Impeller pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impeller pumps used in household appliances require additional pumps for emptying the pump chamber, and efficient drainage is hindered by the need for complex closure mechanisms and additional outlets, leading to increased complexity and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
An impeller pump design featuring a rotatable and elastically movable auxiliary outlet flap with passive adjusting means, which automatically opens when no fluid is being pumped, allowing for efficient drainage without the need for external actuators or complex control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional outlet with closure means is provided in the pump chamber, then drainage functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet flap is designed to open and close automatically based on fluid flow direction and pressure differential, without requiring external actuators or control systems. During normal pumping, the flap remains closed; during drainage, it automatically opens to allow fluid exit, making the system self-regulating and reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The closure function is extracted from the main pump mechanism and implemented as a separate, passive outlet flap that operates independently through fluid dynamics principles, decoupling the drainage control from the pump drive system
2Extent of automation
If spring means are used to open the additional outlet flap, then automatic drainage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses passive fluid flow and pressure differential to automatically control the outlet flap position. The spring means provides a biasing force that works in conjunction with fluid pressure, eliminating the need for active sensors, actuators, or control systems while achieving automatic drainage functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The spring means acts as an intermediary element that translates fluid pressure changes into mechanical motion of the outlet flap, providing automatic control through a simple mechanical linkage rather than requiring complex automation systems
3Productivity
If the additional outlet flap is held closed during fluid pumping, then pumping efficiency is improved, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet flap is designed to dynamically respond to changing fluid flow conditions. During normal pumping, the flap remains closed to maintain pumping efficiency. During drainage operations, the flap automatically opens in response to reversed flow direction and pressure differential, minimizing flow resistance when drainage is required
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 simplifies the construction and operation of the impeller pump, reduces installation space, and ensures efficient fluid flow both during normal operation and drainage, minimizing flow resistance and the need for additional pumps.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary outlet flap 44 which is rotatable and elastically movable, with adjusting means for automatically opening the auxiliary outlet flap 44 when no fluid is being pumped from the inlet 14 to the outlet 16
Implementation Method 2
An impeller rotates within the pump chamber, typically driven by a pump motor... with blades of the impeller particularly preferably being shaped or bent in such a way that they can convey the fluid particularly efficiently from the inlet to the outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An impeller pump comprises a pump chamber with an inlet and outlet, and an impeller with a direction of rotation for pumping fluid from the inlet to the outlet. An additional outlet from the pump chamber, including an additional outlet flap, is provided. The additional outlet flap has a closed position and at least one open position and is rotatable or movable between these positions. In the closed position, it closes the additional outlet, and in each of the open positions, it at least partially opens the additional outlet. It has an actuating device and is force-loaded by this device such that the additional outlet flap automatically moves from the closed position to one of the open positions when the additional outlet flap is free of fluid flow in the direction of rotation of the impeller for pumping fluid from the inlet to the outlet.