Gas Driven Pump Shared Wall Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressed gas operated pumps for pumping soda syrup to soda dispensers are costly due to the process of over-molding flexible barriers over pistons and the housing design with multiple cylinders, which increases manufacturing expenses.
Innovation Solution
A gas driven pump design featuring first and second cylinders with a shared common wall, where pistons are mounted on a shaft and have flexible barriers that are not attached but provide a hermetic seal, along with a manifold switching mechanism for efficient gas communication, and an automatic shut-off valve for liquid depletion detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible barriers are over-molded over pistons, then hermetic seal is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into separate modular components: the piston assembly, the flexible barrier, and the housing. The flexible barrier is manufactured as a separate component that is then assembled onto the piston, rather than being over-molded as an integrated piece. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler, less expensive processes while achieving the same hermetic seal function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible barrier is extracted from the piston assembly as a separate component. Instead of being permanently attached through over-molding, the flexible barrier is removed and replaced as a distinct element that can be assembled separately. This extraction simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the complex over-molding operation while maintaining the hermetic seal through alternative sealing mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If housing has two separate cylinders and middle chamber, then gas communication is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second cylinders are merged into a single integrated housing structure with a common wall, eliminating the need for separate cylinder housings and intermediate chambers. The gas communication function is maintained through channels formed within the unified housing structure, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying manufacturing while achieving the same adaptability for gas communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural framework for both cylinders, creates the common wall separating the gas and liquid chambers, and incorporates the gas communication channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If pistons are mounted on shaft and reciprocate as unitary structure, then pumping efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piston assembly is segmented into modular components that can be manufactured separately and then assembled onto the shaft. The piston and shaft are produced as distinct parts with standardized interfaces, allowing for easier assembly and reduced precision requirements compared to monolithic construction. The modular design maintains the unitary reciprocating action while simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston design incorporates self-aligning and self-sealing features that automatically maintain proper positioning and sealing during operation. The flexible barrier and sealing mechanisms are designed to self-adjust to manufacturing tolerances, reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing precision while ensuring reliable operation of the unitary piston-shaft assembly.
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 design reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for over-molding and simplifying the structure, while maintaining a robust and reliable pumping mechanism with efficient gas and liquid chamber communication, and automatic shut-off for liquid replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
The flex barriers are hermetically secured to the interior surfaces of the cylinders to provide a hermetic seal between cylinders to provide a hermetic seal between the respective gas and liquid chambers
Implementation Method 2
Compressed gas is introduced into the gas system to drive the pistons
Implementation Method 3
Compressed gas is introduced into the gas system to drive the pistons
Implementation Method 4
When the liquid source is empty, a vacuum is created which actuates an automatic shut off valve
Data Source
AI summary
A pump operated with compressed gas is disclosed herein. The pump has two separate cylinders which share a common wall. Pistons are attached to a common shaft that runs through the common wall. The pistons are disposed within each of the cylinders. The pistons divide the cylinders into gas and liquid chambers. The liquid chambers of the cylinder form a liquid system and are in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and outlet. The gas chambers of the cylinders form a gas system and are in communication with gas inlet and outlet. A manifold switching mechanism controls routing of compressed gas to either one of the gas chambers to operate the gas operated pump. The pump may also have an automatic shutoff valve which shuts off operation of the pump when liquid from a liquid source has been depleted.