Modular Pump Assembly for Variable High-Pressure Drill Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-pressure pumps for liquid propelled drills/hammers are inefficient, costly, and bulky due to the use of diesel engines and non-modular designs, particularly when operating small to medium size hammers.
Innovation Solution
A modular pumping assembly comprising multiple independent pump modules, each driven by an electric motor, connected in parallel through an outlet manifold, with a control system enabling communication and coordination between modules, and equipped with pressure relief valves and battery backup for versatile operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single large high-pressure pump is used to meet high capacity requirements, then the pump can supply large liquid flows for large hammers, but the pump becomes costly, bulky, and heavy, and transportation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large pump into multiple smaller pump modules that can be connected in parallel. Each module has its own electric motor and can operate independently or together. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high liquid flow capacity when needed (by connecting multiple modules) while keeping individual module weight manageable for easy transportation and handling.
2Power
If a diesel engine drives the pump to provide high power output, then sufficient power is available for high-pressure operation, but the system becomes bulky, heavy, and less efficient particularly at part load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the diesel engine (mechanical/combustion system) with electric motors that can be connected to each pump module. Electric motors provide sufficient power for high-pressure operation and maintain high efficiency across varying load conditions, eliminating the energy losses associated with diesel engines particularly at part load operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different sized pumps are manufactured to handle various hammer sizes, then all capacity requirements can be met, but manufacturing and distributing different pump sizes becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal pump module design that can serve multiple functions and capacity requirements. Identical standardized modules can be connected in parallel to achieve different total capacities, eliminating the need to manufacture and distribute multiple different pump sizes. This universal design reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability to various hammer sizes and capacity requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If two pumps are mounted in a common enclosure to handle both large and small hammer requirements, then versatility is achieved, but the enclosure becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pump system into separate, independently transportable modules rather than housing multiple pumps in a single large enclosure. Each module contains its own pump and motor, allowing them to be transported separately and assembled at the worksite. This approach achieves operational flexibility while minimizing the size and weight of individual transport units.
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 modular design allows for efficient operation across varying capacity requirements, simplifies transportation, and reduces weight and size, while eliminating the need for external controls and diesel engines.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric motor arranged to drive said at least one liquid pump
Implementation Method 2
providing pressurized liquid from the at least one liquid pump
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A pumping assembly for providing pressurized liquid to a liquid propelled drill or hammer (1), the pumping assembly comprising: - At least two pump modules (2a, 2b), each comprising at least one liquid pump (3a, 3b), at least one electric motor (4a, 4b) arranged to drive said at least one liquid pump, and a liquid outlet (5a, 5b) for providing pressurized liquid from the at least one liquid pump, and - An outlet manifold (6) connecting the liquid outlets of the at least two pump modules in parallel to provide a common liquid outlet for connection to said liquid propelled drill or hammer (1).