Bracketless Magnetic Pump for Aquarium Water Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aquarium pumps are bulky, heat-producing, and require mechanical brackets or direct electrical connections, which detract from the aesthetic and operational efficiency of aquarium water circulation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pump assembly using magnetic assemblies to couple a drive motor and propeller without mechanical aids, allowing for magnetic attraction-based attachment to the aquarium walls, enabling flexible placement and efficient water circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical bracket is used to support the pump, then the pump can be mounted securely, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised and placement flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bracket support system with a magnetic field-based support system. Magnets embedded in the pump housing attract to the aquarium glass, eliminating the need for external mechanical brackets and improving aesthetic appearance while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the pump and the aquarium glass. This magnetic intermediary transmits the supporting force without requiring direct mechanical contact or visible brackets, resolving the contradiction between secure mounting and aesthetic appearance.
2Productivity
If the motor is placed within the aquarium, then water circulation is improved, but heat is directly transferred to the water and the pump becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pump into two separate housings: one inside the aquarium and one outside. The motor is placed in the external housing, isolating the heat source from the water while the internal housing maintains effective water circulation. The magnetic coupling transmits power across the aquarium wall boundary.
Solution Approach 2:
The aquarium glass wall serves as an intermediary that transmits magnetic force from the external motor to the internal propeller while providing thermal isolation. This allows the motor to remain outside the water (preventing heat transfer) while still effectively driving the propeller inside the aquarium for efficient water circulation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrical connections are brought into the aquarium, then the motor can be powered, but safety risks increase and aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical connections that would penetrate the aquarium with a magnetic field-based power transmission system. The motor remains outside the aquarium, powered by electrical connections that do not enter the water, eliminating electrical safety risks while the magnetic field transmits power to the propeller inside.
4Ease of operation
If brackets are used to support the pump, then the pump can be mounted, but placement flexibility is reduced to specific locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the location-constrained mechanical bracket system with a magnetic attachment system that can adhere to any section of the aquarium glass surface. This provides continuous placement flexibility along the aquarium walls while maintaining secure mounting capability through magnetic attraction.
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 magnetic coupling allows for a compact, heat-free, and aesthetically pleasing pump placement, optimizing water circulation by eliminating the need for mechanical supports and direct electrical contact, enhancing the aquarium environment.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic drive assembly and a magnetic driven assembly spaced apart and in magnetic coupling relationship
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic drive assembly and the magnetic driven assembly are detachably held together by magnetic attraction
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.