Variable flow rate mechanical pump assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam appliance pumps lack the ability to efficiently control flow rates without relying on complex electronic circuitry and voltage conversion, which increases production costs and reduces reliability.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical pump assembly featuring a synchronous motor with a cam-driven piston system, an adjuster mechanism to vary the piston stroke, and an actuator for adjusting flow rates, eliminating the need for electronic control and voltage conversion circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DC powered pumps with electronic control circuitry are used to achieve variable flow rates, then flow rate control capability is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control circuitry with a purely mechanical variable stroke pump mechanism. The pump uses an adjustable cam mechanism that mechanically varies the piston stroke length to control flow rate, eliminating the need for DC motors, electronic controllers, and voltage conversion circuitry while maintaining variable flow rate capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter of the pump by mechanically adjusting the piston stroke length rather than changing motor speed electronically. The cam mechanism provides different stroke lengths through mechanical adjustment, achieving variable flow rates through parameter change instead of electronic control
2Adaptability or versatility
If DC powered pumps with voltage conversion circuitry are used, then variable flow rate control is achieved, but reliability decreases due to more components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical components for electronic components to improve reliability. The variable stroke mechanism uses only mechanical parts (cam, piston, cylinder, adjustment mechanism) that are inherently more reliable than electronic circuitry, eliminating failure points associated with motors, controllers, and voltage conversion while maintaining variable flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical adjustment mechanism allows the pump to self-regulate flow rates through direct mechanical adjustment of the cam stroke, without requiring external electronic control systems, power conversion circuitry, or complex control logic, thereby simplifying the system and improving reliability
3Reliability
If synchronous constant speed motor with mechanical adjustment is used, then reliability and simplicity are improved, but flow rate variability capability must be achieved mechanically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump stroke variable through mechanical adjustment rather than fixed. The cam mechanism allows the stroke length to be dynamically adjusted within operating parameters, providing flow rate variability while maintaining the simplicity and reliability of a constant speed synchronous motor
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the pump operation into adjustable stroke portions through the cam mechanism. By dividing the cam profile into different engagement points or stroke portions, the system achieves variable flow rates through mechanical segmentation rather than complex electronic control
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 reliable, cost-effective control of flow rates in steam appliances by using a simple, long-life motor and mechanical adjustments, reducing production costs and enhancing pump performance.
Implementation Method 1
a synchronous, constant speed motor operable by a line voltage
Implementation Method 2
a cam coupled to the output shaft for rotating the cam when the motor is energized, and a driver with spaced ledges engaging the cam and driven linearly by the rotating cam
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical pump includes a motor with an output shaft, a cam coupled to the output shaft for rotating the cam when the motor is energized, and a driver with spaced ledges engaging the cam and driven linearly by the rotating cam. The piston is driven by the driver. A cylinder receives the piston therein and includes an inlet section for drawing fluid into the cylinder and an outlet section for pumping fluid out of the cylinder as the piston reciprocates in the cylinder.