Centrifugal Pump Volute with Slanted Wall for Flow Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pumps experience efficiency drops due to liquid separation and stay within the pump channel, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

The pump design incorporates a liquid separation reduction structure featuring an inclined surface in the volute portion, a straightening portion between the impeller and volute, and a discharge path with a gradually changing cross-sectional area, along with centrifugal channels and blades, to minimize liquid separation and enhance flow efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional pump channel design is used, then结构简单性 is maintained, but liquid separation and stay occur causing efficiency drop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump efficiencyVSAvoidpump channel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump channel is divided into multiple functional sections: suction path, impeller channel with centrifugal channels, volute portion with inclined surface, and discharge path with varying cross-section. Each segment performs a specific function to guide liquid flow continuously and prevent separation, thereby maintaining high pump efficiency without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The volute portion incorporates an inclined surface that creates a curved, smooth transition path for liquid flow from the impeller channel to the discharge path. This curved geometry eliminates sharp angles and sudden direction changes that would cause liquid separation, ensuring continuous flow and preventing efficiency drops

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If simple pump channel is used, then manufacturing is easier, but liquid separation occurs reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump efficiencyVSAvoidpump channel fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined surface in the volute portion and the gradually varying cross-sectional area in the discharge path create smooth curved transitions that prevent liquid separation. These curved geometries can be manufactured using standard machining or molding processes, balancing manufacturing ease with flow efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge path cross-sectional area is designed to change gradually along the flow direction rather than remaining constant or changing abruptly. This parameter variation optimizes liquid flow continuity and prevents separation, while the gradual nature of the change allows for straightforward manufacturing implementation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

These features ensure smoother liquid flow and reduced separation within the pump channel, leading to a more secure reduction in efficiency drops and improved overall pump efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a volute portion (350) which is formed on a radially outer side of the impeller (70) and into which liquid in the impeller channel (740) is introduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3176439B1Centrifugal pump with a volute having a slanted wall
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3176439B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3176439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3176439B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pump according to the present disclosure includes a pump body, an impeller stored in a pump chamber formed inside the pump body, and a shaft that supports the impeller such that the impeller is rotatable. A pump channel extending from a suction port to a first discharge port is formed inside the pump body. The pump channel includes a suction path, an impeller channel which is formed inside the impeller and into which liquid in the suction path is introduced, a volute portion which is formed on a radially outer side of the impeller and into which liquid in the impeller channel is introduced, and a discharge path into which liquid in the volute portion is introduced. A liquid separation reduction structure that reduces separation of liquid flowing in the pump channel is provided in the pump channel.