Segmented Double Disc Pump Housing for Maintenance Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double disc pumps require complete disassembly for maintenance, leading to costly downtime and maintenance expenses due to the need to access and replace both suction and discharge discs simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A segmented pump housing design with a stationary main block and hingedly affixed segments allows for individual access and replacement of discs without disassembling the entire pump, enabling maintenance without disturbing the discharge plumbing or main block.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the pump housing is designed as a single integrated unit, then the structural strength and sealing are improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates because complete disassembly is required to access both discs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidease of disc replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The pump housing is divided into multiple segments: a stationary main block that remains fixed to the support frame and discharge plumbing, and removable segments that can be detached to provide access to both the suction and discharge discs. This segmentation allows the structural integrity of the main block to be maintained while enabling easy maintenance access to internal components without requiring complete disassembly of the entire pump assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the entire pump assembly is disassembled for maintenance, then access to both discs is achieved, but the loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to substantial downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to discsVSAvoidmaintenance downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into stationary and removable portions, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly remove only the necessary segments to access and replace discs without disassembling the entire pump assembly, thereby minimizing downtime

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable segments are designed to be pre-positioned and easily detachable, so that when maintenance is needed, the segments can be quickly removed without requiring complex disassembly procedures, reducing the time required for maintenance operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the pump housing is completely disassembled for maintenance, then both discs can be accessed, but the device complexity increases due to the number of disassembly steps required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisc accessibilityVSAvoiddisassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into modular segments that can be independently removed, simplifying the disassembly process compared to a fully integrated housing. The stationary main block remains fixed while only the necessary removable segments need to be detached, reducing the overall complexity of the disassembly procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7559753B2Double disc pump with fixed housing block
Publication Date: 2009.07.14 PENN VALLEY PUMP
  • US7559753B2 patent drawing
  • US7559753B2 patent drawing
  • US7559753B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A double disc pump includes a stationary main pump housing block that can remain fixed to its supporting frame while all other parts of the pump are removed for servicing. This permits disassembly of the pump without disconnecting the inlet or outlet plumbing and is provided by a pump housing which is vertically divided along parallel horizontal planes into housing segments. An intermediate housing segment is hingedly mounted to the main block segment. A bottom housing segment is hingedly mounted to the intermediate housing segment. These three segments capture all of the internal parts of the pump including the suction and discharge discs and the trunnion seals. The hinged design of the segments allows them to conveniently swing away from other parts of the housing so that access to the internal structures can be accomplished without completely removing each segment.