Pump Dry Running Detection via Variable Resistance Structure

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pump systems, particularly coolant pumps, lack effective detection mechanisms for dry running, which can lead to mechanical damage, and current solutions are either complex or costly to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an inlet device with an electrical resistance structure that changes resistance value based on wetting with an electrically conductive liquid, coupled with an evaluation circuit to detect dry running by comparing resistance values against a threshold, allowing for reliable detection without increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing detection mechanisms are used for dry running detection, then pump safety is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump safetyVSAvoiddetection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical resistance structure is integrated directly into the inlet device housing, merging the detection function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate detection devices and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable dry running detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inlet device housing itself serves as part of the detection system by incorporating the electrical resistance structure. The housing structure provides both mechanical function and detection function, allowing the component to serve multiple purposes and reducing the need for additional dedicated detection parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If existing detection mechanisms are used for dry running detection, then pump safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump safetyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical resistance structure is integrated directly into the inlet device housing, merging the detection function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate detection devices and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable dry running detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inlet device housing itself serves as part of the detection system by incorporating the electrical resistance structure. The housing structure provides both mechanical function and detection function, allowing the component to serve multiple purposes and reducing the need for additional dedicated detection parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If simple detection mechanisms are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but detection reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection mechanism complexityVSAvoiddry running detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with an electrical resistance-based detection mechanism. The electrical resistance structure provides reliable detection of liquid presence through electrical conductivity changes, achieving accurate dry running detection with simpler and more reliable electronic sensing rather than mechanical means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reliable detection of dry running in coolant pumps, preventing mechanical damage by accurately determining the presence or absence of the conductive liquid, thus ensuring pump safety and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining affordability.

Implementation Method 1

The electrical resistance structure has a variable resistance value, dependent on wetting with the electrically conductive liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The electrical resistance structure has a variable resistance value, dependent on wetting with the electrically conductive liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWetting: Wetting

Data Source

PatentUS12006939B2System for detecting dry running of a pump

Publication Date: 2024.06.11 VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH

AI summary

A system for detecting dry running of a pump includes an inlet device to an intake device of the pump for taking in an electrically conductive liquid, and an electrical resistance structure (20) arranged in the inlet device. The electrical resistance structure has a variable resistance value, dependent on wetting with the electrically conductive liquid.