Self-Lubricating Pump Using Redirected Fluid Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pump designs with mechanical seals and bearing lubrication systems require frequent maintenance, are costly, and complex to manufacture, as they need periodic inspection and replacement of worn parts, leading to potential failures and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A self-lubricating pump arrangement that uses a bearing bush with open grooves and a fluid flow guide to redirect pumped fluid for lubrication, eliminating the need for mechanical seals and periodic maintenance by utilizing the fluid flow for lubrication, thus reducing friction and wear on the drive shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical seals and bearing lubrication systems are used, then the drive shaft can be constrained against radial movement and allowed free rotation, but the system requires frequent maintenance and has high operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system uses its own pumped fluid to lubricate the bearing bush through open grooves in the bearing and fluid flow guide arrangements. This self-lubricating mechanism eliminates the need for external lubrication systems and periodic maintenance, as the system automatically replenishes its own lubrication using the fluid it processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles by utilizing the pumped fluid itself as the lubricant. The fluid flows through open grooves in the bearing bush and along the drive shaft surface, creating a hydrodynamic lubrication film that reduces friction and wear without requiring mechanical seals or external lubrication systems.
2Reliability
If mechanical seals and bearing lubrication systems are used, then the drive shaft can be properly supported, but the pump design becomes complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the mechanical seal component entirely from the system. By using open grooves in the bearing bush and the pumped fluid for lubrication, the design removes the complex sealing arrangements that would otherwise be required to prevent fluid leakage around the drive shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing support function and lubrication system are merged into a single integrated bearing bush structure with open grooves. This combines the functions of radial constraint, rotation allowance, and self-lubrication into one component, eliminating the need for separate mechanical seals and external lubrication systems.
3Reliability
If conventional bearing bushes and mechanical seals are used, then the drive shaft can be constrained radially, but periodic inspection and replacement of worn parts is required
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing bush continuously self-lubricates using the pumped fluid flowing through its open grooves, which prevents wear and extends service life indefinitely without maintenance. The system automatically replenishes the lubrication film as fluid passes through the grooves during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the lubrication parameter from periodic external lubrication to continuous internal self-lubrication. By incorporating open grooves that allow pumped fluid to flow directly over the bearing surface, the system maintains optimal lubrication conditions continuously during operation, preventing wear accumulation.
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 self-lubricating mechanism simplifies design and maintenance, reduces operational costs, and enhances efficiency by using the pumped fluid to lubricate the bearing bush, minimizing the need for regular maintenance and extending the lifespan of pump components.
Implementation Method 1
A self-lubricating pump arrangement utilising an impeller rotationally controlled by a motorised drive shaft... a bearing bush configured to support said drive shaft during rotation of said drive shaft... a re-directed fluid guide arrangement adapted to take a portion of the exiting fluid flow and redirect said portion of the exiting fluid flow into the series of open grooves of the bearing bush
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A self-lubricating pump arrangement including a fluid flow guide arrangement adapted to take fluid from the suction side to the discharge side of the pump and a re-directed fluid guide arrangement adapted to take a portion of the exiting fluid flow being discharged and re-direct that taken portion of fluid flow to lubricate the drive shaft responsible for the pumping action of the self-lubricating pump arrangement.