Magnetic Coupling Pump Assembly for Dental Cleaning Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental cleaning appliances with fluid delivery systems generate noise and mechanical wear due to traditional mechanical coupling methods, and they lack efficient control over fluid ejection volumes and frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly using magnetic coupling members and an energy storage device to actuate a positive displacement pump, allowing for low-noise operation and precise control over fluid ejection, with a drive system that converts kinetic energy into potential energy for burst fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical coupling methods are used to connect the drive to the pump, then the pump can be actuated effectively, but noise and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling methods with magnetic coupling between the drive and pump. The drive includes a magnetic drive member that magnetically couples to a magnetic pump member, eliminating direct mechanical contact. This substitution reduces noise and mechanical wear while maintaining effective pump actuation through magnetic field interaction.
2Productivity
If continuous fluid delivery is implemented, then steady cleaning performance is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic fluid delivery through burst mode operation. The pump delivers fluid in controlled bursts rather than continuously, with the drive actuating the pump at specific intervals. This periodic action maintains effective cleaning performance while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates an energy storage device (spring) that is dynamically charged during pump operation and discharged to provide additional burst energy. This dynamic energy management allows the system to deliver high-performance fluid bursts without requiring continuous high power input, optimizing the balance between productivity and energy consumption.
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 reduces noise and mechanical wear, enables precise control over fluid ejection volumes and frequencies, and allows for efficient operation in various modes, including a purge mode with low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first coupling member connected to the pump and a second coupling member connected to the drive, the coupling members coupling together magnetically to enable the drive to actuate the pump
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage device for converting kinetic energy generated during actuation of the pump by the drive into potential energy, and storing the potential energy
Data Source
AI summary
A pump assembly for a dental cleaning appliance includes a fluid chamber, a piston, and a drive. Magnets, connected respectively to the piston and the drive, enable the drive to couple to the piston and move it within the fluid chamber to draw fluid into the fluid chamber. A stop prevents the piston from being pulled beyond a stop position so that through continued actuation of the drive the magnets separate to allow a spring to push the piston away from the stop position to urge a burst of fluid from the fluid chamber.