Lubricated Polymer Screw Pump Components for Wear and Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screw pump designs suffer from performance limitations that can be improved, particularly in terms of efficiency and durability.

Innovation Solution

The use of lubricated polymer materials, such as polyphenylene sulfide, for at least one screw and/or the casing components of the screw pump, along with fiber reinforcement and specific design features like anti-rotation protrusions and flexible couplings, enhances the performance and reduces vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional screw pump designs are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the efficiency and durability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveefficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by incorporating lubricated polymer material (such as polyphenylene sulfide with PTFE) into the screw components. This composite structure combines the mechanical strength of polymer base material with the low-friction properties of lubricant particles, achieving improved efficiency and reduced wear without significantly complicating the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameters of the screw components by specifying particular polymer materials with defined lubricant content (e.g., PTFE particles at specific concentrations). This parameter optimization enables better fluid flow characteristics and reduced friction, directly improving pump efficiency while maintaining manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional screw pump designs are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the durability is limited due to wear and tear

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lubricated polymer composite material provides enhanced durability through the lubricant particles (such as PTFE) that reduce friction and wear between moving parts. This composite approach maintains relatively simple manufacturing processes while dramatically improving component life and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The lubricated polymer material provides self-lubrication properties, where the lubricant particles are embedded within the polymer matrix and automatically provide lubrication during operation. This self-service lubrication mechanism reduces wear and extends durability without requiring external lubrication systems or complex maintenance procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 lubricated polymer materials and design enhancements lead to improved efficiency, reduced vibrations, and enhanced durability of the screw pump, allowing for better fluid flow and reduced wear and tear.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the screws comprises a lubricated polymer material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

The lubricant may comprise one of polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), molybdenum disulfide and carbon or graphite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolid lubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP4474650B1Screw pump and its components
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4474650B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4474650B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4474650B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a screw pump (2) comprising: a casing (3) with an inlet (30), an outlet (31) and a flow chamber (32) between the inlet and the outlet; and at least two screws (4, 5, 6) housed in the flow chamber to force a fluid flow through the flow chamber from the inlet to the outlet; wherein at least one of the screws (5, 6) comprises a lubricated polymer material.