Pump Thermistor Flow Path for Real-Time Fluid Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid pumps lack effective temperature sensing mechanisms for fluids, particularly when submerged, as existing temperature sensors in the motor cavity provide limited temperature-related information due to minimal fluid movement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an accessory fluid path with a thermistor that monitors the temperature of an excess fluid flow diverted from the primary flow, ensuring real-time temperature measurement without disrupting the pump's performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thermistor is integrated into the fluid pump system for temperature monitoring, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermistor is integrated into the existing fluid pump structure by incorporating it into the accessory fluid path or shadow port system. This merging approach allows temperature monitoring to be added without creating a completely separate system, thereby improving measurement capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory fluid path or shadow port, which may have secondary functions, is utilized to also serve as the temperature sensing location. This multi-functionality approach allows the same structural elements to serve both fluid management and temperature monitoring purposes, reducing the need for additional dedicated components.
2Measurement precision
If an accessory fluid path is created to divert fluid for temperature monitoring, then temperature monitoring accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow is segmented into a primary flow path and an accessory fluid path. The accessory path diverts a portion of the fluid specifically for thermistor engagement, ensuring accurate temperature monitoring of the main fluid while maintaining the primary pumping function. This segmentation allows targeted temperature measurement without disrupting the main fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory fluid path acts as an intermediary mechanism that connects the main fluid flow to the thermistor sensing element. It diverts a controlled portion of the fluid to directly engage the thermistor, enabling accurate temperature measurement while isolating the sensing function from the main pumping operation.
3Loss of time
If fluid flow is diverted through a shadow port to engage the thermistor, then real-time temperature measurement is achieved, but pump performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Only a portion of the total fluid flow is diverted through the shadow port to engage the thermistor, while the majority of the fluid continues through the main pumping path. This partial action approach ensures that temperature measurement is achieved without significantly reducing the overall pump productivity or performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The shadow port is designed to divert fluid locally at a specific point in the pump system where it can effectively engage the thermistor. This localized fluid diversion ensures real-time temperature measurement at a critical location without requiring a complete redesign of the overall fluid flow path, thereby maintaining pump performance.
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
Provides accurate and continuous temperature monitoring of the fluid, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability by ensuring the thermistor measures fluid temperature effectively without pressure build-up or performance degradation.
Implementation Method 1
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.