Piston Pump Pressure Peak Detection for Flow Regularity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positive-displacement pumps face irregular flow rates due to insufficient product pressure in the intake chamber, especially at high piston speeds, and are not effective for electrically conductive products, as conventional control methods rely on electrical contact detection which can be unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures the pressure inside the metering chamber during pump cycles to verify the presence of a pressure peak greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold during the compression phase, ensuring correct filling, and includes a control unit to calculate the ratio of detected pressure peaks to pump cycles, triggering warnings if the ratio falls below a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical contact detection between cam and piston is used to control flow rate regularity, then the control method can detect piston position, but it becomes unreliable at high piston speeds due to inertia and viscoelasticity of the product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical contact detection system with a pressure-based detection system. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of the product in the metering chamber, and a control unit analyzes pressure variations to determine piston position and flow rate regularity. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues of electrical contact detection at high speeds while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If electrical contact detection method is used, then piston position can be monitored, but the method is not applicable when the product to be metered is electrically conductive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical contact detection with pressure-based detection using a pressure sensor and control unit. This approach is universally applicable to both electrically insulating and electrically conductive products, as it relies on pressure measurements rather than electrical contact, thereby eliminating the limitation of product electrical conductivity.
3Productivity
If piston speed is increased to improve productivity, then output increases, but flow rate regularity deteriorates due to insufficient product pressure in the intake chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a pressure sensor continuously monitors pressure in the metering chamber, and a control unit analyzes pressure variations to detect filling irregularities. When irregularities are detected, the system can trigger warnings or adjust operating parameters, enabling the pump to maintain flow rate regularity even at high piston speeds by compensating for insufficient intake chamber pressure.
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 approach reliably verifies the filling of the metering chamber, ensuring a regular flow rate and is applicable to both insulating and electrically conductive products, providing a consistent and efficient control mechanism for pump operation.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure of the product inside the metering chamber is measured during at least one pump cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A volumetric pump comprising a product metering chamber, a metering piston mounted inside the chamber so as to slide between top dead center and bottom dead center, a sleeve at least partially delimiting an intake chamber and an exhaust chamber for the product, and a product dispenser that is mounted so as to be able to move with respect to the sleeve and is able to place the metering chamber alternately into communication with the intake chamber and the exhaust chamber is provided. The pump also comprises a pressure sensor that is able to measure the pressure of the product inside the metering chamber, and a control unit that is connected to the pressure sensor and is able to verify the presence of pressure peaks exhibiting a value greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure threshold.