Liquid Feeder Upstream Flow Path Prevents Pump Idling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid-cooled heat radiating devices face issues with liquid evaporation in the duct, leading to insufficient liquid circulation and pump idling due to air accumulation, especially when using inexpensive rubber tubes as pipes.
Innovation Solution
The liquid feeder design includes a casing with a pump and a flow path configuration that prevents air from entering the pump by utilizing a complex upstream flow path structure with multiple flow paths and tank chambers, ensuring the pump remains immersed in liquid even when the device changes posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple flow path is used in the liquid feeder, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but air may accumulate in the pump causing pump idling and insufficient liquid circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into multiple segments including a first flow path, second flow path, third flow path, fourth flow path, fifth flow path, and sixth flow path. These segmented paths prevent air accumulation by distributing the liquid flow through multiple routes, ensuring the pump remains submerged and operational while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested flow path configuration where the third flow path is arranged inside the first flow path, and the fourth flow path is arranged inside the second flow path. This nested structure prevents air accumulation in the pump by creating concentric flow paths that guide liquid circulation effectively, while optimizing the use of internal space within the liquid feeder housing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the liquid feeder operates in various postures, then the adaptability is improved, but air may enter the pump due to gravity affecting liquid distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid feeder is designed with dynamic flow path arrangements that adapt to different operational postures. The multiple flow paths (first through sixth) are configured to maintain effective liquid circulation regardless of the device's orientation, ensuring the pump remains submerged and operational in various postures through gravity-assisted liquid distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow paths are arranged asymmetrically within the housing, with the third flow path positioned inside the first flow path and the fourth flow path inside the second flow path. This asymmetric nested configuration ensures that liquid flow is maintained effectively in various postures by leveraging gravity and the specific spatial arrangement, preventing air entry into the pump regardless of orientation.
3Ease of manufacture
If inexpensive rubber tubes are used as pipes, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but liquid evaporation occurs leading to air accumulation and pump idling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the external piping component by integrating the flow paths directly into the liquid feeder housing. The first through sixth flow paths are formed within the housing itself, removing the need for separate rubber tube connections that would be prone to evaporation and leakage, thereby maintaining reliable liquid circulation while keeping manufacturing simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the piping function with the housing structure by forming the first through sixth flow paths directly within the liquid feeder housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate rubber tube connections, preventing liquid evaporation and air accumulation at connection points, while maintaining ease of manufacture through a unified structural design.
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
This configuration effectively suppresses pump idling by maintaining liquid circulation and preventing air accumulation, ensuring consistent operation regardless of the device's posture.
Implementation Method 1
a pump in the flow path of the first casing and circulates the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid feeder includes a first casing with a flow path, and a pump. An upstream flow path located upstream of the pump and communicating with a pump inlet includes a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, a fourth flow path, a fifth flow path, and a sixth flow path that are located on one side in a first direction, another side in the first direction, one side in a second direction, another side in the third direction, one side in the third direction, and another side in the third direction with respect to the pump inlet, respectively.