Thermistor Bypass Flow Path for Submerged Pump Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid pumps lack effective temperature sensing mechanisms, especially when submerged, as traditional temperature sensors within the motor cavity receive little fluid flow, resulting in inadequate temperature measurement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an accessory fluid path with a thermistor that diverts excess fluid flow from the primary flow path to engage with a thermistor for real-time temperature measurement, ensuring continuous fluid engagement and accurate temperature monitoring without disrupting the pump's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional temperature sensors are placed within the motor cavity of a submerged pump, then the pump structure remains simple, but the temperature measurement is inaccurate due to insufficient fluid flow engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid path is segmented into a primary flow path for main fluid transport and an accessory flow path for temperature sensing. This segmentation allows the thermistor to be positioned in a dedicated sensing channel where fluid flow is optimized for accurate temperature measurement, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
An accessory flow path acts as an intermediary structure that channels fluid specifically past the thermistor. This intermediary pathway enables accurate temperature sensing by ensuring sufficient fluid-thermistor engagement without disrupting the primary pump function or requiring complex integration of the sensor into the motor cavity.
2Measurement precision
If an accessory fluid path is added for temperature sensing, then temperature monitoring accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory flow path is merged with the primary fluid path at the inlet and outlet, allowing both functions (main fluid transport and temperature sensing) to share common entry and exit points. This merging approach enables accurate temperature monitoring while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing fluid path infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory flow path serves multiple functions: it provides fluid flow for thermistor cooling, enables accurate temperature sensing, and maintains pump operation continuity. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity by delivering comprehensive temperature monitoring capabilities without compromising pump performance.
3Measurement precision
If excess fluid is diverted to the accessory path, then temperature sensing effectiveness improves, but the primary fluid flow may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shadow port incorporates an orifice that controls the division of fluid flow between primary and accessory paths. By adjusting the orifice size, the system optimizes the balance between diverting sufficient fluid for accurate temperature sensing and maintaining adequate flow rate for primary pump function, resolving the contradiction between sensing effectiveness and productivity.
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
Enables real-time and accurate temperature monitoring of the fluid within the pump, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability by utilizing the excess fluid flow through the accessory path to engage with the thermistor, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional temperature sensing in submerged pumps.
Implementation Method 1
The thermistor monitors a temperature of the fluid within the accessory fluid path
Implementation Method 2
Rotation of the pump element generates a suction at the inlet and pressure at the outlet. The suction and pressure cooperate to move a fluid through a fluid path
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pump includes a pump element in communication with an inlet and an outlet. Rotation of the pump element generates a suction at the inlet and pressure at the outlet. The suction and pressure cooperate to move a fluid through a fluid path. An accessory fluid path is in communication with the inlet and outlet. The accessory fluid path includes a thermistor in communication with the accessory fluid path. The thermistor monitors a temperature of the fluid within the accessory fluid path.