Magnetic Aquarium Pump Assembly Without Brackets or Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aquarium pumps are bulky, heat-producing, and require mechanical brackets or power cords, which detract from the aesthetic and functionality of reef aquariums by limiting pump placement and circulation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically coupled fluid pump assembly that uses magnetic attraction to secure casings and transmit driving force from a motor to a propeller without mechanical aids, allowing for flexible placement and efficient water circulation within aquariums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the motor is placed within the aquarium, then the pump can be compact, but it adds unwanted heat to the aquarium through direct contact with the motor stator
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into two separate casings: a first casing containing the motor positioned outside the aquarium, and a second casing containing the propeller positioned inside the aquarium. This segmentation allows the motor to be compact while preventing heat transfer to the aquarium water, as the motor stator does not directly contact the water.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical brackets are used to support the pump, then the pump structure is stable, but the design becomes bulky and aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical bracket support structure is completely removed from the design. Instead, the pump utilizes magnetic attraction between the first magnetic assembly (in the first casing) and the second magnetic assembly (in the second casing) to maintain structural stability and alignment without requiring external brackets or mechanical supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical bracket support system is replaced with a magnetic field-based alignment and support system. The magnetic assemblies provide both the driving force transmission and the structural alignment, eliminating the need for mechanical brackets and reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the motor and propeller are magnetically coupled through the glass, then electricity does not need to be brought into the aquarium, but the pump becomes bulky due to the motor placement
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling is arranged in a radial configuration where the first magnetic assembly and second magnetic assembly are positioned coaxially with their magnetic faces oriented toward each other. This radial arrangement allows for more efficient magnetic coupling and compact positioning compared to traditional axial arrangements, reducing the overall pump volume while maintaining electrical isolation.
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 solution provides a compact, heat-free, and aesthetically pleasing pump that can be placed anywhere on the aquarium, optimizing fluid flow and maintaining water chemistry and nutrient distribution for aquatic organisms.
Implementation Method 1
The drive motor and the propeller are magnetically coupled to each other by the first and second magnetic assemblies through the spacer for drivingly coupling the drive motor to the propeller
Implementation Method 2
The first and second casings are detachably held together solely by clamping the spacer from opposite sides thereof by a magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pump assembly is used in combination with a container having a wall. The pump assembly comprises a first casing disposed outside the container in contact with the wall, a first magnetic assembly mounted to the first casing and operatively associated with a drive motor, a second casing disposed inside the container in contact with the wall, and a second magnetic assembly mounted to the second casing and operatively associated with an propeller. The first magnetic assembly includes a rotatable magnetic drive member drivingly coupled to the drive motor. The magnetic drive member is magnetically coupled to the magnetic driven member through the wall for imparting a rotary driving force of the drive motor to the propeller. Furthermore, the second casing is detachably connected to the second side of the wall of the container solely by magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic assemblies.