Liquid Pumping Tube Positioning for Compact Automated Tank Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid pumping devices in chemical liquid tanks occupy excessive space and require manual operation, leading to contamination and health hazards, and cannot achieve fully automated operations.
Innovation Solution
A liquid pumping device with modules for axial, rotational, and translational movement, combined with a lid opening apparatus, allowing flexible extension and operation within limited spaces, enabling fully automated or semi-automated operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a liquid pumping tube and machine are inserted into the chemical liquid tank in a straight-down and straight-up approach to achieve fully automated operation, then automation is improved, but the space occupied becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single vertical dimension (straight-down/straight-up insertion) to multiple dimensions by incorporating both vertical movement (axial direction) and horizontal movement (translation on plane perpendicular to rotation). This multi-dimensional approach allows the pumping tube to reach the tank while occupying less overall space.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid pumping device is divided into distinct functional modules: axial movement module for vertical positioning, rotation module for angular adjustment, and translation module for horizontal positioning. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently in its optimized direction, reducing the overall space requirement compared to a single monolithic mechanical arm.
2Volume of moving object
If manual operation of the liquid pumping tube is used, then the space occupied is reduced, but contamination and health hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated control where the liquid pumping device is controlled by a control unit that coordinates all movement modules (axial, rotation, translation) without requiring human intervention. The tube is automatically inserted, positioned, and operated, eliminating direct human contact with chemical liquids while maintaining compact space occupation.
3Device complexity
If a conventional liquid pumping device is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different tank configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic positioning capabilities with three independent movement modules that can be controlled to various positions and orientations. The axial movement module adjusts depth, the rotation module adjusts angle, and the translation module adjusts horizontal position, allowing the system to adapt to different tank configurations while maintaining a relatively simple modular structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid pumping device includes a liquid pumping tube module, an axial movement module, a rotation module and a translation module. The liquid pumping tube module includes a tube and an adapter. The tube has a first end and a second end in an axial direction. The adapter is disposed at the second end. The axial movement module is connected to the tube, and drives the liquid pumping tube module to move in the axial direction. The rotation module is connected to the liquid pumping tube module, and drives the liquid pumping tube module to rotate relative to a rotation axis of the rotation module. The translation module is connected to the liquid pumping tube module, and drives the liquid pumping tube module to move on a plane perpendicular to a plane of rotation of the rotation module.