Self-priming Transfer Pump with Tool-free Quick Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diaphragm pumps require tools and expose users to hazardous chemicals during replacement, repair, and inspection, and they lack quick and tool-free attachment/detachment capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A self-priming transfer pump with a pump cartridge permanently attached to the housing, allowing for tool-free attachment and detachment, and featuring a hermetically sealed drive mechanism and compression chamber to prevent cross-contamination and operate without lubricants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bolted connections are used to attach pump to motor and fasten pumping guts, then mechanical strength and reliability are improved, but ease of operation and repair time deteriorate due to tool requirements and complex assembly/disassembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into separable modules (pump housing with pumping guts, motor assembly, end caps) that can be quickly detached and reattached. The pumping guts are permanently affixed to the pump housing as a integrated cartridge, while the connection between pump and motor uses a quick-release mechanism with alignment features and locking elements that enable tool-free assembly and disassembly without compromising mechanical integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from static bolted joints to a dynamic quick-release system that allows rapid state changes between connected and detached configurations. The system incorporates movable locking elements and spring-loaded components that enable secure attachment during operation and rapid release when maintenance is needed, adapting the connection state based on operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If pump housing is opened for replacement, repair, and inspection, then access to internal components is improved, but exposure to hazardous chemicals and contamination risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into a permanently sealed pump housing containing the pumping guts and a removable motor assembly. The pumping guts are permanently affixed to the pump housing, eliminating the need to open the housing for routine maintenance. Users can access and replace components by detaching the motor assembly from the sealed housing, keeping hazardous chemicals contained within the closed pump housing during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly is extracted as a separate removable component from the pump housing. This allows all maintenance, repair, and inspection activities to be performed on the external motor assembly without opening the sealed pump housing that contains hazardous chemicals, thereby eliminating user exposure to chemical contaminants during routine maintenance.
3Ease of repair
If pump housing is opened for maintenance, then component access is improved, but product leakage and cross-contamination risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into a sealed pump housing containing the pumping guts and a removable motor assembly. The pumping guts are permanently affixed to the pump housing, creating a sealed containment system for hazardous chemicals. Maintenance activities are performed on the external motor assembly, eliminating the need to open the sealed housing and thereby preventing product leakage and cross-contamination during repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly is extracted and removed from the pump housing for all maintenance and repair activities. This design ensures that the sealed pump housing containing hazardous chemicals remains closed during maintenance, preventing any product leakage or cross-contamination between different pumping operations.
4Strength
If traditional fasteners are used for pump assembly, then structural integrity is improved, but repair time and operational downtime worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is segmented into modular components (pump housing, motor assembly, end caps) with permanently affixed pumping guts to the housing. The motor assembly connects to the pump housing via a quick-release mechanism featuring alignment pins, sealing elements, and locking components that provide structural integrity during operation but allow rapid tool-free detachment, reducing repair and replacement time significantly compared to traditional bolted connections.
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 safe, cost-effective, and durable operation, allowing for quick and tool-free pump replacement, preventing cross-contamination, and maintaining performance even with viscous, abrasive, corrosive, toxic, and flammable solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the diaphragm is flexed, causing the volume of the pump chamber to increase and decrease
Implementation Method 2
When the volume of a chamber of either type of pump is increased and the diaphragm moves up, the pressure decreases, and fluid is drawn into the chamber. When the chamber pressure later increases from decreased volume and the diaphragm moves down, the fluid previously drawn in is forced out.
Implementation Method 3
hermetically seal the drive mechanism and the compression chamber to one another, allowing the pump to transfer, compress, and evacuate the medium without a lubricant
Data Source
AI summary
A self-priming transfer pump incudes fluid inlets and outlets that employ camlock fittings. The self-priming transfer pump also includes a unique motor plate and pump housing to allow a quarter-turn attachment after lining a splined motor shaft to a unique splined female mating portion. There exists a pump cartridge permanently affixed to the pump housing to eliminate user exposure and need for tools when replacing or changing out the pump. A quick connection and disconnection of pumping section from motor section requires no tools. An external locking mechanism prevents the pump section from rotating and disengaging from motor section. Multiple pump sections are usable with a single motor to prevent cross-contamination between products being pumped.