Sinusoidal Piston Velocity Waveform for Pump Flow Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fluid pumps face issues with pulsating flow, violent valve action, noise, and vibration, leading to inconsistent flow rates and reduced efficiency and durability, particularly in applications like reverse osmosis systems.
Innovation Solution
A pump system with multiple cylinders and a motive actuator driving pistons at a velocity proportional to sin m<x, where m is greater than one, during a power stroke, combined with energy recovery mechanisms and rotary valves for smooth operation and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional positive displacement pumps are used, then pumping function is achieved, but pulsating flow and violent valve action occur causing noise and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a multi-cylinder configuration where pistons operate in alternating cycles. The flow output from multiple cylinders is combined to cancel out pulsations, creating a more continuous and stable flow pattern. This periodic operation of multiple cylinders working in sequence eliminates the violent valve action and reduces noise and vibration associated with single-cylinder pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pumping function into multiple independent cylinders, each with its own piston and valve system. By dividing the overall pumping operation into several smaller, synchronized units, the system achieves smoother flow output and reduced mechanical stress on individual components, thereby reducing noise and vibration while maintaining reliable flow rates.
2Reliability
If dwell time is added to stop piston at top and bottom of cycle, then valve wear is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for dwell time by maintaining continuous piston motion through optimized valve timing and multi-cylinder synchronization. The useful action of pumping continues without interruption as one cylinder compensates for another during valve transitions, preventing valve wear while maintaining maximum pumping speed and productivity throughout the operational cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
By using periodic action with multiple cylinders operating in phase sequences, the system ensures that when one cylinder's valves are transitioning, other cylinders are in their optimal pumping phases. This continuous overlap of operational phases eliminates the need for stopping the piston, thereby preventing valve wear without sacrificing pumping speed or productivity.
3Productivity
If high pressure is applied to membrane for purification, then purification efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the high-pressure discharge stream, which would normally be waste energy, into a useful resource by routing it through an energy recovery device. The kinetic energy and pressure from the purified effluent are captured and converted back into mechanical energy, which is then used to assist the pump in maintaining high pressure for membrane purification, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while sustaining high purification efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the energy recovered from the discharge stream to provide assistive power back to the pump system. This closed-loop energy recovery mechanism continuously monitors and utilizes the outgoing high-pressure flow to reduce the energy input required from the prime mover, optimizing the balance between purification efficiency and energy consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
A highly efficient fluid pump and pumping method are disclosed. The pump includes a cylinder, a piston in the cylinder defining a first and second volume in the cylinder, and a motive actuator for driving reciprocatively a rod attached to the piston at a rate of substantially sinmx for x=0 to p, where m is a number greater than one, during a power stroke of that piston.