Movable Spout Aquarium Pump for Adjustable Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aquarium systems face issues with messy and inefficient water filtration and change processes, often resulting in water spillage due to fixed water filtration rates.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a filter holder and pump housing with a movable spout that can redirect fluid flow between a filter outlet and a bypass outlet, allowing for adjustable flow rates and spillage prevention, along with a telescopic intake pipe to agitate materials at the bottom of the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pump size is used for water filtration, then the filtration rate is constant and simple to operate, but water spillage occurs and the system cannot adapt to different filtration needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the spout movable between different positions (first position and second position) to dynamically adjust the fluid flow path. The spout can be positioned to direct flow through the filter outlet or through the bypass outlet, enabling the system to adapt between different filtration rates and modes without changing the pump itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing is designed with multiple outlets (filter outlet and bypass outlet) that can both receive fluid from the pump. The spout mechanism enables a single pump system to serve multiple functions: full filtration mode, bypass mode for water changes, and adjustable flow distribution, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple pumps.
2Productivity
If the pump operates at full capacity, then water filtration is efficient, but water spillage occurs during water changes
Solution Approach 1:
The spout's ability to move between positions allows dynamic control of the flow path. When positioned in the first position, it directs all flow through the filter outlet for efficient filtration. When moved to the second position, it redirects flow through the bypass outlet to prevent spillage during water changes, while still maintaining the pump's full operational capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass outlet acts as an intermediary path that can receive fluid directly from the pump when the spout is in the second position. This intermediary flow path provides a controlled alternative route for water during change processes, preventing uncontrolled spillage while allowing the pump to continue operating at full capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spout is fixed in one position, then the device structure is simple, but the system cannot switch between filtration and bypass modes
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to switch between the first position (directing flow through filter outlet) and the second position (directing flow through bypass outlet). This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to switch between filtration and bypass modes while maintaining relative operational simplicity through a single movable component.
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
This solution enables efficient and adjustable water filtration and change processes, reducing mess and spillage while allowing for customizable flow rates and effective agitation of tank materials.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is disposed within the pump housing and is operable to draw a portion of the fluid from the aquarium space to produce a fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
the spout piston cooperates with the second cylinder to form a seal therebetween such that the fluid flow passes from the pump to the filter outlet and does not pass through the bypass outlet
Implementation Method 3
directing the fluid flow that passes through the bypass outlet toward the bottom surface of the container, the directed fluid flow operable to agitate a material disposed at the bottom surface
Data Source
AI summary
An aquarium includes a container defining a perimeter and an aquarium space that contains a fluid. A filter holder is coupled to the container and defines a filter space and a pump housing is coupled to the filter holder. A bypass outlet and a filter outlet each defined by one of the filter holder and the pump housing. A pump is disposed within the pump housing and is operable to draw a portion of the fluid from the aquarium space to produce a fluid flow. A spout is coupled to the filter holder and includes a spout outlet. The spout is movable between a first position in which the filter outlet is open and the fluid flow passes from the pump to the spout outlet and the bypass outlet is blocked such that the fluid flow does not pass through the bypass outlet, and a second position in which the filter outlet is blocked and the bypass outlet is open such that the fluid flow passes through the bypass outlet.