Modular Mobile Spray Pump Assembly for Fill-and-Spray Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile spray systems face issues such as inadequate fluid spray velocity and volume, inefficient fluid tank filling, lack of durability, and limited flexibility for various usage needs, particularly in military CBRN decontamination scenarios where harsh chemicals and long-distance spraying are required.
Innovation Solution
A modular spray system with a fluid tank assembly and a fluid pump system featuring gear pumps, cylindrical valves, and a connection assembly with a latch mechanism, allowing for quick attachment and detachment, and a control panel for automated one-button operation to manage fluid flow states, including simultaneous filling and spraying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mobile spray system uses a single pump and tank design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and operational flexibility are insufficient for simultaneous filling and spraying operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid handling function into two separate pumps (fill pump and spray pump) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows simultaneous filling and spraying operations without interference, directly resolving the productivity limitation while maintaining manageable complexity through functional separation
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold block serves multiple functions: it distributes fluid to both the fill pump and spray pump, provides valve control for different operational modes (filling, spraying, simultaneous operation, recirculation), and enables flexible configuration. This multi-functionality achieves operational versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If the spray system uses a fixed tank connection design, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation and mobility are reduced for rapid deployment scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a fixed rigid design to a dynamic modular design with quick-connect couplings. The fluid disconnect fittings allow rapid attachment and detachment operations while maintaining sealed fluid connections, enabling mobile deployment and reconfiguration without compromising connection reliability through proper sealing mechanisms
3Productivity
If the spray system uses a single fluid connection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is limited for operations requiring both filling and spraying
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid connection system is segmented into multiple independent connections: a first fluid connection for filling operations and a second fluid connection for spraying operations. This allows parallel fluid transfer pathways, enabling simultaneous filling and spraying at full rates without bottlenecking through a single connection
4Reliability
If the pump system uses basic pumping components, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the reliability is insufficient for harsh chemical environments
Solution Approach 1:
The pump components, particularly the impellers and contact surfaces, utilize composite material construction combining corrosion-resistant materials (such as stainless steel or chemical-resistant polymers) with mechanically strong substrates. This composite approach ensures reliability in harsh chemical environments while maintaining manufacturability through standardized composite component fabrication processes
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 system enhances pumping performance, mobility, and reliability by enabling rapid fluid transfer and flexible operation, suitable for CBRN decontamination with improved durability and efficiency in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
the first pump and the second pump are both gear pumps
Data Source
AI summary
A spray system includes a fluid tank assembly with a reservoir defining a fluid storage volume and a fluid pump system releasably connectable to the reservoir. The fluid pump system comprises a pump, an inlet configured to receive fluid from the reservoir and an outlet configured to deliver pressurized fluid to a spray nozzle. A releasable coupling mechanism establishes fluid communication between the reservoir and the pump when engaged and allows for tool-less disconnection for maintenance, cleaning or replacement. The system permits rapid detachment of the pump from the tank assembly, enhancing portability, refilling convenience, and ease of servicing.