Integrated Pump and Pressure Tank Layout for Frost-Proof Water Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing domestic waterworks designs are complex and costly to manufacture and assemble, with high production and handling costs due to their intricate construction, and they often require antifreeze to prevent frost damage.
Innovation Solution
The design spatially concentrates liquid-carrying components within a structural unit where the centrifugal pump and diaphragm pressure tank are arranged one above the other, connected via this unit, which includes all liquid connections, allowing non-liquid components to be designed without liquid-carrying requirements, and features a one-piece plastic injection molded structural unit for reduced components and costs, along with self-priming mechanisms and frost-proof drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the centrifugal pump and diaphragm pressure tank are arranged side by side with separate housings and connections, then the system provides functional separation and ease of maintenance, but the system complexity and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump housing and pressure tank into a single integrated housing structure. The pump is positioned within the housing and the pressure tank is mounted on the housing, creating a unified assembly that reduces the number of separate components and connections required, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while maintaining functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it encloses the pump, supports the pressure tank, provides mounting points for connections, and acts as part of the liquid-carrying system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural and functional components, simplifying the overall system.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate components and connections are used for liquid-carrying functions, then the system provides functional flexibility, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple liquid-carrying functions into a single integrated housing assembly. The housing itself forms part of the liquid-carrying system, and the pump and pressure tank are connected through integrated pathways within the housing, reducing the number of external pipes and connections required.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating functions, the patent maintains functional segmentation by keeping the pump and pressure tank as separate, accessible components within the unified housing. This allows individual components to be maintained or replaced independently while simplifying the overall assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional pump housing designs are used without integrated drainage, then the pump structure remains simple, but antifreeze additives are required to prevent frost damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a drainage opening and drain line into the pump housing structure that allows liquid to be drained from the housing before freezing conditions occur. This preliminary drainage action prevents frost damage by removing the liquid that would otherwise freeze and expand, eliminating the need for antifreeze additives while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 configuration reduces production and assembly costs, simplifies handling, and eliminates the need for antifreeze by integrating self-priming mechanisms and frost-proof drainage, while ensuring electrical safety and efficient liquid management.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal pump (3), an electric motor (5) driving the pump (3)
Implementation Method 2
a diaphragm pressure tank (30) arranged one above the other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The domestic water supply system has a water inlet connection (12), a water outlet connection (28), a centrifugal pump (3), an electric motor (5), an electrical/electronic control unit, and a diaphragm pressure tank (30). The centrifugal pump (3) and the diaphragm pressure tank (30) are arranged one above the other and connected to each other via a unit (6). The unit (6) includes the water connections (12, 28), the pipe connection between the water connections (12, 28) and the pump (3), and a threaded fitting (29) for the diaphragm pressure tank (30).