Universal Pump Adapter for Interchangeable Drive Configurations

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pumping systems require dedicated designs for specific applications, making them expensive and inefficient for users needing to handle various fluids and conditions, as they lack interchangeable parts and universal assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A universal pumping system with a mounting adapter that allows for interchangeable pump heads and motors, featuring a magnetic coupling mechanism between an outer magnet assembly and inner magnet assemblies in the pump heads, enabling the same motor to drive different pump configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated pump assemblies are designed for specific applications, then pumping performance for particular fluids is optimized, but system cost and complexity increase when multiple applications are needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping performanceVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump assembly is designed with a universal mounting interface that allows the same pump to be used with different motor assemblies for various applications. The mounting assembly includes a motor mounting plate with features that accommodate different motor types and configurations, enabling one pump assembly to serve multiple pumping needs across different fluids and conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple dedicated pump systems are purchased for different applications, then each application has optimized performance, but the quantity of equipment and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication-specific performanceVSAvoidnumber of pump systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The pump assembly is designed with a universal mounting interface that allows the same pump to be used with different motor assemblies for various applications. The mounting assembly includes a motor mounting plate with features that accommodate different motor types and configurations, enabling one pump assembly to serve multiple pumping needs across different fluids and conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable mounting features are added to pump assemblies, then versatility and adaptability improve, but manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinterchangeabilityVSAvoidmounting feature alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate components: a pump mounting plate attached to the pump assembly, and a motor mounting plate attached to the motor assembly. These segmented components feature standardized interfaces that simplify manufacturing of each individual part while enabling precise alignment when assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to integrating all mounting features into a single complex component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If a universal mounting system is implemented, then ease of operation and reconfiguration improve, but initial device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidmounting system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate components: a pump mounting plate attached to the pump assembly, and a motor mounting plate attached to the motor assembly. These segmented components feature standardized interfaces that simplify manufacturing of each individual part while enabling precise alignment when assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to integrating all mounting features into a single complex component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficient and cost-effective operation across multiple fluid handling applications by allowing the same motor to power various pump configurations, reducing the need for multiple dedicated systems and improving adaptability to different fluid types and conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic coupling mechanism between an outer magnet assembly and inner magnet assemblies in the pump heads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11614085B2Pump assemblies configured for drive and pump end interchangeability

Publication Date: 2023.03.28 ROTARY MANUFACTURING LLC

AI summary

A pumping system includes a universal adapter having a back end for attachment to a motor, a forward opening receiving area, an outer magnet assembly rotatable around the receiving area by a motor, and a forward mounting plate surrounding the forward opening receiving area and having mounting features adapted for attachment to the back cover of each of a variety of pump assemblies. The back cover includes mounting features for alignment with the mounting features of the forward mounting plate of the universal adapter.