Axial Flow Pump Flattened Outlet Cross-Section Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic pumps face challenges in optimizing design for high-performance laminar jet output while maintaining a compact size, particularly due to the need for a gradual transition from circular to flattened sections in the liquid circulation channel, which increases bulk and complexity.

Innovation Solution

The hydraulic pump design initiates the flattening of the section very upstream in the casing surrounding the pump shaft, allowing for a reduced pump size and efficient laminar jet formation, with a support system that includes a bearing for guiding the shaft and allowing for misalignment tolerance, reducing mechanical stress and manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the transition from circular to flattened cross-section occurs at the outlet section of the housing, then the outlet shape is achieved, but the pump's overall size along the liquid outlet axis increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet cross-section shapeVSAvoidpump size along liquid outlet axis
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The flattening of the cross-section is initiated upstream in the circulation channel, at the level of the housing that surrounds the pump shaft, rather than at the outlet section. This preliminary action allows the shape transition to begin earlier in the flow path, reducing the overall pump size along the liquid outlet axis while still achieving the desired flattened outlet cross-section

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Shape

If the outlet section shape is achieved within the circulation channel, then the desired cross-section is obtained, but the section must be maintained over a significant length of the housing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet cross-section shapeVSAvoidhousing length
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cross-section flattening is initiated upstream in the circulation channel, allowing the shape transition to begin before the housing outlet section. This preliminary action reduces the length of housing required to maintain the flattened section, as the transition starts earlier in the flow path rather than requiring a long maintenance section

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Shape

If a variable-section adapter is attached to the circular outlet port, then the flattened cross-section is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet cross-section shapeVSAvoidadapter and housing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shape transition from circular to flattened cross-section is integrated directly into the housing structure that surrounds the pump shaft, rather than using a separate variable-section adapter. This merging of functions eliminates the need for additional adapter components, reducing device complexity while still achieving the desired outlet shape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design achieves a substantial reduction in pump size, improved ease of assembly and maintenance, and enhanced performance with a high-flow laminar jet suitable for aquatic activities, while maintaining robustness and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

To achieve a high-performance laminar flow at the pump outlet, this shape transition must be gradual

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaminar flow: Laminar Flow

Implementation Method 2

a support system that includes a bearing for guiding the shaft and allowing for misalignment tolerance, reducing mechanical stress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2961992B1Axial flow pump with non circular outlet section
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 COURTAIGNE CLEMENT
  • EP2961992B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2961992B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2961992B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a hydraulic pump (10) including a pump shaft (52) and a housing (46) defining a liquid circulation channel (44) comprising an outlet (12) having a flattened cross-section and being oriented such that the liquid escapes therefrom along a liquid outlet axis (14) angled relative to a longitudinal axis (22) of the pump shaft passing through the housing, said housing including a first section (100a), the inner surface 102a) of which has a circular cross-section centered on the longitudinal axis (22) and surrounding a pump impeller (60) supported by the pump shaft (52). According to the invention, the first section (100a) has a downstream end from which the cross-section of the inner surface of the housing flattens.