Pump Blocking Device Segmentation for Bidirectional Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pumps face challenges in easy assembly and disassembly, and require significant installation space, particularly in designs with undulating rotor collars and blocking devices that need to facilitate bidirectional operation without complex orientation.

Innovation Solution

A pump design featuring a rotor hub and undulating rotor collar with a blocking device that includes axially extending seats and a blocking element, allowing for simple configuration and bidirectional operation, with a compact blocking device structure that includes an exchange duct for volume compensation and reduced friction, enabling easy assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a blocking device is designed to prevent backflow in bidirectional pumps, then pumping reliability is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping reliabilityVSAvoidblocking device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device is segmented into a blocking element and a holder, allowing independent assembly and maintenance. The blocking element can be separately replaced without dismantling the entire pump system, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element is nested within the holder structure, with the blocking element fitting into the holder's blocking element receiving space. This nested configuration compactly integrates multiple functions into a single assembly, reducing installation space while ensuring reliable backflow prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a blocking device is designed to prevent backflow in bidirectional pumps, then pumping reliability is improved, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder integrates multiple functions: supporting the blocking element, providing sealing surfaces, enabling bidirectional operation, and facilitating maintenance. By merging these functions into a single component, the overall installation space is reduced while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the blocking element is designed to abut against seats in both operating directions, then bidirectional operation is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional operationVSAvoidseat positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holder features asymmetric seat arrangements optimized for bidirectional operation. The first and second seats are positioned at different locations to accommodate the blocking element in both pumping directions, allowing tolerance compensation while enabling versatile bidirectional operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for parameter variations in seat positioning within specified tolerances. By designing the blocking element and holder with appropriate clearance and tolerance specifications, the system accommodates manufacturing variations while maintaining reliable bidirectional operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of repair

If the blocking element is made replaceable for easy maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblocking element replaceabilityVSAvoidblocking device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device is segmented into a blocking element and a holder, allowing the blocking element to be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation enables easy maintenance without requiring complex disassembly procedures, while the simple holder structure minimizes the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3356648B1Pump and blocking element

Publication Date: 2021.11.03 WATSON MARLOW GMBH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4(a)~4(c)

AI summary

Pump (10) having a rotor (26) comprising a rotor hub (28) and a rotor collar (30) that extends from the rotor hub in the radial direction and encircles it in an undulating manner, a pump housing (16) which forms a pump duct (32) with the rotor, said pump duct connecting a first inlet/outlet space (44) to a second inlet/outlet space (46), and a blocking device (50) which is arranged between the first inlet/outlet space and the second inlet/outlet space and which comprises a blocking element (52) which blocks the pump duct in the axial direction on both sides of the rotor collar. The blocking device has a first seat (60) and a second seat (64) for the blocking element, wherein the spacing between the first seat and the second seat in the circumferential direction is greater than the spacing between a first contacting face (62) and a second contacting face (66) of the blocking element in the circumferential direction. Pump having a blocking device which comprises a chamber (54) formed in the pump housing, wherein the chamber and the blocking element are configured such that an exchange duct (58) is formed in the axial direction between an axially front fluid chamber and an axially rear fluid chamber on the opposite side of the rotor collar. A blocking element having an exchange duct (58) formed in the axial direction between the two opposite contacting faces (62, 66).