Pump Assembly Airlock Prevention via Integrated Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bottom suction pumps often suffer from airlocks due to the accumulation of air and air bubbles, which can lead to pump failure if not properly vented.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an integral float switch and venting mechanism within the pump housing to prevent airlocks by directing air bubbles out through a conical-shaped top portion and vents in the housing, ensuring efficient air evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If bottom suction pump design is used, then pump structure is simplified, but airlock occurs due to air bubble accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air venting function from the main pump body by incorporating a separate air vent passage that leads to an air outlet on the pump housing. This allows air bubbles to be extracted and discharged separately from the fluid flow path, preventing airlock while maintaining the simplified bottom suction pump structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary air vent passage that mediates between the fluid chamber and the external environment. This passage provides a dedicated pathway for air bubbles to escape without interfering with the main fluid pumping operation, resolving the conflict between structural simplicity and airlock prevention.
2Reliability
If air venting mechanism is added to prevent airlock, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air venting function with the existing pump housing structure. The air vent passage is integrated into the housing, and the air outlet is combined with other housing features, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing serves multiple functions: it contains the fluid chamber, provides structural support, and incorporates the air venting system. By making the housing multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate complex venting components while still achieving reliable airlock prevention.
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
This solution effectively prevents airlocks and vapor locks, ensuring the pump operates reliably by venting air bubbles and maintaining fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the impeller draws water through the inlet and also creates air flow and air bubbles within the volute. As a result, if not properly vented, a bottom suction pump may suffer from air lock.
Implementation Method 2
a conical-shaped top portion and vents in the housing that direct air bubbles out
Implementation Method 3
Rotation of the impeller draws water through the inlet and also creates air flow and air bubbles within the volute
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a pump is provided comprising a motor configured to rotate a shaft that is operably coupled to an impeller. The impeller is housed within a fluid chamber having an inlet and a discharge in fluid communication with the inlet. The fluid chamber further includes an outlet in a top portion thereof for venting air within the fluid chamber when the impeller is rotated by the motor. In other forms, a pump assembly is provided with an internal float switch integrated into the pump housing.