Tapered Impeller Pump Heating Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing impeller pumps for dishwashers face challenges in efficiently heating the medium due to overheating of the heating device and inadequate heating of the conveyed medium, particularly because the cross-sectional area of the pump chamber remains constant, leading to suboptimal flow speed and heating efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The impeller pump design features a tubular heating device that forms part of the outer wall, with a conically tapered shape reducing the cross-sectional area of the pump chamber along the axial direction, increasing the flow speed of the medium and enhancing heating efficiency by maintaining a consistent power output per height unit, while the heating device protrudes beyond the impeller to ensure thorough heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the cross-sectional area of the pump chamber remains constant, then the heating device can be simpler in design, but the flow speed of the medium is insufficient leading to inadequate heating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow speed of mediumVSAvoidheating device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the cross-sectional area of the pump chamber along its length. The chamber transitions from a larger cross-section at the inlet to a smaller cross-section at the outlet, creating a tapered geometry. This gradual reduction in cross-sectional area increases the flow velocity of the medium as it moves through the heating device, thereby improving heating efficiency without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the heating device operates at high power, then heating efficiency is improved, but overheating of the heating device occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidheating device temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the geometric parameters of the pump chamber. The tapered design with gradually decreasing cross-sectional area ensures that the medium flows faster through the heating zones. This increased flow speed enhances heat transfer efficiency, allowing the heating device to operate effectively at appropriate power levels without overheating, as the medium continuously passes through and carries away the heat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the cross-sectional area of the pump chamber is reduced, then the flow speed increases improving heating, but the pump chamber volume decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow speed of mediumVSAvoidpump chamber volume
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by creating a dynamic geometry that varies along the flow direction. The pump chamber cross-sectional area is not uniform but changes progressively from inlet to outlet. This dynamic design allows the chamber to provide sufficient volume at the inlet for medium intake and impeller operation, while gradually reducing the cross-section toward the outlet to increase flow velocity and enhance heating efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design effectively prevents overheating of the heating device, improves medium heating by increasing flow speed, and enhances heating efficiency by up to 50% near the outlet, ensuring better heat transfer without compromising manufacturability or sealing.

Implementation Method 1

a tubular heating device is provided for heating the conveyed medium, which forms at least part of an outer wall of the pump chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the cross-sectional area of the pump chamber decreases in the axial direction away from the pump chamber floor towards the outlet, increasing the flow speed of the pumped medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2754900B1Impeller pump with heating device
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 E G O ELEKTRO GERAETEBAU GMBH
  • EP2754900B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2754900B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The pump (11) has a pump casing (12) including a pump chamber (13), an inlet (15), and an outlet (16). An impeller (23) is placed in the pump chamber, where a heating device (26') forms a part of an external wall of the pump chamber. The impeller is arranged on a pump chamber floor (21). The outlet leads off on a region of the pump chamber pointing away from the pump chamber floor, where a cross-sectional area of the pump chamber decreases in an axial direction of a longitudinal center axis (17) of the impeller pump away from the pump chamber floor and toward the outlet.