Multi-Outlet Utility Pump with Extendable Base and Dual Thermal Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential electric motor-driven utility pumps face challenges with stability and footprint requirements, as well as thermal cutoff cycling issues, which affect their operational efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A multi-outlet pump design with both top and side discharge capabilities, integrated debris filtering, and a unique housing that includes a cord wrap system and interchangeable battery power, along with a dual thermal cutoff system for enhanced safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a top discharge outlet is used, then the pump occupies a smaller footprint, but the pump becomes less stable and more prone to tipping over
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing is designed with an extendable base that can be adjusted between retracted and extended positions. When the base is extended, it increases the footprint and stability for lateral discharge applications. When retracted, it minimizes the footprint for vertical discharge applications, allowing the pump to adapt its stability characteristics dynamically based on the discharge configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a side discharge outlet is used, then the pump is more stable, but the pump requires a larger footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable base mechanism allows the pump to increase its footprint dynamically when side discharge is required, providing enhanced stability for lateral applications. When the base is extended outward, it creates a larger support area that prevents tipping during lateral discharge operations, thus resolving the stability-footprint contradiction for side discharge configurations.
3Reliability
If a single thermal cutoff is used, then the pump shuts off when overheating occurs, but the pump continuously cycles on and off when the overheating condition persists
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal protection system is segmented into two distinct thermal cutoff devices: a first thermal cutoff that shuts off the motor at a lower temperature threshold, and a second thermal cutoff that shuts off the motor at a higher temperature threshold. This segmentation allows the pump to remain operational after the first cutoff triggers (providing warning but not complete shutdown), while the second cutoff provides ultimate protection. The segmented approach prevents continuous cycling by allowing the pump to recover and restart after the first cutoff trips, as long as the second cutoff has not been activated.
4Productivity
If a pump is designed for a specific discharge direction, then the pump performs optimally for that direction, but the pump cannot be used for different discharge directions
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is designed with multi-functionality to handle both vertical and lateral discharge configurations. The housing includes both a top discharge outlet and a side discharge outlet, allowing the pump to be used for different discharge directions. The extendable base can be adjusted to provide stability for lateral discharge, while the overall pump design maintains optimal pumping performance for both configurations, thus achieving universality without sacrificing 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
The multi-outlet pump design provides flexibility in discharge location, reduces clogging, and prevents thermal cutoff cycling, enhancing operational stability and safety while allowing for a range of residential water pumping applications with a single product.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermal cutoff for interrupting a connection between the motorized pump and a power supply when the motorized pump reaches a first predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 2
a second thermal cutoff for interrupting the connection between the motorized pump and the power supply when the motorized pump reaches a second predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 3
The at least a portion of the flow paths extend proximate different portions of the motor to cool the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-outlet fluid pump includes a housing, a motorized pump, an electrical power supply, and a self-locking thermal cutoff. In one form, the pump includes a first or primary thermal cutoff and a second or secondary thermal cutoff to prevent the pump from operating once a thermal cutoff has deactivated the pump until a user or operator has taken some affirmative action. Related methods are also disclosed herein. In some forms an indicator is provided to indicate if the thermal cutoff has disabled the pump to alert a user as to the need to unplug or reset the pump before operating the pump again.