Proportioning Pump Control for Pressure-Independent Fluid Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid mixing technologies are prone to inaccuracies due to human error and batch inconsistencies, as they rely on manual measurement and mixing of fluids, leading to variable proportions in fluid mixtures.
Innovation Solution
A precision pumping system comprising an electric motor assembly that powers multiple pumps to achieve a desired ratio of two or more fluids, independently of pressure and flow rate, ensuring consistent proportions through controlled cycling rates and check valves to prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual measurement and mixing of fluids is used, then the process is simple and easy to operate, but the mixing precision and proportion accuracy deteriorate due to human error and batch inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and mixing with an automated pumping system that uses electric motors to drive pumps, ensuring precise fluid proportioning without human error. The system automatically measures and mixes fluids according to predetermined ratios, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The pumping system is designed to automatically control fluid mixing ratios without requiring operator intervention. The system self-regulates the mixing process through automated pump control mechanisms, maintaining consistent proportions across batches while reducing operational complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated pumping systems are used to maintain precise fluid proportions, then the mixing precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple pumps, motors, and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pumps and drive mechanisms into a single integrated pumping assembly where electric motors are directly coupled to pumps through drive shafts. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining precise fluid proportioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The pumping system is designed with multi-functional capabilities where a single assembly can handle multiple fluid mixing applications by adjusting pump cycling rates. The system can be configured for different fluid ratios and flow rates without requiring complete redesign, reducing complexity through versatile design.
3Device complexity
If fluids are mixed in batches manually, then the equipment simplicity is maintained, but the consistency and reliability of fluid proportions deteriorate from one batch to the next
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates control systems that monitor and adjust pump operation to maintain consistent fluid proportions across batches. The system uses feedback mechanisms to ensure that predetermined mixing ratios are achieved reliably, with the ability to detect and correct deviations from target proportions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pumping system maintains continuous operation with consistent pump cycling rates to ensure uniform fluid mixing throughout each batch. This continuous action eliminates the start-stop variability inherent in manual batch processing, ensuring reliable and consistent fluid proportions across all batches.
Data Source
AI summary
An absolute proportioning pumping system includes an electric motor assembly powering a first pump at a first flow rate and powering a second pump at a second flow rate. A proportioned fluid output includes a first fluid pumped by the first pump and a second fluid pumped by the second pump. The pumping system provides a desired ratio of the first fluid to the second fluid at the proportioned fluid output, relatively independently of pressure and flow rate at the output. In accord with further embodiments, a pump and motor assembly is mounted to and generally surrounded by a liquid tank. The pump and motor assembly may include a pair of fixed ratio outputs driven from a common motor, or may include a single variable output pump either slaved to a master pump or controlled through a timed bypass valve to control output flow rate.