Self-Priming Pump System Vacuum Gas Transport

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pump systems require additional reservoirs and complex configurations to efficiently transport liquids and gases, leading to reduced space efficiency and increased component complexity.

Innovation Solution

A self-priming pump system design where the vacuum pump unit transports gas along the liquid delivery unit in the initial operating state, eliminating the need for additional reservoirs and allowing direct arrangement of components, thereby enhancing space efficiency and simplifying the design by sharing a drive unit for both the liquid and vacuum pump units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional reservoirs are added to the pump system to enable vacuum pumping and liquid delivery, then the system can perform both vacuum and liquid functions, but the space efficiency deteriorates and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidcomponent complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the vacuum pump unit and liquid pump unit into a single integrated assembly where the liquid delivery unit is positioned directly behind the vacuum pump unit. The liquid delivery unit utilizes the vacuum pump's housing and drive mechanism, eliminating the need for separate reservoirs and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both vacuum and liquid delivery functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum pump unit is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as a vacuum pump for gas evacuation and simultaneously provides the housing, drive mechanism, and structural support for the liquid delivery unit. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while achieving both vacuum and liquid delivery capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional reservoirs are added to the pump system to enable vacuum pumping and liquid delivery, then the system can perform both vacuum and liquid functions, but the space efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidspace efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the vacuum pump unit and liquid pump unit into a single integrated assembly where the liquid delivery unit is positioned directly behind the vacuum pump unit. The liquid delivery unit utilizes the vacuum pump's housing and drive mechanism, eliminating the need for separate reservoirs and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both vacuum and liquid delivery functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid delivery unit is nested within or directly behind the vacuum pump unit, utilizing the same housing space. The liquid delivery rotor is positioned in the gap between the vacuum pump rotor and the housing, effectively using the existing structural space without requiring additional external reservoirs or components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of stationary object

If the liquid delivery unit and vacuum pump are arranged directly one behind the other, then space efficiency is improved, but the system requires a shared drive unit which increases operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoiddrive mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum pump unit is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as a vacuum pump for gas evacuation and simultaneously provides the housing, drive mechanism, and structural support for the liquid delivery unit. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while achieving both vacuum and liquid delivery capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the vacuum pump unit and liquid pump unit into a single integrated assembly where the liquid delivery unit is positioned directly behind the vacuum pump unit. The liquid delivery unit utilizes the vacuum pump's housing and drive mechanism, eliminating the need for separate reservoirs and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both vacuum and liquid delivery functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration achieves a compact and efficient pump system operation, reducing the number of components and simplifying the design while ensuring continuous liquid delivery by self-sealing with liquid, thus preventing liquid backflow and maintaining high suction force.

Implementation Method 1

the vacuum pump unit is intended, at least in the initial operating state, to transport a gas along the liquid delivery unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

the vacuum pump unit... transporting the gas along the liquid delivery unit, wherein the liquid delivery unit is surrounded by the liquid as a result of the gas being transported

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3981988A1Pump system and method for operating a pump system
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 FRIDECO AG
  • EP3981988A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3981988A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3981988A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a pump system (10), in particular a self-priming pump system, comprising a liquid delivery unit (12) for conveying a liquid (56) and a vacuum pump unit (14), which, at least in an initial operating state, is designed to supply the liquid delivery unit (12) with the liquid (56). To improve the design, it is proposed that the vacuum pump unit (14), at least in the initial operating state, be designed to transport a gas along the liquid delivery unit (12).