Fluid Pump Using Unbalanced Motor to Reduce Weight and Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pumps in steam irons and steamers are heavy, expensive, and occupy large space due to coil windings and complex mechanisms, while piezo-based pumps are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A compact fluid pump design utilizing an unbalanced motor with a diaphragm actuating unit, non-return valves, and a motion constraining unit to achieve a lightweight, cost-effective, and efficient pumping action without the need for additional actuating mechanisms, using the inertia of the motor for diaphragm deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a solenoid-based pump is used to deliver water, then the pumping function is achieved, but the pump becomes heavy, expensive and occupies large space due to coil windings and plunger mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the solenoid coil windings and plunger mechanism from the pump design, replacing them with an unbalanced motor that directly actuates the diaphragm. This removal of heavy components achieves the pumping function while significantly reducing weight and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional solenoid-based mechanical actuation system with an unbalanced motor system. The unbalanced motor converts rotational motion into reciprocating motion of the diaphragm through its unbalanced mass, eliminating the need for complex solenoid coils and plunger mechanisms.
2Productivity
If a cam mechanism with DC electric motor is used to reciprocally operate a piston or diaphragm, then the pumping action is achieved, but the arrangement becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor and diaphragm actuation into a single integrated unit. The unbalanced motor is directly connected to the diaphragm, combining the power source and actuating mechanism into one compact assembly, thereby eliminating the separate cam mechanism and reducing overall pump volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a motor to rotate a cam that then moves the diaphragm (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using an unbalanced motor where the unbalanced mass itself creates the reciprocating motion directly on the diaphragm, eliminating the intermediate cam mechanism.
3Volume of moving object
If a piezo-based actuating means is used to provide a compact pump, then the size is reduced, but the cost increases due to electronic driving circuits, heat removal complexity and voltage isolation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an unbalanced motor that is simpler and cheaper to manufacture compared to piezo-based systems. The motor uses standard components without requiring complex electronic driving circuits, heat removal systems, or voltage isolation, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The unbalanced motor system is self-contained and does not require external electronic driving circuits or complex support systems. The unbalanced mass automatically converts rotational motion into reciprocating motion, eliminating the need for additional control electronics and simplifying the overall system.
4Productivity
If an additional actuating mechanism such as a cam is used to deform the diaphragm, then the pumping action is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate cam actuating mechanism from between the motor and diaphragm. The unbalanced motor directly actuates the diaphragm through its unbalanced mass, eliminating the need for cams, linkages, and other complex actuating components, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a motor to drive a cam that then actuates the diaphragm, the patent inverts the approach by having the unbalanced motor's rotating mass directly create the reciprocating motion on the diaphragm, eliminating intermediate mechanisms and simplifying the actuating system.
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 solution results in a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective fluid pump that minimizes energy loss and prevents diaphragm damage, enabling efficient fluid pumping with adjustable flow rates and extended battery life for cordless appliances.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating force for deforming the diaphragm is provided by the inertia of the entire unbalanced motor
Implementation Method 2
The unbalanced motor may comprise a running shaft and an eccentric element on the running shaft
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A fluid pump (10) has a pump body (20) having a fluid path (21) with an inlet (22) and an outlet (23). The fluid pump also has a diaphragm (24) disposed along the fluid path (21) between the inlet (22) and the outlet (23), a non-return valve (26, 27) to control the direction of flow along the fluid path (21), and a diaphragm actuating unit (30). The diaphragm actuating unit (30) comprises an unbalanced motor (31). A steam generator for a steam iron or a steamer comprising such a fluid pump is also disclosed.