Pump Control Device Vertical Cable Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for pumps with floating switches are too bulky to be used in narrow spaces due to the required curvature of the flexible cable, which can lead to incorrect orientation and operation issues.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a hollow body having a rounded shape and a flexible cable connected perpendicularly to it, allowing for reduced dimensions and balanced orientation through a strategically positioned connection point that balances hydrostatic and weight forces, enabling operation in narrower spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flexible cable is configured to perform a curve of 90° to 180° or remain parallel to the horizontal plane, then the pump control function is achieved, but the horizontal dimension of the assembly increases making it unsuitable for narrow chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the hollow body and flexible cable assembly vertically rather than horizontally. The hollow body extends along a vertical axis with the flexible cable connected at an end portion, allowing the cable to extend vertically upward to the pump switch. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical configuration reduces the horizontal footprint while maintaining the necessary cable curvature for operational reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If the cable is forced to form the required curve in a narrow space, then space utilization is improved, but the orientation of the float is conditioned and correct operation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different geometric characteristics to different parts of the assembly. The hollow body has a rounded end portion that provides local curvature space for the flexible cable, while the main extension remains linear and vertical. This localized curvature at the connection point allows the cable to form its required curve without constraining the overall vertical orientation of the float assembly, ensuring both space efficiency and operational reliability.
3Area of stationary object
If the hollow body has a rounded shape with strategic connection positioning, then the overall dimensions are reduced for narrow space operation, but the connection geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow body features an asymmetric design with a rounded end portion and a linear main body. The flexible cable is connected at a specific location on the rounded end portion, creating an asymmetric connection geometry that optimizes space utilization. This asymmetric configuration allows the cable to naturally form its required curve in a compact manner, reducing overall dimensions while the simplicity of the asymmetric form actually reduces manufacturing complexity compared to symmetric designs requiring precise multi-point connections.
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 solution reduces the overall dimensions of the control device while maintaining operational effectiveness, allowing reliable and efficient pump control in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the hollow body 5, supporting an orientation sensor (15) configured for measuring an orientation with respect to a horizontal plane
Implementation Method 2
The floating body is configured so that it can be placed in a chamber or tank and, if totally or partly immersed in a liquid, be subject to a pair of forces which determine a moment on the floating element such as to incline it with an angle depending on the height of the liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Described is a control device (1) for pumps comprising a hollow body (5) which supports an orientation sensor (15) configured for measuring an orientation with respect to a horizontal plane and a flexible cable (10) connected to the hollow body (5) and defining an electrical connection for connecting the orientation sensor (15) to an actuator (101), wherein the flexible cable (10) is connected to the hollow body (5) in such a way as to protrude from it along a direction (P) incident with a relative main axis or plane of extension (X).