Variable Flow Gear Pump with Rotating Casing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear pumps require adjustments in rotation speed to vary flow rate, which can be inefficient and limit the ability to quickly change flow rates without affecting the main shaft's rotation speed.
Innovation Solution
A gear pump design that allows for variable flow rate by rotating the casing and an additional toothed wheel relative to the main shaft, enabling energy recuperation to control the flow rate independently of the main shaft's speed, using a system with intermeshed teeth and energy recuperation means to adjust the flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rotation speed of the main shaft is adjusted to vary flow rate, then the flow rate can be controlled, but the main shaft's rotation speed is affected and the response time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the flow rate control function from the main shaft rotation. By introducing a casing that can rotate independently around the main shaft's axis, the system divides the rotation control into two independent segments: the main shaft rotation (driving the gears) and the casing rotation (controlling flow rate). This allows flow rate variation without affecting main shaft speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a rotational degree of freedom in a different dimension. Instead of controlling flow rate by changing the speed of the main shaft (one-dimensional control), the invention introduces rotation of the casing around the main shaft's axis (another rotational dimension). This second rotational dimension provides an independent control mechanism for flow rate that does not interfere with the main shaft's rotation speed.
2Productivity
If a variable displacement pump mechanism is used to vary flow rate, then flow rate control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating casing serves multiple functions: it acts as both the housing for the gear pump and the control mechanism for flow rate variation. By making the casing rotatable, a single component performs dual functions (structural housing + flow control), eliminating the need for separate displacement control mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of controlling flow rate by changing the displacement of the gears (traditional variable displacement approach), the invention inverts the approach by controlling flow rate through rotation of the entire casing. This alternative mechanism achieves the same flow control objective with a simpler structural modification.
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 rapid and efficient variation of flow rate without altering the main shaft's rotation speed, simplifying the design and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining control over energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
A gear pump uses a meshing of gears to generate a flow. A gear pump may for instance comprise a casing, wherein the casing houses a pump chamber and two or three toothed elements intermeshed for forming the gears.
Implementation Method 2
The other one of the casing and the toothed wheel not connected to the main shaft is configured to be rotated with respect to the rotating means around the axis defined by the main shaft for varying a flow rate of the generated flow.
Data Source
AI summary
The gear pump may have a casing, a main shaft and rotating means connected to one end of the main shaft and configured to rotate the main shaft. Housed by the casing, a toothed wheel and at least one other toothed element are intermeshed with the toothed wheel. The other end of the main shaft is connected to one of the toothed wheel and the casing. Rotating the main shaft relative to the rotating means rotates the toothed wheel and the at least one other toothed element relative to the casing, thereby generating the flow. The other one of the casing and the toothed wheel is configured to be rotated around an axis defined by the main shaft for varying a flow rate of the generated flow.