Pump Section Assembly Using Metal Wire Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in assembling fluid pump sections lies in maintaining the proper orientation of inlet and outlet plates without disturbing their alignment, which is crucial for optimal efficiency, especially during the crimping process where axial loads are applied, and existing methods may not ensure precise alignment and secure handling of the subassembly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a metal wire that is straightened and cut to fit into complementary slots on the inlet and outlet plates, with optional deformation zones created by a forming tool, to securely align and axially fix these plates together, ensuring correct orientation and handling during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-manufactured clips are inserted into slots to hold the pump section subassembly together, then the subassembly can be handled and moved, but the alignment and orientation of the inlet plate relative to the outlet plate may be disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs alignment and securing of the inlet and outlet plates using metal wires inserted into slots before the crimping process. The wires are positioned and secured in a controlled manner prior to the application of axial loads, ensuring that the plates maintain their proper orientation throughout subsequent handling and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Metal wires serve as intermediary elements that are inserted into complementary slots on the inlet and outlet plates. These wires act as mediators to maintain the precise alignment and orientation of the plates while allowing the subassembly to be handled and moved, replacing the traditional clip mechanism that disturbed the alignment.
2Strength
If the ends of the housing are joined by crimping to prevent relative rotation between inlet and outlet plates, then the plates are securely fixed, but axial loads are applied that may disturb the alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment and securing of inlet and outlet plates using metal wires is performed before the crimping process. This preliminary action ensures that the plates are properly positioned and secured with alignment-maintaining elements in place before axial loads are applied during crimping, preventing disturbance of the alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal wires inserted into the slots provide preliminary anti-action by counteracting the potential alignment disturbance caused by subsequent crimping. The wires are positioned to maintain proper orientation and resist the distorting effects of axial loads applied during the crimping process.
3Manufacturing precision
If metal wire is used to align and secure inlet and outlet plates, then precise alignment is achieved, but additional processing steps (straightening, cutting, forming) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The metal wire serves multiple functions through self-service: it is straightened to fit the slots, cut to the required length, and potentially deformed by a forming tool to create securing features. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment and securing operations, simplifying the overall process while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal wire undergoes parameter changes during processing - it is straightened (shape change), cut (length change), and potentially deformed (cross-sectional shape change). These controlled parameter changes enable the wire to fulfill multiple functions: alignment, securing, and integration with the slot features, reducing process complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An method for assembling a pump section of a fluid pump is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a pump inlet plate and a pump outlet plate, wherein the inlet plate includes an inlet plate slot and the outlet plate includes a complementary outlet plate slot; feeding a metal wire from a supply of metal wire to a straightener; pulling the metal wire through the straightener to reduce a bend in the metal wire; guiding the metal wire to one of the inlet plate and outlet plate; causing the metal wire to be inserted into the slot of the said one of the inlet plate and outlet plate; and cutting the metal wire at a desired length such that a portion of the cut wire remains extending from said slot. A pump section formed by the method and a fluid pump including the pump section are also disclosed.