Rotatable Valve Element Pump Assembly for Heating Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump assemblies with rotatingly driven impellers and valve elements are limited in their ability to adapt to various applications, particularly in heating facilities, where switching between different flow paths and temperature adjustments are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal pump assembly with a rotatable valve element that utilizes the pressure of the impeller to switch between suction and delivery sides, allowing for multiple switching functions and temperature mixing by rotating the valve element between defined positions, driven by an electrical motor with a canned rotor configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional pump assembly with a fixed valve element is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different heating applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is designed to be rotatable about its rotation axis between multiple switching positions, transforming a static component into a dynamic one. This rotational capability allows the valve element to selectively align different openings with the suction and delivery ports, enabling the pump assembly to adapt to various heating applications such as single-circuit, dual-circuit, and mixing operations without requiring multiple separate pump units
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element incorporates multiple openings (first opening, second opening, third opening) that can be selectively positioned to perform different functions. By rotating to different switching positions, the same valve element can switch between supplying a single heating circuit, supplying multiple heating circuits simultaneously, or enabling mixing operations, thereby achieving multi-functionality within a single device structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a valve element with multiple switching positions is added to enable flow path switching, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is integrated directly into the pump assembly structure, merging the valve function with the pump housing. The valve element's openings are positioned to align with suction and delivery ports formed in the pump housing, eliminating the need for separate valve bodies and reducing overall structural complexity despite the enhanced switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the impeller and the heating circuits. By positioning the valve element between the suction port and delivery port, it controls the flow paths indirectly through rotational positioning, avoiding the need for complex mechanical linkages or multiple moving parts that would otherwise be required to achieve the same flow switching 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
Enables flexible operation by allowing the pump assembly to switch between different heating circuits and adjust temperature ratios efficiently, expanding its application range and simplifying adaptation to diverse heating systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first face side which extends transversely to its rotation axis. A suction opening which is in engagement with a suction port of the impeller is formed in this first face side, in the central region, so that the fluid which is delivered by the impeller enters through the suction opening into the suction port of the impeller
Implementation Method 2
The pump assembly can preferably comprise an electrical drive motor. This can further preferably be configured as a wet-running electrical drive motor, in which a can or a canned pot separates the rotor space from the stator space
Data Source
AI summary
A pump assembly includes at least one rotatingly driven impeller (14) and at least one valve element (18) which is rotatable about a rotation axis (X) between at least two switching positions. The valve element (18) includes a first face side (22) which extends transversely to the rotation axis of the valve element. A suction opening (24), which is engaged with a suction port (26) of the impeller (14), is formed in this first face side in a central region. The first face side (22) includes a pressure surface which surrounds the suction opening (24) and is adjacent to a delivery chamber (28) which surrounds the impeller (14).