Transparent Water Pump Housing for Visual Priming Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing garden and domestic water pumps require complex initial installation steps that are often not correctly followed by users, leading to risks such as dry running and damage due to lack of visibility into the filling and suction processes, especially when pumping from low levels.

Innovation Solution

A water pump design featuring a partially transparent housing and suction indicator on the filter unit, allowing users to visually confirm the liquid level and suction pressure, along with an automatic venting system for the return valve, to ensure correct filling and operation without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the suction line is filled before commissioning as instructed, then the pump operates safely without dry running damage, but users cannot visually confirm the liquid level without consulting operating instructions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump operation safetyVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pump housing incorporates a transparent window that allows users to visually observe the liquid level inside the suction line. This visual feedback mechanism eliminates the need to consult operating instructions, as users can directly see whether the suction line is properly filled with liquid before starting the pump, thereby preventing dry running damage while simplifying the commissioning process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pump runs for extended periods to draw water from deep levels, then water can be drawn from greater depths, but users receive no information on whether the priming process is proceeding correctly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction depth capabilityVSAvoidpriming status information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent window in the pump housing provides real-time visual feedback on the priming process. Users can observe whether liquid is being drawn into the suction line and reach the required level, enabling them to determine if the priming is successful without waiting for the pump to complete extended running cycles. This feedback mechanism allows users to identify issues such as leaks or insufficient suction pressure promptly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the pump is equipped with electronic control devices for safety features, then harmful processes can be addressed, but the complexity of commissioning increases and instructions are often not followed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety feature capabilityVSAvoidcommissioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent window enables users to perform self-verification of the liquid level during commissioning without requiring complex electronic control systems or detailed instructional manuals. This simple visual indication system allows users to independently confirm proper installation and operation, reducing reliance on complex electronic safety features while maintaining pump safety and reducing commissioning complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3559472B1Water pump
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 EINHELL GERMANY AG
  • EP3559472B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3559472B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3559472B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to water pump, in particular a garden pump or a pump of a home water machine, which has a pump unit in a housing (GE), which pump unit can be driven by means of an electric motor and can pump water form a suction line (SL) to a pressure line (DL) as a conveyed liquid, wherein the housing comprises a pump housing (PG) connected to the suction line and a housing extension (GF) having the pressure line, which housing extension adjoins the pump housing, wherein the housing extension has a filter unit (FT) as a termination and an at least partially transparent window (FE) is arranged between the suction line and the pressure line such that a liquid level (FL) within the housing can be read on the pump housing from the outside before operation of the pump, and wherein the filter unit has a suction indicator (SA) such that the presence of suction pressure in the pump housing can be detected via the suction indicator or a leak at the suction line can be detected.