Gear Pump Flow Indicator Using Independent Rotating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metering gear pumps often fail to accurately monitor fluid flow, leading to potential production line shutdowns due to inadequate fluid flow detection, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A gear pump design incorporating a flow indicating element, such as a gear, that rotates independently of the driven and idler gears, coupled with an electronic control to detect fluid flow and alert operators or automatically shut down the system if flow rates fall below a predetermined level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow meters or pressure transducers are used to monitor fluid flow, then flow monitoring accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flow indicating element that is a simplified copy or representation of the actual fluid flow path. This element rotates in response to fluid flow without requiring complex sensing mechanisms, providing flow indication through a simple mechanical indicator that is easier to manufacture and maintain than electronic flow meters or pressure transducers
Solution Approach 2:
The flow indicating element is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical component that can be easily replaced if needed. It uses basic mechanical elements rather than expensive electronic sensors, making it a cost-effective solution for flow monitoring in gear pumps
2Reliability
If flow meters or pressure transducers are used to monitor fluid flow, then flow monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow indicating element provides flow monitoring capability through a simple mechanical copy of the flow path that rotates with fluid movement. This eliminates the need for expensive electronic flow meters or pressure transducers while maintaining reliable flow monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical flow indicating element is designed to be inexpensive to manufacture using simple mechanical components. It provides reliable flow monitoring without the high cost of electronic sensing devices, making it suitable for cost-sensitive applications
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
This solution provides a simple and cost-effective method to monitor fluid flow, enabling timely detection of flow issues and preventing unnecessary production line shutdowns by using a flow indicating gear and electronic control to detect fluid flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
The flow indicating element is configured to be rotated by the viscous fluid to indicate when the fluid is moving from the inlet port and inlet space to the outlet space and outlet port
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A gear pump for metering viscous fluid. The gear pump includes a housing with an inlet port for receiving the viscous fluid and an outlet port for discharging the viscous fluid. A driven gear and an idler gear are each mounted for rotation in the housing. The driven gear and the idler gear include respective gear teeth in a meshing relationship and forming an inlet space and an outlet space in the housing and adjacent to the meshing gear teeth. The inlet space is in fluid communication with the inlet port and the outlet space is in fluid communication with the outlet port. A flow indicating element is located in the housing and is mounted for rotation independent of the driven gear and the idler gear. The flow indicating element is configured to be rotated by the viscous fluid to indicate when the fluid is moving from the inlet port and inlet space to the outlet space and outlet port. Methods of indicating flow of viscous fluid through a gear pump are also provided.