Reciprocating Pump Manifold Alignment Using Tubular Positioning Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reciprocating pumps face challenges in maintaining precise alignment and assembly of components, leading to potential misalignment and increased size due to the need for dedicated regions for position regulating members, which can result in uneven wear and maintenance difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A reciprocating pump design that incorporates a tubular position regulating member with fitting portions in the case body and manifold, allowing for precise positioning and fastening without a dedicated region for the position regulating member, using a fastening member to secure the case body and manifold within the tubular shape, and symmetrical placement of position regulating members to prevent misalignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a dedicated region is provided for the position regulating member, then the positioning function is improved, but the size of the manifold and case body increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsize of manifold and case body
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The position regulating member is integrated into the existing structure by utilizing the threaded hole and through-hole that are already present for fastening purposes. The position regulating member is formed to be inserted into these existing holes, merging the positioning function with the fastening structure, thereby eliminating the need for a separate dedicated region and avoiding size increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded hole and through-hole serve dual functions: they are used both for fastening the cover to the case body and for installing the position regulating member. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to fulfill multiple purposes, achieving precise positioning without requiring additional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If the position regulating member is inserted into the fitting portion, then the assembly alignment is improved, but the fastening structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly alignmentVSAvoidfastening structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening structure is divided into distinct functional components: the position regulating member with its fitting portion handles positioning and alignment, while the fastening member handles the mechanical fastening function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving precise alignment without overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The position regulating member acts as an intermediary element between the cover and case body. It is inserted into the fitting portion to establish precise alignment, and the fastening member then secures this assembled configuration. This intermediary approach simplifies the fastening structure by separating the positioning function from the fastening function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If symmetrical placement of position regulating members is used, then misalignment is prevented, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The position regulating members are placed at symmetrical positions relative to the reciprocating members to ensure proper alignment. This symmetrical arrangement (point-symmetrical positions with a center position between reciprocating members) creates a balanced configuration that prevents misalignment while maintaining structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The position regulating members are pre-positioned at predetermined symmetrical locations before assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the cover is assembled to the case body, the reciprocating members automatically align correctly with the manifold, preventing misalignment without requiring additional adjustment or complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12560164B2Reciprocating pump
Publication Date: 2026.02.24 MARUYAMA MFG CO INC
  • US12560164B2 patent drawing
  • US12560164B2 patent drawing
  • US12560164B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A reciprocating pump includes a case body having a reciprocating member, a manifold having a cylinder portion through which at least a part of the reciprocating member is inserted, a fastening member which fastens the case body and the manifold, and a position regulating member which regulates a position of the manifold with respect to the case body. The position regulating member has a tubular shape having an axial direction along the first direction. The position regulating member is fitted to the case body and the manifold. The fastening member fastens the case body and the manifold in a state of being inserted into the position regulating member.