Hydraulic Pump Integrated Buffer Tank Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic pumps with buffer tanks require calibration and maintenance to operate within specific pressure ranges, are prone to air leakage, and result in bulky system configurations, leading to inefficiencies and bacterial growth issues.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic pump with an integrated buffer tank featuring multiple elastically expansible storage chambers and distinct elastic opposing devices, allowing for automatic pressure regulation and compact design, eliminating the need for calibration and reducing maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single large buffer tank is used to withstand water hammer, then the system can handle pressure surges, but the system becomes bulky and the tank cannot be completely drained leading to bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the buffer tank into multiple separate chambers (typically 3-5 chambers), each capable of independently absorbing pressure surges. This segmentation allows the system to maintain water hammer resistance while reducing the total volume required and enabling complete drainage of each chamber, thereby preventing bacterial growth in stagnant water.
2Strength
If the buffer tank is oversized to withstand water hammer, then pressure surge protection is achieved, but the tank volume increases and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer tank is segmented into multiple smaller chambers that collectively provide the necessary pressure surge capacity. Each chamber contributes to the overall strength and pressure absorption capability, allowing the system to withstand water hammer events without requiring a single large-volume tank, thus reducing installation space requirements.
3Ease of operation
If air is used in the pressure tank to act as an elastic spring, then pressure regulation is achieved, but air leakage occurs over time requiring recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional air cushion with disposable or replaceable elastic elements (such as elastomeric membranes or springs) that are pre-filled with air or designed to provide elastic compression. These elements are sealed within the chamber structure, preventing air leakage, and can be replaced if they degrade, thereby maintaining long-term calibration stability without requiring periodic recalibration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure tank with membrane is used to separate water and air, then pressure buffering is achieved, but the system requires calibration and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable or easily replaceable elastic elements (membranes or springs) that eliminate the need for complex calibration procedures. These elements are designed to be maintenance-free during their service life and can be quickly replaced by end-users without requiring technical expertise, thereby reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining pressure buffering capability.
5Ease of operation
If the pump operates frequently to maintain pressure, then pressure stability is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-charges multiple buffer chambers with elastic elements (air or springs) during manufacturing or initial setup. These pre-charged chambers are ready to immediately absorb pressure drops and release stored energy when pressure decreases, reducing the frequency and duration of pump operations needed to maintain pressure stability, thereby lowering energy consumption.
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 pump operates efficiently across various pressure ranges without calibration, maintains pressure stability, and minimizes maintenance needs, while its compact design enhances system integration and prevents bacterial growth.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic opposing system of an expansion of a storage volume of the buffer tank so that an increase in pressure of the liquid in the tank corresponds to an expansion of the storage volume overcoming the opposition of the opposing system
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydraulic pump with an integrated buffer tank, comprising a path for the liquid from at least one suction inlet of the liquid into the pump to a discharge outlet of the liquid from the pump and, along said path, - downstream of said inlet, a pressure section configured to increase the pressure of the liquid, - downstream of said pressure section, a buffer tank of pressurized liquid comprising an elastically variable storage volume and an elastic opposing system of the expansion of the said storage volume, so that an increase in the pressure of the liquid in said tank corresponds to an expansion of the storage volume overcoming the opposition of said opposing system, while a decrease in the pressure of the liquid in the tank corresponds to a contraction of said storage volume, characterized in that said buffer tank comprises a plurality of distinct liquid storage chambers, each at least partly elastically expansible, all at the same discharge pressure of the liquid, said chambers being subject to said opposing system adapted to oppose their expansion