Centrifugal Pump Gap Sleeve Segmented Annular Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal pump assemblies face challenges in convenient coupling and rapid centering of the shaft within the gap sleeve, leading to inefficiencies during assembly, particularly in cases of inadequate centering, where either partial insertion complicates initial assembly or full insertion makes removal difficult.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal pump assembly featuring a gap sleeve made of stamped stainless steel with differently sized bearings and an annular fixing element of brass, allowing full insertion of the annular element within the gap sleeve to facilitate rapid and effective centering and balancing of the shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the end element is inserted only partially in the gap sleeve to allow easy removal, then ease of repair is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to difficult shaft centering and increased assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The end element is segmented into a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is inserted into the gap sleeve and the second portion protrudes outward. This segmentation allows the end element to be easily removed by pulling the protruding second portion, while the first portion remains properly positioned to maintain shaft centering precision during assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If the end element is inserted fully in the gap sleeve to fix shaft centering, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to difficulty in removal
Solution Approach 1:
The end element is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion that inserts into the gap sleeve to establish precise shaft centering, and a second portion that protrudes outward to facilitate easy removal. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both secure positioning and easy detachability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding second portion of the end element acts as an intermediary handle that enables easy removal of the end element from the gap sleeve, while the first portion maintains the precise centering function. This intermediary structure allows the end element to be both securely positioned and easily removed.
3Ease of operation
If the end element is inserted partially to allow easy removal, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased assembly time for checking free rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented end element with its protruding second portion enables rapid assembly by eliminating the need for time-consuming checks of free rotation. The protruding portion clearly indicates proper installation, allowing assembly workers to proceed directly to the next step and improving overall productivity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the end element is inserted fully to fix centering, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to difficulty in removal and reinsertion
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with the protruding second portion dramatically improves assembly efficiency by allowing the end element to be easily removed and reinserted without requiring special tools or excessive force, while still maintaining precise shaft centering through the first portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding second portion serves as an intermediary handle that simplifies the removal and reinsertion process, enabling assembly workers to quickly adjust or replace the end element if needed, thereby improving overall assembly productivity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A centrifugal pump assembly (10), with electric motor, comprising an impeller (52) and a gap sleeve (53), provided with a flanged end (54) which faces the impeller (52), outside of which the stator (12) is arranged, and inside which the rotor (18) is inserted, fixed to a driving shaft (17), which can rotate within the gap sleeve (53) and is supported at one end by a first bearing (57) and at the opposite end, proximate to the flanged end (54), by a second bearing (58), characterized in that the gap sleeve (53) is closed by an annular element (60), which surrounds the second bearing (58), inserted entirely within the gap sleeve (53), proximate to the flanged end (54).