Rotatable Pump Connecting Cap for Multi-Directional Pipe Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps face challenges in accommodating different installation requirements due to limited directional connectivity of ports, leading to complex pipe arrangements and increased installation costs, as they can only connect pipes in one or two specific directions, necessitating complicated repositioning procedures.
Innovation Solution
A pump design featuring a connecting cap that is 180° rotatable relative to the end cap, with two ports extending through opposite ends and adjustable plugs to control fluid flow direction, allowing for flexible pipe connections in various directions without requiring end cap repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the end cap has only one installation direction relative to the housing, then the structure is simple, but the ports allow connection of pipes in one single direction only, resulting in complicated pipe arrangement and increased installation cost
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting cap is made rotatable relative to the end cap, transforming a static single-direction connection into a dynamic multi-directional connection system. This allows the ports to orient in different directions while maintaining the same basic structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and connection versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting cap serves multiple functions: it provides fluid connection, enables rotational adjustment for different pipe orientations, and maintains sealing across multiple positions. This multi-functionality allows a single component to achieve both structural simplicity and adaptability to various pipe connection requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the end cap has two installation positions, then pipe connection directions are increased, but the position changing procedure requires detaching and reinstalling the end cap, which is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring detachment and reinstallation, the connecting cap is designed to rotate dynamically while remaining attached to the end cap. This dynamic rotation mechanism allows position changes without breaking the connection, greatly simplifying the operation while maintaining multiple connection directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into two independently adjustable components: the end cap attached to the housing, and the connecting cap attached to the end cap. This segmentation allows the connecting cap to rotate independently to change pipe connection directions without affecting the end cap's position or requiring detachment of either component.
3Ease of manufacture
If the ports are provided at the end cap, then pipe connection is possible, but only in two positions, which does not fit different installation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting cap's rotational capability transforms the fixed port positions on the end cap into dynamically adjustable connection directions. While the ports remain manufactured in fixed positions on the end cap for manufacturing simplicity, the rotating connecting cap allows these ports to effectively face multiple directions to accommodate various installation conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump includes a pump housing and an end cap, which is attached to the pump housing at the top and has an oil suction port at one end and an oil relief port at one lateral side. A connecting cap is connectable to the end cap opposite to the pump housing in one of a number of positions in different directions and which has two ports cut through the two opposite ends thereof for letting in and out a fluid to/from a hydraulic motor. Two plugs are selectively fastened to one of the two ends of each of the two ports of the connecting cap to control the flow direction of the fluid passing to/from the hydraulic motor through the connecting cap.