode switching and simultaneously controls the inlet area adjustment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex adjustment mechanisms, allowing the same component to adapt the inlet area for different fluid types while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3880962B1Fluid pump
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP3880962B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3880962B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3880962B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A fluid pump (100) includes a housing (102) and a handle portion (114) coupled to the housing (102). The handle portion (114) includes a first portion (116) fixedly coupled to the housing (102). The handle portion (114) also includes a second portion (122) coupled to the first portion (116). The second portion (122) is movable relative to the first portion (116). A movement of the second portion (122) relative to the first portion (116) is adapted to alter at least one operational characteristic of the fluid pump (100).