Fluid Pump Movable Base Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pumps, particularly submersible types, have ergonomically challenging control locations and complex mechanisms for switching between clean and dirty fluid operation modes, making them difficult and labor-intensive to operate.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pump design featuring a movably coupled base within a housing, with a locking element and handle system that allows for easy adjustment between positions to change the inlet area, providing ergonomic and intuitive operation by converting linear handle movement into rotational locking element movement, enabling efficient switching between clean and dirty fluid modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the base is made movable relative to the housing to enable adjustment between clean and dirty fluid modes, then the adaptability of the fluid pump is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for locking mechanisms and coupling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed to be movable relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis, transitioning between a first position for clean fluid operation and a second position for dirty fluid operation. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the pump to adapt to different operating conditions by changing the inlet area configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking element is introduced as an intermediary component between the base and housing. This locking element includes a locking feature that engages with a corresponding feature on the base, providing a simple yet effective mechanism to secure the base in either position without requiring complex coupling systems.
2Reliability
If the controls are located within the fluid tight housing to maintain fluid tightness, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the pump must be completely removed from the fluid to operate the controls
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into a housing containing fluid-tight components and a separately movable base with controls. This segmentation allows the controls to be positioned on the base rather than within the housing, enabling operation without removing the pump from the fluid while maintaining fluid tightness through the base-housing interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanism is used to adjust the base position for switching between operation modes, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to laborious and time-intensive adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element serves as a simple intermediary mechanism between the base and housing. It includes a locking feature that can be easily engaged or disengaged to secure the base in either the first position (clean fluid mode) or the second position (dirty fluid mode), providing a straightforward adjustment process without complex mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid pump (100) is provided. The fluid pump (100) includes a housing (102) defining a longitudinal axis (X-X'). The fluid pump (100) also includes a base (104) adapted to be movably coupled to the housing (102). The base (104) is adapted to move relative to the housing (102) along the longitudinal axis (X- X') between at least a first position (P1) and a second position (P2). The housing (102) further includes a locking element (206) movably coupled to the housing (102). The locking element (206) defines a first structural feature (312). The base (104) defines a second structural feature (322). The first structural feature (312) and the second structural feature (322) together define a first relative configuration and a second relative configuration. The housing (102) and the base (104) are fixed relative to each other in the first relative configuration. The housing (102) and the base (104) are adapted to move relative to each other in the second relative configuration.