Pump-Head Pressure Absorbing Member for Freeze and Pulsation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumps operating in a primed condition are vulnerable to damage from liquid freeze-expansion and exhibit pressure fluctuations due to the pumping action, which can lead to damage and inefficiencies in fluid delivery, especially in applications requiring durability and low pulsatility.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure-absorbing member with compliant properties within the pump housing that can undergo volumetric compression to alleviate pressure increases and expansions, thereby preventing damage from freeze-expansion and reducing pressure fluctuations in the pumped liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pump operates in a primed condition, then it can deliver fluid continuously, but it becomes vulnerable to damage from liquid freeze-expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a compressible member (such as a foam element or spring) within the pump housing that is pre-positioned to absorb expansion forces. This member acts as a cushioning element that deforms when liquid expands due to freezing, thereby preventing damage to the pump structure while allowing the pump to remain in a primed condition for continuous operation.
2Productivity
If conventional pumps operate continuously, then they maintain fluid flow, but they exhibit pressure fluctuations that cause pulsatility in the output stream
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible member serves as an intermediary element between the pumping mechanism and the fluid stream. It absorbs pressure fluctuations generated by the pumping action through elastic deformation, thereby smoothing the output stream and reducing pulsatility while allowing continuous fluid delivery to proceed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the compressible member to dynamically change the volume available to the fluid during pumping cycles. This parameter change absorbs pressure peaks and troughs, converting the pulsatile output into a smoother flow while maintaining continuous operation.
3Reliability
If anti-freeze is added to the liquid, then freeze-expansion damage is prevented, but the composition and properties of the liquid are altered
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the liquid composition with anti-freeze agents, the patent extracts the freeze-protection function and places it in a separate mechanical component (the compressible member). This allows the liquid to maintain its original composition and properties while still being protected from freeze-expansion damage through the physical cushioning provided by the compressible element.
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 effectively absorbs pressure increases and fluctuations, preventing damage from liquid freezing and reducing output pulsatility, ensuring the pump operates reliably and efficiently across varying temperature ranges and fluid conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure-absorbing member has a compliant property so as to exhibit a volumetric compression when subjected to a pressure increase in the liquid contacting the pressure-absorbing member
Implementation Method 2
The pressure-absorbing member also exhibits a volumetric expansion when subjected to a pressure decrease in the liquid contacting the pressure-absorbing member
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(C)
Figure 1(D)~1(E)
Figure 2
AI summary
An exemplary pump includes a pump housing defining a pump cavity, a movable pumping member situated in the pump cavity, and at least one pressure- absorbing member located inside the pump housing. The housing also has an inlet and an outlet, and includes at least one interior non- wearing location that contacts liquid in the pump housing when the pump housing is primed with the liquid. The movable pumping member, when driven to move, urges flow of the liquid from the inlet through the pump cavity to the outlet. The at least one pressure-absorbing member is located inside the pump housing at the non-wearing location and contacts the liquid. The pressure-absorbing member has a compliant property to exhibit a volumetric compression when subjected to a pressure increase in the liquid contacting the pressure-absorbing member, the volumetric compression being sufficient to alleviate at least a portion of the pressure increase.