Pump Accessory Flow Path for Accurate Fluid Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid pumps lack effective temperature sensing mechanisms, especially when submerged, as traditional temperature sensors within the motor cavity receive little fluid flow, resulting in inadequate temperature measurement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an accessory fluid path with a thermistor that diverts excess fluid flow from the primary flow path to engage with a thermistor for real-time temperature measurement, ensuring continuous fluid engagement and accurate temperature monitoring without disrupting the pump's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional temperature sensors are placed within the motor cavity, then the pump structure is simple, but the temperature measurement is inaccurate due to insufficient fluid flow engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid path into a primary flow path for main fluid transport and a separate accessory fluid path for temperature sensing. This segmentation allows the thermistor to be positioned in a dedicated sensing channel where fluid flow is optimized for accurate temperature measurement, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory fluid path acts as an intermediary structure that channels fluid specifically to engage with the thermistor. This intermediary pathway ensures sufficient fluid flow for accurate temperature sensing without disrupting the primary fluid transport function, thereby achieving precise measurement while maintaining overall system efficiency.
2Reliability
If excess fluid is diverted to the accessory fluid path, then temperature monitoring is improved, but the primary fluid flow may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized accessory fluid path with specific flow characteristics optimized for temperature sensing, while the primary fluid path maintains its high-flow characteristics for efficient fluid transport. This localized optimization ensures that temperature monitoring reliability is improved without significantly impacting overall fluid productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by diverting only a portion of the fluid flow to the accessory path for temperature sensing, while the majority of fluid continues through the primary path for main transport functions. This partial diversion provides sufficient fluid engagement for reliable temperature monitoring while maintaining adequate productivity in the primary flow path.
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
Enables real-time and accurate temperature monitoring of the fluid within the pump, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability by utilizing the excess fluid flow to engage with the thermistor, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional temperature sensing in submerged pumps.
Implementation Method 1
The thermistor monitors a temperature of the fluid within the accessory fluid path
Implementation Method 2
Rotation of the pump element generates a suction at the inlet and pressure at the outlet. The suction and pressure cooperate to move a fluid through a fluid path
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pump includes a pump element in communication with an inlet and an outlet. Rotation of the pump element generates a suction at the inlet and pressure at the outlet. The suction and pressure cooperate to move a fluid through a fluid path. An accessory fluid path is in communication with the inlet and outlet. The accessory fluid path includes a thermistor in communication with the accessory fluid path. The thermistor monitors a temperature of the fluid within the accessory fluid path.