Reversible Metering Pump Valve Geometry for Mixing and Clog Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic machines lack the ability to interchangeably direct the flow of main liquid and mixed liquid, leading to suboptimal mixing and potential clogging or corrosion issues when the additive is non-aggressive or the pump components are not sensitive, as the mixture often passes through the entire machine before discharge.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic machine with a differential piston and frustoconical valve seats that allow reversible operation, enabling the main liquid to enter and the mixture to exit through different paths, optimizing mixing and reducing the risk of clogging or corrosion by controlling valve positions with an elastic mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the mixture passes through the entire casing before discharge, then better mixing between additive and main liquid is achieved, but the risk of clogging and corrosion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing qualityVSAvoidclogging and corrosion risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements reversible operation capability that allows the hydraulic machine to dynamically switch between two operational modes: a first mode where the mixture passes through the entire casing for enhanced mixing, and a second mode where the mixture is discharged immediately after mixing to minimize exposure time. This dynamic reversibility resolves the contradiction by allowing optimal mixing when needed while preventing clogging and corrosion when the additive is non-aggressive or components are not sensitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flow path parameter by enabling reversible operation between two configurations. In the first configuration, the outlet is positioned to allow mixture circulation through the entire casing. In the second configuration, the outlet position is changed to discharge the mixture immediately after mixing in the mixing chamber. This parameter change (outlet position and flow path configuration) allows the system to adapt between maximizing mixing and minimizing clogging/corrosion risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the mixture is discharged immediately after mixing without passing through the entire machine, then the risk of clogging and corrosion is reduced, but mixing quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclogging and corrosion riskVSAvoidmixing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The reversible operation mechanism allows the system to dynamically select between immediate discharge (reducing clogging/corrosion risk) and full circulation (enhancing mixing quality) based on operational requirements. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptive rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet position parameter is changed between two states: one where the outlet allows immediate discharge after mixing chamber, and another where the outlet configuration enables full circulation through the casing. This parameter variation allows optimization between the two competing objectives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the hydraulic machine is designed for fixed inlet and outlet positions, then the structure is simplified, but the ability to interchangeably direct flow is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidflow direction interchangeability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces reversibility that allows the hydraulic machine to switch between two operational configurations, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adaptable system. This enables flow direction interchangeability while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity through the use of existing hydraulic components in reversed configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic machine is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in a first mode with fixed inlet/outlet positions for standard operation, and in a second mode with reversed flow direction for alternative operational requirements. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to serve different purposes without requiring completely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reversible hydraulic machine ensures effective mixing and reduces the risk of clogging or corrosion by allowing the mixture to exit without passing through the entire machine, enhancing mixing quality and simplifying maintenance with removable sealing means and a bayonet-type assembly.

Implementation Method 1

under the action of an elastic means, to reverse the stroke

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one upper valve cooperating with a first seat made in the upper ring of the piston so as to allow communication between the upper chamber and the lower chamber and at least one lower valve cooperating with a second seat made in the lower base of the piston so as to allow communication between the upper chamber and the mixing chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve mechanism: Valve

Implementation Method 3

hydraulic switching means for supplying liquid to and discharging liquid from the chambers separated by the piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10968901B2Hydraulic machine and reversible metering pump equipped with such a machine
Publication Date: 2021.04.06 DOSATRON INT
  • US10968901B2 patent drawing
  • US10968901B2 patent drawing
  • US10968901B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A hydraulic machine includes: a casing; a differential piston having an upper ring and a lower base, sliding reciprocally in the casing and a cylindrical housing inside the envelope, separating two chambers of the casing; a hydraulic switch conveying liquid to/from the chambers, the switch controlled by movement of the piston and including at least one rod acting on a distribution member that includes an upper valve cooperating with a first seat in the upper ring of the piston and at least one lower valve cooperating with a second seat in the lower base of the piston; and a trigger causing, at the end of the stroke, a sudden change in the position of the switch to reverse the stroke. The lower and upper valve seats accept upper and lower frustoconical portions and a lower frustoconical portion tapering in opposite directions. Also disclosed is a reversible metering pump.