Magnetically Coupled Pump Assembly for Aquariums
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pump assemblies, particularly those used in aquariums and similar applications, face challenges in terms of mechanical mounting, material usage, weight, and the need for electrical components to be submerged in water.
Innovation Solution
The development of magnetically coupled liquid pump assemblies, where two separate housings are connected magnetically, allowing the drive motor to be placed outside the container while the pump impeller is inside, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and submersion of electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical fasteners are used to mount the pump on a container, then the pump can be securely held in place, but the container may be damaged and the pump becomes heavier with more materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (screws, clips, or other mechanical attachments) with a magnetic field-based mounting system. The drive motor housing contains magnets that magnetically attract to the container surface, eliminating the need for mechanical penetrations or attachments that could damage the container. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining secure mounting while eliminating container damage.
2Reliability
If mechanical fasteners are used to mount the pump, then the pump can be held in place, but the overall weight and material usage of the pump increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical fastening components (brackets, screws, clips) with lightweight magnetic components integrated into the drive motor housing. The magnets used for mounting are significantly lighter than equivalent mechanical fastening systems, reducing the overall pump weight while maintaining secure attachment through magnetic attraction forces.
3Device complexity
If electrical components are placed inside the container, then the pump structure is simpler, but the motor housing must be sealed against water submersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pump into two separate housings: a drive motor housing containing electrical components that remains outside the container, and a pump housing containing the impeller that sits inside the container. This segmentation allows the electrical components to remain in a dry environment without requiring waterproof sealing, while simplifying the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex sealed motor housings.
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 solution provides a lightweight, material-efficient pump assembly that can be placed anywhere on a container without damaging it, ensuring reliable operation and reduced risk of mechanical failure.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet of the first housing is magnetically coupled to a magnet in the second housing so that the magnet in the second housing rotates with the magnet in the first housing
Implementation Method 2
The attraction force of the magnets through the container wall holds the pump in place
Implementation Method 3
A fan is connected to the magnet to draw air through the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fluid pump assembly. The pump has a pair of housings magnetically coupled to each other. The first housing contains a drive motor and a magnetic assembly. The second housing contains a magnetic assembly and a blade for imparting movement to a fluid. As the first magnetic assembly is rotated by the drive motor, the magnetic connection to the assembly in the second housing causes the second magnet to rotate, driving the blade.