Fluid Pump Activation via Magnet and Float Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gravity-fed or low-pressure fluid systems, the pressure of fluid flowing through conduits and outlet valves is often inadequate to maintain desired flow rates, particularly in applications like showers or toilets, where continuous pressure boost is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A fluid system with a pump apparatus that includes an activation device with a magnet, which generates a magnetic field to increase fluid pressure when moved to an activation position, triggered by a proximity switch, allowing the pump to be activated only when necessary to enhance flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pump apparatus continuously boosts fluid pressure, then adequate pressure and flow rate are maintained, but energy consumption increases and gravity-fed pressure is lost when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The pump apparatus operates intermittently rather than continuously, activating only when fluid flow rate exceeds a predetermined threshold. The controller monitors flow rate and cycles the pump on and off accordingly, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining adequate pressure when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a flow rate sensor that continuously monitors fluid flow and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically activates or deactivates the pump, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy usage while maintaining reliable pressure delivery.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a pump apparatus is activated based on flow rate, then energy is saved when gravity suffices, but system complexity increases with activation devices and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the fluid flow itself to activate the pump through a float mechanism. When flow rate increases, the float rises automatically and triggers the pump activation without requiring external monitoring devices, simplifying the system while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic flow rate sensors and controllers with a simple mechanical float mechanism that responds to flow rate changes. This mechanical substitution achieves the same flow-dependent activation with significantly reduced system complexity and lower cost.
3Use of energy by moving object
If gravity-fed pressure is maintained, then energy consumption is low, but inadequate pressure prevents adequate flow rate at downstream outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The pump provides periodic pressure boosts only when flow demand exceeds what gravity can deliver. By monitoring flow rate and activating the pump intermittently, the system maintains low energy consumption while ensuring adequate flow rate and pressure are delivered to downstream outlets when needed.
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 system efficiently increases fluid pressure in response to flow demand, ensuring adequate supply without continuous operation, thus optimizing pressure and flow rate according to downstream needs.
Implementation Method 1
The activation device can include a magnet that generates a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a fluid system with a pump activation device. The fluid system can include a tank containing fluid and a conduit connected to the tank for the distribution of fluid. The fluid system can include a pump apparatus that increases fluid pressure through the fluid system in response to a flow rate of fluid through the fluid system. The pump activation device can include a magnet that generates a magnetic field, causing the pump apparatus to increase the fluid pressure when the pump activation device is moved to an activation position.