Spin Pump with Spun-Epicyclic Geometry for Low Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for compact, low-vibration, efficient, and cost-effective pressure-vacuum combination pumps and compressors that operate without oils, particularly for portable oxygen concentrators used in therapeutic applications, as existing solutions are cumbersome, vibration-prone, and oil-lubricated.
Innovation Solution
A rotary spin pump with spun-epicyclic geometry that combines compressor and vacuum pump pistons on a common crankshaft, utilizing counter-rotating vectors for straight-line reciprocation and minimizing side loads, with an optional internal-external timing gear for balanced operation, and employing dry-lubricating materials to eliminate oil usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional reciprocating pumps are used, then oil lubrication is required for reliable operation, but this prevents the delivery of breathable quality gas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional oil lubrication with a dry lubrication system using self-lubricating materials. The piston and cylinder components are made from materials such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or other low-friction materials that provide lubrication through their surface properties rather than requiring external oil, thereby eliminating oil contamination while maintaining reliable operation.
2Weight of moving object
If smaller portable concentrators are designed, then compactness and weight are improved, but vibration becomes a significant problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterbalancing mechanisms to offset vibration forces. The pump design includes counterweights or balanced moving parts that generate opposing forces to cancel out the vibration produced during reciprocating operation, allowing portable devices to remain compact and lightweight without suffering from excessive vibration.
3Productivity
If vacuum-pressure swing absorption cycles are used in portables, then oxygen delivery efficiency is improved, but the requirement for non-lubricated devices increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the piston and cylinder components to achieve low friction without lubrication. By selecting materials with inherently low coefficients of friction (such as PTFE, polyethylene, or anodized aluminum), the system achieves the required non-lubricated operation for vacuum-pressure cycles while minimizing the complexity of additional lubrication systems.
4Volume of moving object
If cross-piston geometry with sliding sole plates is used, then compact design is achieved, but alignment precision and synchronization become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the piston and cylinder assembly into an integrated unit where the piston is directly formed as part of the rotor structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate sliding sole plates and reduces the number of interfaces requiring precise alignment, thereby maintaining compact design while simplifying manufacturing and improving alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter described herein relates to a spin pump that includes a combination of a compressor and a vacuum pump on respective pistons extending from a common crankshaft in a rotating housing. Related methods, apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.