Centrifugal Pump Valve Coupling for Reliable Flow Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal pump units with complex mechanisms for switching between flow paths lack simplicity and reliability in their valve element operation.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal pump unit with an electric drive motor and a valve element that can be moved between switching positions, utilizing hydraulic and mechanical coupling between the drive motor and the valve element, allowing for simplified operation and increased reliability by leveraging pressure differences and fluid forces to change flow paths without complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanism with an inflow element on the pressure side and a lever system is used to switch between two inlets, then the switching function can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex lever system and inflow element mechanism from the pressure side. Instead, a simple valve element is introduced on the suction side that can be directly actuated by the drive motor, removing unnecessary mechanical complexity while maintaining the switching function between the two inlets.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical lever system with a simplified direct mechanical coupling between the drive motor and the valve element. The valve element is actuated directly by the drive motor without intermediate mechanical linkages, substituting a simple mechanical system for a complex one.
2Loss of energy
If the valve element is actuated by a complex mechanism, then switching between flow paths is possible, but frictional losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the intermediate mechanical linkages (lever system, inflow element) that caused frictional losses. The valve element is actuated directly by the drive motor, eliminating the multiple contact points and mechanical interfaces that generated friction in the previous design.
3Device complexity
If the valve element is located on the suction side and directly coupled to the drive motor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the switching force availability may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is designed to be self-actuating through the direct coupling with the drive motor. The valve element itself, positioned on the suction side, utilizes the rotational motion of the drive motor to open or close the inlet passages, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms or additional force transmission components.
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 provides a simpler and more reliable switching function for the valve element, reducing frictional losses and eliminating the need for complex mechanisms, ensuring efficient operation and maintaining the valve element's position even when the drive motor is switched off.
Implementation Method 1
The valve element is designed and arranged in such a way that it is located in the pump housing between the suction and pressure sides of the centrifugal pump unit and separates them from one another
Implementation Method 2
The invention relates to a centrifugal pump unit with an electric drive motor and a valve element which is arranged in the pump unit and can be moved between at least two switching positions
Implementation Method 3
at least one impeller which is driven in rotation by this electric drive motor. For this purpose, a rotor of the electric drive motor is connected to the impeller, for example via a shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a centrifugal pump unit with an electric drive motor 4, 6, an impeller 14 driven by it, and a pump housing 12 surrounding the impeller, which has at least two connections 27, 32, 34, with a movable valve element 18 being arranged in the pump housing, which between at least two switching positions, in which the flow paths through the at least two connections 27, 32, 34 are opened differently, the valve element 18 being designed and arranged in the pump housing 12 in such a way that it has a suction chamber connected to a suction side of the impeller 14 24 from a pressure chamber 26 connected to the pressure side of the impeller 14, and the valve element 18 is coupled mechanically and/or hydraulically to at least one movement between the at least two switching positions with the drive motor 4, 6.