Pump Thermistor Bypass Flow Path for Accurate Fluid Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid pumps lack effective temperature sensing mechanisms, especially when submerged, as traditional temperature sensors within the motor cavity provide little to no accurate temperature-related information due to minimal fluid movement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an accessory fluid path with a thermistor that monitors the temperature of excess fluid flow, which is directed through a shadow port and orifice, allowing for real-time temperature measurements without disrupting the primary fluid flow or pump performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional temperature sensors are placed within the motor cavity, then the pump structure remains simple, but the temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates due to minimal fluid movement
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid path is segmented into a primary path and an accessory path, with the thermistor placed in the accessory path. This segmentation allows the temperature sensing function to be separated from the main pumping function, enabling accurate temperature measurement without disrupting the primary fluid flow and pump performance.
Solution Approach 2:
An accessory fluid path acts as an intermediary channel that diverts a portion of the fluid flow specifically for temperature sensing purposes. The shadow port and orifice serve as intermediate structures that regulate the flow of excess fluid to the thermistor, ensuring accurate temperature measurement while maintaining the integrity of the primary fluid path.
2Reliability
If an accessory fluid path is added for temperature sensing, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory fluid path is designed with specific local features including a shadow port and an orifice that regulate flow. These localized structural elements enable the accessory path to perform its temperature sensing function effectively while minimizing the overall complexity increase. The thermistor is positioned at a specific location where it can accurately measure fluid temperature without requiring complex additional components.
3Measurement precision
If excess fluid flow is directed through the accessory path to the thermistor, then real-time temperature measurement is achieved, but the primary fluid flow may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
Only a portion of the fluid flow is diverted through the accessory path to the thermistor, while the majority continues through the primary path. The shadow port and orifice are designed to regulate this partial flow, ensuring that enough fluid reaches the thermistor for accurate real-time temperature measurement while maintaining sufficient flow through the primary path to preserve pump performance and productivity.
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
Enables accurate and real-time temperature monitoring of the fluid within the pump, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability without compromising the pump's performance, suitable for various fluid pumps, including submerged applications.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the pump element generates a suction at the inlet and pressure at the outlet. The suction and pressure cooperate to move a fluid through a fluid path.
Implementation Method 2
The thermistor monitors a temperature of the fluid within the accessory fluid path. The excess flow of the fluid through the accessory fluid path directly engages a thermistor disposed within the accessory fluid path. The thermistor measures a fluid temperature of the excess flow of the fluid within the accessory fluid path.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pump includes a pump element in communication with an inlet and an outlet. Rotation of the pump element generates a suction at the inlet and pressure at the outlet. The suction and pressure cooperate to move a fluid through a fluid path. An accessory fluid path is in communication with the inlet and outlet. The accessory fluid path includes a thermistor in communication with the accessory fluid path. The thermistor monitors a temperature of the fluid within the accessory fluid path.