Plastic Pump Volute With Inserted Metal Seal Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal pumps, particularly those made of plastic, face challenges with sealing effectiveness, assembly complexity, and component deformation leading to potential leakage, especially when handling toxic or corrosive media.
Innovation Solution
A volute casing for centrifugal pumps incorporating a metal or high-dimensional stability insert, which is overmolded with plastic, provides a positive-locking connection and supports a flat gasket to enhance sealing, allowing assembly from a single side and reducing component deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plastic volute casing is clamped between metal components using screw connections, then assembly is possible, but deformation of the plastic reduces sealing effectiveness and requires access to both sides of the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the volute casing into two segments: a plastic volute body and a separate metal closing piece. The metal closing piece is inserted into the plastic volute body and secured internally, eliminating the need for external clamping between metal components. This segmentation allows the plastic part to maintain its shape without deformation while enabling secure assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal closing piece is nested inside the plastic volute casing, with the metal component inserted through the open end of the volute and secured within its cavity. This nesting arrangement eliminates the need for external clamping structures and allows assembly from a single side, as the metal piece is contained within the plastic volute body.
2Reliability
If a plastic volute casing is clamped with high compression to ensure sealing, then sealing improves, but the plastic deforms and reduces long-term sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different material properties to different parts of the assembly: the plastic volute body provides corrosion resistance and chemical inertness, while the metal closing piece provides dimensional stability and rigidity. The metal component is positioned locally at the closing end where high compression forces are needed, while the plastic volute body maintains its shape without deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure combining plastic and metal materials in a single volute casing assembly. The plastic volute body and metal closing piece work together as an integrated unit, where each material contributes its superior properties: plastic for chemical resistance and metal for structural stability and sealing force distribution.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used to clamp the volute casing, then sealing is achieved, but the number of components increases assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple separate components (volute body, closing piece, seals, and fastening elements) into an integrated assembly where the metal closing piece serves multiple purposes: it provides structural support, distributes sealing forces, and incorporates internal fastening features. This reduces the number of separate components that need to be handled during assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a volute casing for a centrifugal pump, a method for manufacturing a volute casing for a centrifugal pump, and a centrifugal pump with a volute casing. In particular, the invention relates to a volute casing made predominantly of plastic. The volute casing for a centrifugal pump according to the invention comprises a feed opening for a medium and an insert for securing a unit that can close the volute casing.