Telescoping Paddle Pump Seal Assembly Against Debris Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination paddle and pump designs face issues with debris bypassing check valves, leading to binding and preventing effective operation as both a paddle and a pump, especially due to grit and sand entering between the tubes during reciprocation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a seal assembly with truncated conical seals, O-rings, and a cylindrical seal made of specific rubber and felt materials to prevent debris from bypassing the check valves, combined with a telescoping handle with opposed check valves for fluid and air pumping capabilities without the need for auxiliary hoses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the paddle is used as a pump with check valves, then pumping capability is achieved, but debris bypasses the check valves and causes binding between tubes
Solution Approach 1:
A seal assembly comprising truncated conical seals, O-rings, and a cylindrical seal is introduced as an intermediary component between the check valve and the tube wall. This seal assembly prevents debris from bypassing the check valve and entering the space between the tubes, thereby maintaining reliable reciprocation while preserving pumping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly uses flexible sealing elements including O-rings and rubber seals that can deform to maintain contact with the tube walls. These flexible seals effectively block debris passage while allowing the telescoping mechanism to reciprocate smoothly during pumping operations
2Length of moving object
If the handle is extended for paddling, then propulsion capability is improved, but the telescoping mechanism binds due to debris
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly acts as a mediator that prevents debris from interfering with the telescoping mechanism. By blocking the passage between the inner and outer tubes, the seal ensures smooth extension and retraction operations while maintaining the adjustable length capability for both paddling and pumping modes
3Device complexity
If the pump operates without auxiliary hoses, then device simplicity is improved, but debris enters the pump mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly serves as an intermediary barrier that prevents debris from entering the pump mechanism through the tube walls. This maintains the simplicity of the pump structure without auxiliary hoses while protecting the internal components from contamination by waterborne debris
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly converts the potential harm of debris ingress into a beneficial sealing function. By positioning the seal to prevent debris bypass, the design transforms what would be a harmful pathway into a controlled sealing interface that protects the pump mechanism
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 solution effectively prevents binding between the tubes, allowing reliable telescoping and operation as both a paddle and a pump, with the ability to pump liquids or air up to 50 psi without auxiliary hoses, enhancing versatility and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a seal assembly with truncated conical seals, O-rings, and a cylindrical seal made of specific rubber and felt materials to prevent debris from bypassing the check valves
Implementation Method 2
a telescoping handle with opposed check valves for fluid and air pumping capabilities without the need for auxiliary hoses
Data Source
AI summary
A combined paddle and pump can be used to propel a small boat. The handle telescopes with a locking nut that may be loosened to allow extension and retraction of the handle. The handle is hollow throughout and a pair of check valves are provided. One check valve opens when the handle is extended and the other opens when the handle is retracted. When one check valve is open, the other is closed. When the distal end of the paddle is placed within a volume of water or exposed to atmospheric, extension and retraction of the handle results in a fluid first being sucked into the hollow interior of the handle and then propelled out of the handle. A seal assembly prevents debris from binding tubes of the handle.