Multiport Fluid Pump Integrated Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps with separate valves for fluid distribution require multiple actuators and electrical controls, leading to high component costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly with an integrated valve system that includes a rotatable valve member between the impeller and multiple fluid outlet ports, allowing for selective fluid flow direction and control using a minimal set of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate valves with actuators and electrical controls are used for fluid distribution, then fluid flow control is achieved, but component costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate valves into a single integrated valve assembly with a common body and multiple outlet ports. This single valve unit replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate valves, each with their own actuators and electrical controls, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full fluid flow control capability across all outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - it controls fluid distribution to multiple different outlets through a single unified structure. The valve body incorporates multiple outlet ports and internal passages that enable one component to perform the work of several separate components, reducing the need for multiple actuators and electrical control systems.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate valves are used for fluid distribution, then fluid flow control is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple valve functions into a single integrated assembly with a common body, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation reduces material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly operations while maintaining the ability to control fluid flow to multiple outlets independently or collectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal valve body design incorporates multiple outlet ports and internal flow paths that enable a single component to replace several separate valves. This multi-functional approach reduces the bill of materials and eliminates the need for multiple identical or similar components, thereby reducing overall manufacturing and assembly costs.
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 integrated valve system reduces component costs and complexity by eliminating the need for multiple actuators and electrical controls, while providing flexible fluid flow control and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
An impeller driven by a motor drives the fluid in the pump cavity
Implementation Method 2
A valve member rotatably mounted between the impeller and the plurality of fluid outlet ports is arranged to selectively direct the flow of fluid from the pump cavity to one or more of the plurality of fluid outlet ports
Data Source
AI summary
A pump assembly is disclosed comprising a pump including a pump housing having a fluid inlet conveying fluid to a pump cavity At least one fluid outlet extends from the pump housing. A plurality of fluid outlet ports extend from the pump housing. An impeller driven by a motor drives the fluid in the pump cavity. In a first embodiment, a valve member rotatably mounted between the impeller and the plurality of fluid outlet ports is arranged to selectively direct the flow of fluid from the pump cavity to one or more of the plurality of fluid outlet ports. In a second embodiment, the valve member includes a first and a second wall between a first and a second opening. The first and second openings are arranged to direct the flow of fluid from the pump cavity to at least two of the plurality of fluid outlet ports.