Integrated Sump Pump Controller with Tandem Volute
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sump pump systems face challenges such as increased complexity and reduced reliability due to multiple switches and electrical connections, limited notification capabilities during power outages, and incompatibility with smaller sump pits, which hinder the effectiveness of backup DC powered systems and advanced communication technologies.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a backup DC powered sump pump system within a primary AC powered system, along with a control and notification system that determines when to activate the backup and notifies homeowners, featuring a tandem pump assembly with a shared volute configuration and separate check valves for space efficiency, and a modular control/power system for enhanced reliability and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backup DC powered sump pump system is integrated into a primary AC powered system, then reliability during power outages is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple switches and electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the primary AC powered pump and backup DC powered pump into a single integrated sump pump system with a shared volute and common discharge outlet. The controller merges power management, notification control, and pump activation logic into one unit, reducing the need for separate switches and electrical connections while maintaining reliability during power outages.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller performs multiple functions: it manages power distribution between AC and DC pumps, controls notification devices (lights, alarms), monitors system status, and activates the appropriate pump based on power availability and water level conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control circuits for each pump and notification device.
2Loss of information
If notification systems are added to alert homeowners during power outages or high water conditions, then information availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notification devices (visual lights, audible alarms) are integrated into the same controller that manages pump operation. This merging allows the controller to use the backup battery power to drive both the DC pump and notification devices simultaneously, providing comprehensive status information without requiring separate power and control circuits for notifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines when notification is needed based on sensor inputs (power status, water level, pump operation state) and activates appropriate alerts without requiring additional control logic or manual intervention. The controller self-manages the notification sequence and duration based on the detected condition.
3Volume of moving object
If a tandem pump assembly with shared volute configuration is used, then space efficiency is improved for smaller sump pits, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a shared volute that combines the discharge passages for both AC and DC pumps into a single common outlet. This merging of discharge paths allows both pumps to operate simultaneously or alternatively through one outlet, maximizing space utilization in the sump pit while maintaining proper flow separation through internal baffles or flow directors within the volute.
Solution Approach 2:
The tandem pump assembly employs an asymmetric arrangement where the AC and DC pumps are positioned at different orientations or heights within the sump pit, with the shared volute configured to accommodate this asymmetric layout. This asymmetric design optimizes space utilization by fitting the pumps into available vertical and horizontal spaces while maintaining efficient water flow paths to the common discharge outlet.
Data Source
AI summary
A sump pump system having a primary pump, a fluid level sensor, and a primary controller electrically connected to the primary pump for activating the pump when the fluid level sensor indicates a predetermine fluid level has been reached, the primary controller having a primary interface for communicating with a secondary pump. In some forms, the system includes a secondary pump having a secondary controller electrically connected to the secondary pump and having a secondary interface, the primary and secondary interfaces allowing the primary and secondary pump controllers to communicate with one another and allowing at least one of the primary and secondary pump controllers to assume control of both the primary and secondary pump. Related methods are further described herein.