Fluid Circulation Pump Tool-Free Actuator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps require the use of tools and multiple actions to disassemble the actuating member and access the obstruction member for maintenance, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A pump design featuring first and second supports that allow for the removable coupling of the actuation member with the obstruction member without tools, enabling easy assembly and disassembly, facilitated by sliding guide means and locking mechanisms that can be unlocked with minimal effort, such as a single finger or two fingers exerting antagonistic pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used for the actuating member, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the ease of maintenance and disassembly time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating member is divided into separate components (actuator, support, obstruction member) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The support features guide means and locking means that enable tool-free segmentation during maintenance while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means incorporates a deformable locking support that can be temporarily deformed by finger pressure to release locking lugs from locking housings. This dynamic mechanism allows the connection to transition from a locked secure state to an unlocked accessible state without tools.
2Strength
If traditional fastening methods are used for the actuating member, then the connection strength is improved, but the disassembly complexity and time required are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lugs are pre-positioned in the locking housings during assembly to ensure strong connection. During disassembly, the locking support is pre-deformed by finger pressure to automatically release the locking lugs, eliminating the need for tools and reducing disassembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable locking support acts as a self-service mechanism where the user's finger pressure directly deforms the locking support to release the locking lugs. This eliminates the need for external tools or complex disassembly procedures while maintaining strong connection during normal operation.
3Reliability
If the actuating member is made permanently fixed, then the reliability and stability are improved, but the ease of access to obstruction member for maintenance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating member transitions from a static permanently fixed design to a dynamic removable design. The locking means with deformable locking support allows the actuating member to be securely fixed during operation but easily removed during maintenance by deforming the locking support with finger pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating member is segmented into removable components (actuator, support, obstruction member) connected through guide means and locking means. This segmentation allows the obstruction member to be accessed for maintenance by simply removing the actuator and support without compromising the overall system stability during operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid circulation pump and an installation comprising such a pump, finding particular application in hydraulic installations such as heating or hot water supply systems. The pump comprises an inlet chamber 1 having first and second fluid inlet ports 2, 3, a discharge chamber 4 having a fluid outlet port 5, a drive element for driving the fluid from one of the first and second inlet ports 2, 3 to the outlet port 5, a selectively actuable blocking element for blocking the first or second inlet port 2, 3, and an actuating element 7 integral with the blocking element and configured to actuate said blocking element.The pump also includes a first support 8 mounted on the inlet chamber 1, the actuating member 7 being mounted on a second support cooperating with the first support 8 to ensure the removable coupling of the actuating member 7 with the obstruction member, so as to allow the actuating member 7 to be assembled without tools with the obstruction member and the actuating member 7 to be disassembled without tools from the obstruction member, by assembling and disassembling the first and second supports.