Reversible Impeller Pump With Diaphragm Outlet Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bidirectional pumps are complex, expensive to install, difficult to repair, and prone to electronic malfunctions, with high flow resistance and potential water leakage due to non-integral housings.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional pump design featuring a single motor and impeller, utilizing a diaphragm deformed by impeller rotation to control fluid direction, with an integrally formed housing and partition wall to minimize flow resistance and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional bidirectional pump uses a motor and impeller on each of two water supply paths to adjust water supply direction, then the water supply direction can be changed, but the structure becomes complex and installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate motor-impeller assemblies into a single impeller that can rotate in both directions. The housing contains a single impeller chamber where the impeller can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to direct water flow to different outlets, eliminating the need for duplicate motor-impeller units while maintaining bidirectional water supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single impeller is designed to perform multiple functions by rotating in different directions. The same impeller can direct water to the first water supply path when rotating in one direction and to the second water supply path when rotating in the opposite direction, making one component universal for both water supply functions
2Device complexity
If a bidirectional pump uses an electronic valve to supply water in either direction through a single motor and impeller, then the structure is simplified, but installation cost remains expensive and electronic malfunctions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic valve control system with a purely mechanical solution. The impeller's rotation direction, controlled mechanically rather than electronically, directs water flow to different outlets through the housing structure itself. This eliminates electronic components and their associated failure modes while maintaining bidirectional control capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a bidirectional pump closes any one of paths through which water is supplied via a linear member to change water supply direction, then water supply direction can be adjusted, but reliability is difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic flow direction control mechanism where the impeller's rotation direction dynamically changes the water flow path. Rather than statically closing paths with linear members, the system dynamically directs water flow by rotating the impeller clockwise or counterclockwise, allowing the same open path structure to serve multiple functions without requiring reliable path closure mechanisms
4Ease of manufacture
If a bidirectional pump is manufactured as an assembly rather than integrally formed, then manufacturing is easier, but water may unexpectedly flow out due to high pressure generated in the pump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sealing members as a preventive measure before high-pressure water can cause leakage. The sealing members are installed at the joints between housing components during assembly, creating a protective barrier that prevents water leakage under high-pressure conditions. This beforehand cushioning approach addresses the sealing vulnerability of assembled housings
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 design reduces installation costs, facilitates repair, ensures reliable fluid direction control, and prevents unintended water leakage while maintaining smooth fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
a diaphragm disposed between the first and second fluid outlets in the housing, and deformed according to pressure exerted by rotation of the impeller
Implementation Method 2
an impeller disposed in the housing, and rotating in a forward direction or in a reverse direction
Implementation Method 3
a partition wall disposed in the housing, and guiding flow of fluid from the fluid inlet to either of the first and second fluid outlets
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a bidirectional pump, including a housing comprising a fluid inlet, and first and second fluid outlets that communicate with the fluid inlet and face each other; an impeller disposed in the housing, and rotating in a forward direction or in a reverse direction; a motor configured to impart a rotating force to the impeller; and a diaphragm disposed between the first and second fluid outlets in the housing, and deformed according to pressure exerted by rotation of the impeller, wherein the diaphragm closes either of the first and second fluid outlets according to a rotating direction of the impeller.