Helical Blade Armature Fluid Pump Impedance Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid pumps, such as fuel pumps for motor vehicles, face inefficiencies due to the armature being in the flow path of the fluid, which increases energy consumption and reduces pumping efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The fluid pump design incorporates an armature with a plurality of blades arranged in a polar array, extending in a helix about the axis, which defines fluid chambers and reduces impedance, thereby enhancing flow efficiency and decreasing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the armature is placed in the flow path of the fluid, then the electric motor can be integrated within the pump housing, but the armature creates impedance to fluid flow, reducing pumping efficiency and increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The armature is segmented into multiple discrete blades arranged in a polar array around the rotational axis. This segmentation allows the armature to maintain its motor function while reducing impedance to fluid flow, as the gaps between blades permit fluid passage rather than presenting a solid barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The armature blades are designed with specific geometric properties (helical extension, polar array arrangement) that optimize local fluid interaction. Each blade's orientation and shape are tailored to minimize disruption to fluid flow while maintaining the rotational force necessary for motor operation.
2Device complexity
If the armature is placed in the flow path, then the motor structure is simplified and compact, but the energy consumption increases due to flow impedance
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the armature into multiple blades creates channels for fluid flow through the armature structure itself, reducing the energy loss associated with fluid displacement and turbulence that would occur with a solid armature barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical arrangement of blades creates a curved, spiral flow path through the armature that reduces turbulence and promotes smoother fluid passage, thereby decreasing energy consumption compared to straight or angular blade configurations.
3Device complexity
If conventional armature design is used, then the motor is compact, but the flow rate is reduced due to armature impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented blade structure creates multiple flow channels through the armature, allowing fluid to pass through the motor section rather than being blocked by it. This maintains compact motor dimensions while significantly increasing the effective flow rate through the pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The armature serves dual functions: generating rotational force for pumping while simultaneously acting as a flow conduit. The blades both drive the impeller rotation and guide fluid flow through the motor section, eliminating the need for separate flow channels and maintaining compactness.
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 increases pumping efficiency, enhances fluid flow, reduces torque, and decreases energy consumption by minimizing the impedance caused by the armature in the fluid flow path.
Implementation Method 1
one of the armature and the stator includes a plurality of windings which when energized with electricity cause the rotor to rotate about an axis
Implementation Method 2
each of the plurality of blades extends in a helix about the axis such that the plurality of blades define a plurality of chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pump includes a fluid pump inlet and a fluid pump outlet. A motor includes an armature and a stator such that the armature rotates about an axis. A pump section includes a pump section having a pumping element coupled to the armature such that rotation of the armature rotates the pumping element such that the pumping element pumps fluid from the fluid inlet to a pump section outlet of the pump section. A fluid passage within the fluid pump provides fluid communication from the pump section outlet to the fluid pump outlet such that the armature in part defines the fluid passage. The armature includes blades arranged in a polar array centered about the axis such that each of the blades extends in a helix about the axis and such that the blades define chambers. The chambers are in constant fluid communication with the pump section outlet.