Variable-Flow Pump Shutter Mechanism for Compact Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable flow rate pump devices with rotary discharge members are complex, require expensive variable-speed motors, and have limitations in adjusting flow rates without varying the motor speed, often resulting in large radial sizes and significant axial dimensions, and fail to achieve complete flow cutoff.
Innovation Solution
A variable flow pump device with a shutter element and cam element having cylindrical walls arranged concentrically around the turbine shaft, where the rotating cam element inside the shutter element transforms rotary motion into translational motion of the shutter along the axis, allowing for compact construction and precise manufacturing with reduced tolerance areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a variable speed motor is used to control flow rate, then flow rate adjustment is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flow control function from the motor control system by introducing a separate shutter element that mechanically blocks the turbine discharge. This allows flow rate adjustment without requiring a variable speed motor, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter element acts as an intermediary component between the turbine and the discharge outlet. By controlling the opening area of the shutter, the flow rate is regulated independently of the motor speed, providing a simple mechanical solution to flow control without complex electronic control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flow control devices are located upstream or downstream of the pump, then flow rate control is achieved, but device complexity and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the flow control function directly into the pump housing by integrating the shutter element within the pump body. This eliminates the need for separate upstream or downstream control devices, reducing overall device complexity and minimizing the spatial footprint while maintaining effective flow rate control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the turbine is moved translationally along the axial direction, then flow rate variation is achieved, but device complexity and clearance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flow control function from the turbine itself by keeping the turbine stationary and instead using a shutter element to control the discharge flow. This eliminates the need for complex translational mounting mechanisms for the turbine, reducing device complexity while maintaining flow rate variation capability.
4Ease of operation
If a cam element with external guiding surface is used, then shutter element positioning is achieved, but radial footprint and torque requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a nested arrangement where the cam element is positioned inside the shutter element, with the cam's rotating surface forming a guide profile that directly shapes the shutter's axial movement. This nested configuration minimizes the radial footprint while maintaining precise shutter positioning control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the cam element externally guide the shutter, the invention inverts the arrangement by having the cam element internally positioned within the shutter. The cam's rotation directly controls the shutter's axial position through an inverted mechanical linkage, reducing radial dimensions while maintaining operational ease.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the obturator element is made bell-shaped with compression spring, then flow control is achieved, but radial size and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing axial guidance only at the critical interface between the cam element and shutter element, rather than requiring complex bell-shaped geometries throughout the entire obturator. This localized guidance approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining effective flow control.
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 enables a compact, efficient, and cost-effective variable flow rate adjustment without the need for variable-speed motors, achieving complete flow cutoff and reduced component complexity, while maintaining a maximized diameter for the shutter element to cover the turbine periphery.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating cam element (9) which transforms its rotary movement into a translational movement of the shutter element (8)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The subject matter of the present invention is a variable-delivery pump device comprising a pump body (2), an impeller (5) and a shut-off element (8) capable of translational movement and adjustably covering at least part of the outer periphery of the impeller (5), as well as a cam element (9) which is rotationally driven and engages with said shut-off element (8) for effecting the translational movement thereof. The pump device (1) is characterized in that the shut-off element (8) and the cam element (9) have cylindrical walls (8') and are arranged concentrically around the housing (7) that accepts the shaft (6) of the impeller (5), and in that the rotary cam element (9) is situated on the inside of the sliding shut-off element (8) and, on the external face of its wall, has at least one helical guideway (11) on which there runs at least one corresponding follower element (12) secured to the internal face of the wall (8') of the shut-off element (8).