Rotatable Valve Centrifugal Pump for Actuator-Free Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal pump units with integrated valve elements face challenges in optimizing impeller blade design for single-direction rotation and efficient flow direction switching, leading to suboptimal operation and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal pump unit with a rotatable valve element having an annular wall and switching openings, where the flow generated by the impeller rotates the valve element between switching positions, utilizing fluid pressure for position changes and a friction-fit coupling mechanism for secure engagement, allowing seamless switching between flow paths without additional actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a valve element is integrated into the pump housing to enable flow direction switching, then flow path switching capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is integrated into the pump housing, merging the valve function with the pump structure. The valve element includes an annular wall surrounding the impeller and switching openings formed directly in this annular wall, combining flow direction control with the pump's existing structural components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining flow path switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular wall of the valve element serves multiple functions: it surrounds the impeller, provides structural support, and contains the switching openings for flow direction control. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components, reducing device complexity while achieving flow path switching.
2Reliability
If additional actuators are used to operate the valve element, then switching reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is designed to be rotatably mounted and switchable without requiring additional actuators. The pump's operational flow and pressure differential automatically drive the valve element between switching positions, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element utilizes the pump's own fluid pressure and flow to actuate switching. The pressure differential created during pump operation automatically moves the valve element between positions, using hydraulic principles to achieve reliable switching without external actuators.
3Reliability
If the valve element is designed with movable sealing surfaces, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing surfaces are integrated into the valve element's structure, with the annular wall and switching openings designed to provide both sealing and flow control functions in a single component. This merging of functions simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling separate sealing elements.
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 enables efficient, low-complexity switching of flow paths using fluid pressure and friction-fit coupling, optimizing impeller design and reducing the need for additional actuators, thus enhancing operational efficiency and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a flow generated by the impeller can act directly on the annular wall to rotate the valve element about the axis of rotation depending on the flow
Implementation Method 2
a friction-fit coupling mechanism for secure engagement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a centrifugal pump assembly comprising: an electric drive motor (2); at least one impeller (18) driven by said motor; and a pump housing (6) surrounding the impeller (18), said pump housing comprising at least one intake connection (20) and at least two pressure connections (22, 24), the pump housing (6) containing a rotatable valve element (30, 30', 30'') which can be moved between at least two selection positions in which the flow paths through the at least two pressure connections (22, 24) are open to differing extents. The valve element (30, 30', 30'') has an annular wall (32) surrounding the impeller (18), at least one selection opening (48) being formed in said wall, and the valve element (30, 30', 30'') is rotatably mounted in the interior of the pump housing (6) about an axis of rotation (X) that is central relative to the annular wall (32).