Variable Displacement Pump for Firefighting Mixture Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firefighting mixture generation systems with fixed-speed power modules cannot vary the flow of pressurized fluid, limiting their versatility.

Innovation Solution

A variable volume pump system with a casing containing two interconnected spaces and pistons driven by crankshaft mechanisms, allowing adjustment of the rotation phase angle between crankshafts to control the pump flow without altering the crankshaft speed, using mechanical or electro-mechanical regulation means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-speed power module is used, then the system structure is simple, but the flow of pressurized fluid cannot be varied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow variabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system employs a variable displacement mechanism that dynamically adjusts the pump volume by changing the injection molding parameters during operation. This allows the flow rate to be varied continuously while maintaining a relatively simple system structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameters of the pump volume through variable injection molding technology, enabling flow rate adjustment without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration or multiple fixed-speed motors. This parameter change approach maintains system simplicity while achieving flow variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the pump volume is increased to increase flow, then the flow rate increases, but the system becomes less compact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rateVSAvoidsystem compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a large fixed-volume pump, the system uses a variable displacement pump that can adjust its volume dynamically. This allows the pump to maintain a compact size while achieving high flow rates when needed by increasing its displacement volume temporarily, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a variable speed power module is used, then flow control becomes possible, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow control capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses hydraulic or pneumatic actuation mechanisms to control the variable injection molding process, which is generally more cost-effective than variable speed motor control systems. This approach achieves flow control capability while maintaining reasonable manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the pump volume parameter through injection molding rather than varying motor speed, the system achieves flow control capability using simpler and less expensive components, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flexible control of delivery flow across a wide range, maintaining constant crankshaft speed, resulting in a compact and cost-effective firefighting mixture generation system.

Implementation Method 1

pump means configured to pressurize a fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

pistons driven by crankshaft mechanisms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrankshaft mechanism: Crankshaft

Data Source

PatentEP4230267B1Pump system for a firefighting mixture generation system
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 MAGIRUS GMBH
  • EP4230267B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4230267B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4230267B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Pump system (1) for a firefighting mixture generation system, comprising a housing (2) defining at least a pair of portions (2', 2") each defining a respective space (3', 3") and comprising a piston (4', 4") configured to slide in a fluid tight manner in each of the space (3', 3") and a crankshaft system (11', 11") configured to rotate about a respective axis (B', B") to move pistons (4', 4") along a common travel axis (A), wherein spaces (3', 3") are fluidly connected together to define a delivery volume (6), the pump system (1) comprises regulation means (15) configured to vary the angular phase between the crankshaft systems (11', 11" ) of pistons (4', 4") to vary the delivery volume (6) while crankshaft systems (11', 11") is maintained constant.