Magnetic Aquarium Pump Mounting for Flexible Water Circulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aquarium pumps are less than ideal due to mechanical brackets that obstruct viewing and require fixed placement, limiting water circulation flexibility and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A magnetically supported fluid pump assembly with an outer and inner mount, utilizing permanent magnets and soft magnetic materials to allow bracketless mounting on any desired position on the aquarium glass, enabling flexible water circulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical brackets are used to support the pump, then the pump can be securely mounted, but the brackets obstruct viewing of the aquarium contents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidviewing obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical bracket support system with a magnetic field-based support system. Permanent magnets mounted on the aquarium glass create magnetic attraction forces that hold the pump in position without any physical contact or visible brackets, eliminating viewing obstructions while maintaining secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the pump and the aquarium glass. Instead of direct mechanical contact through brackets, the magnetic field acts as a mediator to transmit the supporting force, allowing the pump to be held securely without physical supports that would block the view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanical brackets are used to support the pump, then the pump can be mounted in fixed positions, but the pump location is limited by bracket placement requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidpump position flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed-position mounting system into a dynamic, adjustable system. The magnetic mounts allow the pump to be easily repositioned to any location on the aquarium glass by simply moving it to the desired position and releasing, providing full adaptability while maintaining stable mounting through magnetic attraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic mounting system serves multiple functions: it provides secure mounting, allows easy repositioning, works with any glass surface, and enables flexible pump placement anywhere on the aquarium. This universal approach replaces the specialized, location-constrained bracket system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the pump is located at a fixed position determined by bracket location, then the mounting structure is simplified, but water circulation flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting structureVSAvoidwater circulation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid mechanical bracket structure with a flexible magnetic positioning system. This allows the pump to be moved to different locations to optimize water circulation patterns for different aquarium configurations, while the magnetic mounting itself remains simple and requires no complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Provides unobstructed viewing and adjustable water circulation without mechanical supports, enhancing aquarium aesthetics and circulation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The outer mount includes at least one outer permanent magnet, the inner mount includes at least one inner permanent magnet, and the pump includes at least one soft magnetic material. The outer permanent magnet, the inner permanent magnet, and the soft magnetic material collectively form a magnetic circuit.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

magnetic attractive forces between the at least one outer permanent magnet and the at least one inner permanent magnet are sufficiently strong to permit mounting of the outer mount and the inner mount on opposite sides of a glass tank wall of the aquarium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

the pump includes at least one soft magnetic material. The outer permanent magnet, the inner permanent magnet, and the soft magnetic material collectively form a magnetic circuit.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux conduction: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250305517A1Fluid pump assemblies and kits, and related methods

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 ECOTECH LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to fluid pump assemblies in general, and in exemplary embodiments to fluid pump assemblies that are magnetically supported in position, and to related kits and methods useful to circulate water in aquariums. The fluid pump assembly comprises an outer mount, an inner mount, and a pump. The outer mount includes at least one outer permanent magnet; the inner mount includes at least one inner permanent magnet; and the pump includes at least one soft magnetic material. The outer permanent magnet, the inner permanent magnet, and the soft magnetic material collectively form a magnetic circuit.