Variable flow rate mechanical pump assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steam appliance pumps lack the ability to efficiently control flow rates without relying on complex electronic circuitry and voltage conversion, which increases production costs and reduces reliability.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical pump assembly featuring a synchronous motor with a cam-driven piston system, an adjuster mechanism to vary the piston stroke, and an actuator for adjusting flow rates, eliminating the need for electronic control and voltage conversion circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a DC powered pump with electronic control circuitry is used to achieve variable flow rate, then flow rate control capability is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate control capabilityVSAvoidelectronic control circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic control circuitry with a purely mechanical variable stroke piston pump system. The cam mechanism with adjustable eccentricity settings provides variable flow rate control through mechanical means alone, eliminating the need for DC motors, voltage conversion circuitry, and electronic controllers. This mechanical substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving adaptability through mechanical design rather than electronic complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves variable flow rate by changing the stroke length parameter of the piston through adjustable cam eccentricity. Multiple fixed eccentricity positions on the cam allow the piston stroke to be mechanically adjusted between different lengths, thereby varying the flow rate without electronic control. This parameter change approach provides adaptability while maintaining mechanical simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If voltage conversion circuitry is added to enable variable settings control, then flow rate variability is improved, but reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate variabilityVSAvoidpump system reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates voltage conversion circuitry and electronic components by using a mechanical cam-driven piston system with adjustable stroke length. The reliability improvement comes from removing fragile electronic parts that require power conversion, replacing them with robust mechanical components that have no electrical connections or conversion requirements. The adjustable cam provides flow rate variability through purely mechanical means, enhancing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a variable stroke piston pump is used to achieve variable flow rate, then flow rate control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable flow rate controlVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cam mechanism into multiple discrete eccentricity positions, each corresponding to a specific stroke length and flow rate setting. This segmentation allows the variable flow rate functionality to be achieved through a series of simple, standardized mechanical positions rather than a continuous adjustment mechanism. The segmented design simplifies manufacturing compared to continuously variable systems while still providing effective flow rate control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the cam eccentricity to be changed between different fixed positions, giving the pump dynamic adaptability. The adjuster mechanism enables the piston stroke to be varied by selecting different cam eccentricity settings, providing flow rate control without requiring complex manufacturing. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through a simple mechanical interface that adds minimal manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables variable flow rate control in steam appliances using a simple, reliable, and cost-effective mechanical system, reducing production costs and enhancing pump performance.

Implementation Method 1

The motor is preferably a synchronous, constant speed motor operable by a line voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSynchronous motor operation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a cam coupled to the output shaft for rotating the cam when the motor is energized, and a driver with spaced ledges engaging the cam and driven linearly by the rotating cam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS11401928B2Variable flow rate mechanical pump assembly

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC

AI summary

A mechanical pump includes a motor with an output shaft, a cam coupled to the output shaft for rotating the cam when the motor is energized, and a driver with spaced ledges engaging the cam and driven linearly by the rotating cam. The piston is driven by the driver. A cylinder receives the piston therein and includes an inlet section for drawing fluid into the cylinder and an outlet section for pumping fluid out of the cylinder as the piston reciprocates in the cylinder.