Rotatable Screw Pump Housing for Flexible Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screw pumps lack flexibility in installation, which restricts their adaptability to various operational environments and applications.

Innovation Solution

A screw pump design comprising two parts that can assume multiple relative positions, with a rotatably coupled housing and spindle system, allowing for adjustable inlet and outlet channels and incorporating a pressure relief mechanism to manage pressure levels, enhancing flexibility and operational efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the pump housing is designed as a single fixed component with flange section, then the structural integrity and sealing are improved, but the installation flexibility and adaptability to different positions are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pump housing is divided into two separate parts: a first part containing the inlet opening and a second part containing the outlet opening. These parts can be rotatably coupled to assume different relative positions, allowing the pump to be installed in various orientations while maintaining structural integrity through the coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling between the first and second parts is designed to be rotatable, allowing the relative position between inlet and outlet openings to be dynamically adjusted. This dynamic coupling enables the pump to adapt to different installation positions and operational requirements while maintaining a sealed housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the inlet and outlet openings are fixed in position, then the manufacturing and assembly process are simplified, but the adaptability to different operational environments is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidoperational adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet and outlet openings are positioned on separable housing parts that can be rotated relative to each other. This allows the openings to be fixed during manufacturing for ease of assembly, while the rotatable coupling enables operational adaptability to different installation positions and flow directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable coupling mechanism enables the pump to serve multiple installation configurations and operational environments. The same pump design can be adapted to different positions and orientations without requiring custom manufacturing, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining assembly simplicity.

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

3Reliability

If pressure relief mechanism is added to manage pressure levels, then the operational safety and pressure control are improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure controlVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure relief mechanism is designed to automatically activate when pressure exceeds predetermined levels, without requiring external control systems or complex monitoring. The mechanism self-regulates pressure by providing an alternative flow path, maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the housing is divided into multiple rotatable parts, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the sealing and structural integrity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidsealing integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable coupling between housing parts is designed to maintain sealing integrity throughout its range of motion. The dynamic coupling mechanism ensures that the seal between inlet and outlet sections remains effective during rotation, allowing installation flexibility without compromising sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the first and second housing parts, providing both rotational freedom and sealed connection. This intermediary element enables the parts to rotate relative to each other while maintaining fluid tightness, resolving the conflict between flexibility and sealing integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2961988B1Screw pump with at least two parts
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 NETZSCH PUMPEN & SYST
  • EP2961988B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2961988B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2961988B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a screw pump with at least two parts. The first part comprises a housing and at least one screw system which is arranged in the housing and which can be rotationally driven. It also comprises a pressure area arranged downstream of the screw system and at least one outlet opening which is brought into contact with the pressure area for guiding the pumping medium from the pressure area. The second part comprises at least one low pressure chamber arranged upstream of the screw system and at least one inlet opening for the pumping medium in the low pressure chamber. The first and the second parts are coupled together so they can assume at least two different relative positions, preferably so they can rotate.