Pump Drive Shaft Support Rings for Dry-Running Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pump mechanisms face issues with dry running, leading to high temperatures due to lack of load and inability to transfer heat to the medium, increasing manufacturing demands and risks in explosion protection applications, where constant monitoring is required to prevent faults.
Innovation Solution
A pump mechanism design with a drive shaft supported by a sealing module bearing and support rings within the shaft guide tube, eliminating intermediate bearings and allowing friction only during vibration, thus preventing heat generation during dry running without special materials or lubricants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple intermediate bearings are arranged between the pump mechanism coupling and the terminal bearing in the sealing module, then the drive shaft is supported and vibrations are prevented, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing tolerances become more demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the intermediate bearings from the system, retaining only the terminal bearing in the sealing module. The drive shaft is supported directly by this single bearing, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining functional reliability through the carefully positioned terminal bearing support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is segmented between the terminal bearing (which provides primary support) and the shaft guide tube (which provides lateral guidance). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring multiple intermediate bearings.
2Reliability
If special materials or encapsulated lubrication are used in intermediate bearings to prevent dry running damage, then bearing protection is improved, but material costs increase or contamination risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for special materials and encapsulated lubrication by removing the intermediate bearings that would require such protective measures. The terminal bearing in the sealing module operates with minimal friction during dry running, eliminating the need for costly special materials or lubricants.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that the terminal bearing may experience wear during dry running but eliminates the need for expensive protective measures. The bearing is designed to withstand limited dry running conditions without requiring special materials, effectively treating the bearing as a replaceable component rather than protecting it with costly measures.
3Reliability
If constant monitoring is implemented to detect and respond to dry running, then pump safety is improved, but device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for constant monitoring systems by designing a mechanical structure that inherently tolerates dry running conditions. The terminal bearing in the sealing module is positioned and dimensioned to minimize friction during dry running, allowing the pump to operate safely without electronic monitoring or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump mechanism is designed to be self-protecting during dry running conditions through the strategic positioning of the terminal bearing. The bearing geometry and position automatically prevent excessive friction and heat generation, allowing the system to protect itself without external monitoring or intervention.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the drive shaft is supported by multiple bearings, then critical vibrations are prevented, but the manufacturing tolerances and technical effort significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the intermediate bearings that would require tight manufacturing tolerances. The single terminal bearing in the sealing module is designed with sufficient clearance and positioning to accommodate normal manufacturing variations while still providing effective vibration control for the drive shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration control function is segmented between the terminal bearing (which handles radial vibrations) and the shaft guide tube (which provides lateral stability). This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with relaxed tolerances while collectively providing effective vibration control.
Data Source
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AI summary
Due to the operating principle of a barrel or container pump, the drive shaft is significantly longer than in comparable turbomachines. To prevent the drive shaft from vibrating, prior art designs provide multiple bearings within the shaft guide tube. However, dry running of the pump is critical due to the frictional heat generated in the bearings. The invention provides for the drive shaft to be conventionally supported in only one bearing on the sealing module and, furthermore, at least one support ring through which the drive shaft passes, but which does not contact the drive shaft during vibration-free operation. Only when the drive shaft vibrates does it contact the support ring, which in turn prevents the drive shaft from contacting the shaft guide tube.