Variable-Speed Kidney-Loop Filtration With Brushless Magnetic Pump Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration systems for industrial and mobile fluids require specific design for each application due to factors like fluid type, viscosity, and volume, necessitating non-scalable configurations and large, costly pumps, which hinder portability and quick setup.
Innovation Solution
A variable speed pump with a direct current motor and a filter assembly form a kidney-loop circuit, allowing fluid flow adjustment between 0.05 gpm and 0.45 gpm, using a control circuit to vary motor voltage, and employing a brushless motor for magnetic drive without a driveshaft or transmission, with manual or automated sensor-controlled flow adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional kidney loop filtration systems use high capacity pumps to circulate 3-8 gpm of fluid, then the filtration capacity is sufficient for large volumes, but the pump size, cost, and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable speed pump that can dynamically adjust its flow rate between 0.05 gpm and 0.45 gpm based on the specific filtration needs. This dynamic capability allows the system to use a much smaller pump (less than 0.10 hp) while still achieving effective filtration by matching the flow rate to the actual requirements rather than always operating at high capacity.
2Reliability
If the filtration system is designed for specific applications with fixed parameters, then the system performs optimally for that particular application, but the system cannot be easily moved or adapted to different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The variable speed pump allows the system to adapt to different applications by adjusting flow rate dynamically. Combined with interchangeable filter assemblies and adjustable filtration parameters, the system can be optimized for each specific application while maintaining portable, single-unit operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal filtration system that can handle different fluid types (hydraulic fluids, lubrication fluids, liquid fuels) and different volumes by adjusting the pump speed and filter configuration. The system includes adaptable connections and can be configured for various filtration requirements within the 0.05-0.45 gpm range.
3Weight of moving object
If the pump size is reduced to improve portability, then the system becomes more portable and cost-effective, but the filtration capacity and flow rate decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The variable speed pump compensates for its small size by being able to operate at optimized speeds for different filtration scenarios. The pump delivers 0.05-0.45 gpm which is sufficient for portable applications, and the system achieves effective filtration by matching flow rate to the specific application needs rather than relying on high volume.
4Reliability
If the system requires manual setup and adjustment for each new application, then the system can be customized for optimal performance, but the setup time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable speed pump with adjustable flow rate (0.05-0.45 gpm) allows quick adaptation to different applications. The system includes adjustable filtration parameters and interchangeable filter assemblies that can be configured for different fluid types and contamination levels, enabling rapid setup while maintaining optimized performance for each specific application.
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 system achieves scalable filtration for different fluids and volumes, reducing size and cost, enabling quick setup and portability, and providing efficient contamination reduction with adaptable filter connections and protection features.
Implementation Method 1
a variable speed pump having a direct current motor... A control circuit in communication with the direct current motor varies a voltage supplied to the direct current motor such that the speed of the direct current motor is variable
Implementation Method 2
The direct current motor comprises a brushless motor and the variable speed pump is magnetically driven by the direct current motor, whereby no driveshaft or transmission is employed
Implementation Method 3
a filter assembly having an input in communication with an output of the variable speed pump and an output in communication with the source of fluid... the filter assembly reduces at least one of particle contamination and water from the fluid to be filtered
Data Source
AI summary
A filtration system includes a variable speed pump having a direct current motor in communication with a source of fluid to be filtered, and a filter assembly having in communication the variable speed pump and with the source of fluid, such that the source of fluid, the variable speed pump and the filter assembly define a kidney-loop filtration circuit in which the fluid is circulated and filtered. A control circuit in communication with the direct current motor varies a voltage supplied to the direct current motor such that the speed of the direct current motor is variable and consequently the flow of fluid through the variable speed pump and through the filter assembly is variable between 0.05 gpm and 0.45 gpm. The direct current motor draws current and produces an output of less than 0.10 hp.