Rotary Fluid Metering and Mixing for Single-Pump Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In devices like complex washing machines, managing the separate storage and safe removal of multiple fluids without maintenance is challenging, especially when numerous pumps are required for each container, leading to high costs and potential fluid contamination.
Innovation Solution
A device with a single suction pump on the output side and multiple connections on the input side, featuring a rotatable central disk with a through-channel that can communicate with various inlet openings, allowing for fluid mixing and storage without direct contact, and a maintenance-free configuration using ceramic disks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate pump is provided for each container to remove fluids safely, then fluid contamination is prevented, but device complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid handling path into separate segments: individual containers maintain fluid isolation, while a single pump handles only the mixing chamber. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between containers and the pump, achieving reliability without requiring multiple pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
A mixing chamber acts as an intermediary between the containers and the single pump. Fluids are transferred from containers to the mixing chamber first, then the pump draws from this chamber. This intermediary prevents direct contact between the pump and multiple fluid sources, eliminating contamination risks.
2Reliability
If numerous pumps are provided for each container, then fluid removal is reliable, but overall costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid handling functions are merged into a single pump that operates from a common mixing chamber. Instead of having separate pumps for each container, one pump performs all fluid removal operations after fluids are combined in the mixing chamber, significantly reducing system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump is designed to handle mixed fluids from multiple containers universally. It performs the function of what would otherwise require multiple specialized pumps, achieving cost efficiency while maintaining reliability through its multi-functional capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumps are used for each container, then fluid mixing is achievable, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing function is extracted from the pump system and placed in a dedicated mixing chamber. This separation allows a single pump to handle fluid removal while the mixing chamber performs the mixing operation, reducing device complexity while maintaining fluid mixing capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single pump is used for multiple containers, then costs are reduced, but fluid contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber serves as an intermediary that breaks the direct connection between the single pump and multiple fluid containers. Fluids are transferred to the mixing chamber first, where they mix before being drawn by the pump. This intermediary prevents contamination while enabling cost-effective single-pump operation.
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
This solution reduces the need for multiple pumps, lowers overall costs, and ensures safe, efficient mixing and removal of small fluid volumes without contamination, suitable for various applications including washing machines and the food industry.
Implementation Method 1
provide a single pump arrangement (16) on an output side, the outlet side, which has a suction effect
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for metering and mixing fluids, comprising multiple inlet openings, an actuating arrangement with a displaceable through-channel which can be brought into communicative connection with one of the different inlet openings in a selective manner, and a pump arrangement which can supply the through-channel with negative pressure.