Pump Unit Drain Connection for Air Venting and Liquid Purge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump units, particularly those in heating and air-conditioning systems, face challenges in both venting and completely emptying the suction chamber, especially in conditions where freezing prevention is necessary, as conventional automatic air vents are not universally applicable and may not allow for efficient drainage.
Innovation Solution
A pump unit design featuring a suction chamber with a dual-connected drain connection that allows for both venting and complete emptying, utilizing a valve device with multiple switching positions to manage airflow and liquid drainage through a single connection, ensuring efficient removal of air and liquid from the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional automatic air vent is used in the suction chamber, then air venting is possible, but complete emptying of the suction chamber is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The drain connection is segmented into two spatially separated openings: a first opening positioned in the upper region of the suction chamber for air venting, and a second opening positioned at the bottom for complete liquid drainage. This segmentation allows each opening to serve its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between air venting and complete emptying capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The single drain connection is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both upper and lower openings that can operate independently or together. The valve assembly enables the drain connection to universally handle both air venting and complete liquid drainage tasks, eliminating the need for separate venting and drainage components
2Quantity of substance
If the drain connection is positioned at the bottom of the suction chamber, then complete emptying is achieved, but air venting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drain connection is segmented into two spatially separated openings: a first opening positioned in the upper region of the suction chamber for air venting, and a second opening positioned at the bottom for complete liquid drainage. This segmentation allows each opening to serve its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between air venting and complete emptying capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single-point drain connection to a distributed multi-level opening structure within the drain connection. By adding the vertical dimension with openings at different heights (upper and lower regions), the system simultaneously achieves both air venting and complete liquid drainage functions
3Reliability
If separate venting and drainage devices are used, then both functions are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper opening and lower opening are merged into a single integrated drain connection structure. This merging combines the venting and drainage functions into one component, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining reliable performance of both air venting and complete liquid drainage functions
Solution Approach 2:
The single drain connection is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both upper and lower openings that can operate independently or together. The valve assembly enables the drain connection to universally handle both air venting and complete liquid drainage tasks, eliminating the need for separate venting and drainage components
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 simple and effective venting and emptying of the pump unit, preventing freezing and ensuring operational reliability across various conditions by using a single drain connection for both functions, enhancing the overall performance and adaptability of the pump unit.
Implementation Method 1
opening the drain port will force fluid through the first connection into the drain port due to the pressure inside the suction chamber. The fluid will carry any trapped air with it, drawing or pushing it through the first connection into the drain port.
Implementation Method 2
The second connection, leading from the drain port to the bottom of the suction chamber, allows virtually all the liquid to drain from the suction chamber through the drain port.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pump unit with a pump housing (2) and a suction chamber (20) formed therein, which has at least one drain connection (30), wherein the drain connection (30) has a first connection (34) to an area located vertically above a bottom area of the suction chamber and a second connection (64) to this bottom area of the suction chamber (20), and the drain connection (30) has a valve device (42) which makes it possible to open the first connection (34) in a first switching position and at least the second connection (64) in a second switching position.