Liquid Reservoir Pump Mounting Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid reservoir designs often result in pumps tipping over or not being able to discharge all stored liquid, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage, with complex and high-maintenance mounting arrangements that are not user-friendly.
Innovation Solution
A water reservoir with integrated mounting features, such as recessed cavities and shoulders, allows for secure, removable, and tool-less mounting of the pump, preventing tipping and ensuring efficient operation while maintaining aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pump is disposed outside the liquid reservoir or loosely positioned within it, then the pump can be easily installed and removed, but the pump tips over or floats above the base, preventing complete liquid discharge and potentially damaging the reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is nested within a recessed cavity formed in the base of the liquid reservoir. The cavity receives the pump such that the pump sits substantially flush with the base surface, preventing tipping while allowing easy installation and removal. The recessed cavity acts as a protective housing that secures the pump in its operational position.
Solution Approach 2:
Mounting features including tabs and slots are introduced as intermediary elements between the pump and the reservoir base. The tabs on the pump engage with the slots in the base to provide secure positioning, while still allowing straightforward installation and removal without complex fastening mechanisms.
2Reliability
If complex mounting arrangements are provided to support the pump within the liquid reservoir, then the pump stability is improved, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting features are merged into the base structure itself. The tabs are formed as integral parts of the pump housing, and the slots are formed directly in the base during molding. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, screws, or fastening mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining pump stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is nested within a recessed cavity that is formed as an integral part of the base. This recessed structure provides inherent support and positioning for the pump without requiring additional mounting components. The cavity walls and base structure work together to secure the pump in place.
3Ease of manufacture
If the pump is loosely positioned within the liquid reservoir without proper mounting features, then the installation is simple, but the pump may fall or tip over, causing damage and requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed cavity in the base provides a protective housing that prevents the pump from tipping over or falling. The cavity walls contain the pump within a defined space, eliminating the harmful effect of pump tipping while maintaining easy installation through the open top of the cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs and slots act as intermediary elements that prevent direct contact between the pump and the surrounding liquid, which could cause the pump to float or tip. The mounting features provide stable mechanical engagement that protects the reservoir from damage while allowing simple pump installation and removal.
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid reservoir (100) includes a body (102) defining a base (104) and a plurality of sides (106). The plurality of sides (106) and the base (104) define a volume (116) to store the liquid (101) therein. The liquid reservoir (100) also includes a pump (122) operatively mounted within the liquid reservoir (100). The liquid reservoir (100) is characterized in that the body (102) includes one or more mounting features (138), (140), (338) such that the one or more mounting features (138), (140), (338) allow removable mounting of the pump (122) towards the base (104) of the liquid reservoir (100).