Volumetric Pump Self-Interlocking Assembly Method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of volumetric pumps to machinery in controlled areas with limited operator access is challenging due to the need for precise alignment and secure fastening, which can be difficult with thick gloves and risks contamination or damage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving self-interlocking mechanisms using shape cooperation, where the piston and switching valve are hooked up to a pivot and rotated to connect with the machine's arms and static parts, eliminating the need for external fastening components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional assembly methods using screws, nuts, and pins are used to fasten volumetric pumps to machinery, then secure fastening and precise alignment are achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and difficult to perform with thick gloves in controlled areas
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly performs its own fastening operation through self-interlocking mechanisms. The piston assembly and switching valve assembly automatically engage with the operating support via complementary shapes (e.g., L-shaped profiles, grooves, and protrusions) when the pump is positioned, eliminating the need for external fastening components and manual assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate fastening elements such as clips, snap-fits, and interlocking protrusions that mediate between the pump components and the operating support. These intermediaries enable automatic engagement and secure fastening without requiring screws, nuts, or pins, thus reducing assembly time and complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple fastening components (screws, nuts, pins) are used to secure the pump, then reliable fastening is achieved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated self-interlocking mechanism. Instead of using separate screws, nuts, and pins, the design combines alignment and fastening functions into one automatic engagement system where the piston assembly and switching valve assembly simultaneously secure to the operating support through complementary shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary fastening components (screws, nuts, pins) from the assembly system. By removing these external fasteners and replacing them with built-in self-interlocking features, the design reduces part count while maintaining fastening reliability through direct shape cooperation between components.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual fastening operations are performed in controlled areas with thick gloves, then pump assembly is completed, but the risk of contamination and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly performs its own fastening operation through self-interlocking mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of fastening components. The piston assembly and switching valve assembly automatically engage with the operating support when positioned, reducing the risk of contamination from manual handling and the risk of damage from improper fastening operations.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is achieved through manual adjustment during assembly, then proper positioning is obtained, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features directly into the pump design, such as pre-formed L-shaped profiles, grooves, and protrusions that automatically guide the piston assembly and switching valve assembly into correct positions during installation. This preliminary structuring eliminates the need for manual alignment adjustments while ensuring precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetric shape cooperation between components (e.g., L-shaped profiles with specific orientations, non-symmetric grooves and protrusions) to ensure automatic and precise alignment. The asymmetric features allow only one correct orientation for engagement, guiding the components into proper positions without manual adjustment while preventing misalignment.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to the installation of volumetric pumps to mechanical means inside controlled areas with limited operator access. In particular, the invention relates to a method for setting up in an operating position such a pump arranged for filling up containers, the pump (1; 91) comprising a body (3; 93) with piston means (4; 94) slidingly mounted therein and switching means (5; 95) rotably mounted within the body (3), the piston and switching means extending outside the body (3; 93), said method comprising the following steps: - one holds, the piston and switching means (4, 5, 94; 95) (fast together with the body (3; 93) of the pump (1; 91), - one hooks up either one of the body (3; 93) and the piston and the switching means (4,5; 94) to a pivot (P), and - one rotates the pump (1; 91) around the pivot (P) to fasten the other one of the body (3; 93) and the piston and the switching means (4, 5; 94, 95) on an operating support. The invention also relates to the assembly of such a pump with a driving machine (2; 92) comprising a static body (8; 98)and a first arm (7; 97) for driving a sliding movement along a machine axis (BB') wherein the piston means (4; 94) and the body (3; 93)of the pump (1; 91) are arranged to be fastened to the first arm (7) and the static body (8) respectively, by shape cooperation exclusively.