Accessory Thermistor Flow Path for Accurate Pump Fluid Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid pumps lack effective temperature sensing mechanisms, particularly when submerged, as traditional temperature sensors within the motor cavity provide little to no accurate temperature-related information due to minimal fluid movement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an accessory fluid path with a thermistor that directs excess fluid flow from the pump element's outlet through an orifice into a separate path, allowing real-time temperature measurement of the fluid, while ensuring continuous flow and minimal impact on primary fluid flow and pump performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional temperature sensors are placed within the motor cavity of a submerged fluid pump, then the pump structure remains simple, but the temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates due to minimal fluid movement in the motor cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid path is segmented into a primary path and an accessory path, with the thermistor placed in the accessory path where fluid flow is optimized for temperature sensing. This segmentation allows the temperature sensing function to be separated from the main pumping function, enabling accurate temperature measurement without disrupting the primary fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
An accessory fluid path acts as an intermediary between the pump element and the thermistor. This intermediate path directs excess fluid flow specifically to the thermistor location, ensuring the sensor receives adequate fluid flow for accurate temperature sensing without requiring modification to the main pumping path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an accessory fluid path is added to direct excess fluid flow to a thermistor, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory fluid path serves multiple functions: it provides temperature sensing capability, manages excess fluid flow from the pump element, and maintains proper fluid circulation. By combining these functions into a single integrated path, the design adds temperature monitoring capability while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory fluid path utilizes excess fluid flow that would otherwise be unused or recirculated, directing it through the thermistor for temperature sensing. This self-service approach converts potentially wasted fluid flow into a useful temperature sensing mechanism without requiring additional pumps or power sources.
3Measurement precision
If excess fluid flow is directed through an orifice into an accessory fluid path to reach the thermistor, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directing all fluid flow through the accessory path, the design uses only the excess flow that would otherwise be unused. The orifice is sized to allow a portion of this excess flow to reach the thermistor, providing sufficient fluid movement for accurate temperature sensing while minimizing the pressure drop and energy loss.
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 accurate, real-time temperature monitoring of the fluid without compromising the pump's operation, providing valuable temperature data for fluid pumps used in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
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.
Implementation Method 2
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.
Implementation Method 3
A shadow port is in communication with the pump element, wherein the pump element and the shadow port regulate a flow of a fluid between a primary flow of the fluid to an outlet. An excess flow of the fluid to the accessory 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.