Integrated Rotary Vane Foam Pump for Simpler Foam Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam dispensing systems are complex and expensive, necessitating a simpler and more cost-effective solution for producing foamed fluids.
Innovation Solution
A rotary vane pump arrangement is used to mix air and a foamable fluid, driven by an electric motor, with a positive displacement mechanism that increases efficiency and reduces complexity, featuring a rotor with radially extending vanes that increase and decrease volume to create a mixture of air and liquid for foam generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If known systems for producing foam are used, then foam can be produced, but the systems are relatively complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air pump and liquid pump into a single integrated unit with a common drive shaft. The air pump housing contains both pumps, and they share a common motor and transmission mechanism. This merging of previously separate components into one unified device reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the capability to produce foam effectively.
2Ease of manufacture
If known foam production systems are used, then foam can be produced, but the systems are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating two pumps into one housing with a shared motor and drive mechanism, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while the positive displacement mechanism ensures efficient foam production through precise metering of air and liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The common drive shaft and transmission mechanism serve dual purposes by driving both the air pump and liquid pump simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single motor to power both pumping actions, reducing the need for separate power sources and control systems, thereby lowering overall system cost while maintaining productivity.
3Reliability
If traditional pump arrangements are used, then foam can be dispensed, but wear on components increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design allows both pumps to operate in synchronization with coordinated positive displacement mechanisms. This synchronized operation ensures consistent mixing ratios and prevents excessive pressure fluctuations that would otherwise cause premature wear on seals and moving parts, thereby extending component lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The positive displacement mechanism inherently provides self-regulating flow control through its mechanical design. The fixed displacement chambers and metering holes automatically maintain consistent flow rates without requiring external control systems, reducing stress on components and minimizing wear from over-pressurization or flow instability.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, automated, and efficient method for dispensing foam, reducing wear on components and increasing the lifespan of the mechanism while maintaining effective foam production.
Implementation Method 1
A rotary vane pump arrangement is used to mix air and a foamable fluid, driven by an electric motor, with a positive displacement mechanism that increases efficiency
Implementation Method 2
a foam generator between the outlet of the interior chamber and the discharge outlet which on air and the fluid passing through the foam generator produces foam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a positive displacement rotary vane mixing pump in combination with a positive displacement rotary vane fluid pump. The mixing pump having an air inlet, an inlet for foamable fluid from the fluid pump, and an outlet from a discharge sector of the pump for discharging a mixture of air and liquid to a foam generator.