Twin Pump Casing With Opposite-Rotation Pumps and Touchscreens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing twin pump systems with pumps rotating in the same direction exhibit asymmetry in physical design and flow profiles, and require cumbersome input methods such as keypads or separate mobile devices for setup and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A dual pump unit with pumps rotating in opposite directions, featuring a symmetrical casing and integrated touchscreens for configuration, allowing coordinated control without external sensors, and a method for operating these pumps to achieve setpoints through internal detection and variable speed control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If twin pumps are designed to rotate in the same direction, then the physical design can be simplified, but asymmetry in flow profiles and physical design occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the twin pump system with pumps rotating in opposite directions, creating a symmetrical flow profile configuration. This opposite rotation arrangement balances the flow patterns and physical design characteristics, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and flow symmetry.
2Ease of operation
If a keypad or keyboard input is used for setup and configuration, then the pump system can be controlled, but sealing problems and operational complexity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical input methods (keypads or keyboards) with a touchscreen interface. This substitution eliminates sealing problems associated with mechanical components while maintaining setup and configuration capabilities, thereby improving both reliability and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a separate mobile handheld device is used for setup and configuration, then the pump system can be controlled, but device complexity and operational inconvenience occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the setup and configuration functionality into the pump unit itself by integrating a touchscreen interface. This eliminates the need for separate mobile handheld devices, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation through a unified system.
4Stability of the object's composition
If pumps operate concurrently in opposite rotational directions, then balanced flow and pressure output is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by enabling the twin pumps to operate in alternating rotational directions. This periodic reversal of rotation creates balanced flow and pressure output while the system can optimize energy consumption through coordinated control of the alternating operation pattern.
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
The solution provides balanced flow and pressure output, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies setup and maintenance through symmetrical operation and integrated touchscreens, enhancing efficiency and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a first pump impeller within the casing; a second pump impeller within the casing and provides a parallel hydraulic path to the first pump impeller; wherein the first pump impeller is configured to concurrently rotate in opposite rotational direction to the second pump impeller
Data Source
AI summary
A dual pump unit having a pair of pumps that provide parallel hydraulic paths, and are configured to operate concurrently in opposite rotational directions. The dual pump unit has a sealed casing which includes a suction flange, two volutes in hydraulically parallel configuration, and a discharge flange. The pair of pumps are located within a respective volute of the casing and, in an example, are radially inline and horizontally inline. The casing may include a flattened bottom. Each pump may include a touchscreen for configuration of the respective pump. The pumps are controllable to circulate a circulating medium to collectively provide output to source a load.