Washer Pump Respiratory Hole for Motor Venting and Pressure Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washer pumps experience a decrease in injection ability due to pressure loss caused by turbulent flow and rapid diffusion of liquid within the valve chamber, leading to inefficiencies and potential size and weight issues.

Innovation Solution

The washer pump design integrates the pump chamber, valve chamber, and flow paths within a single housing, with flow paths extending to discharge holes closer to the valve chamber, reducing pressure loss by minimizing steps and turbulent flow, and using inclined walls to gradually increase flow area, thus optimizing liquid flow and reducing motor size and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the liquid flows vigorously through the flow path and is forcefully discharged from the end portion of the valve chamber, then the liquid is rapidly diffused inside the valve chamber, but this causes pressure loss and reduces injection ability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinjection abilityVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path extends in the axial direction toward the discharge hole, changing the flow geometry from a compact radial pattern to an extended axial pattern. This dimensional change allows the liquid to flow more smoothly with reduced turbulence, minimizing pressure loss while maintaining injection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow path cross-sectional area is gradually increased from the pump chamber side toward the valve chamber side, changing the flow parameters progressively. This gradual expansion reduces flow velocity and turbulence intensity, thereby reducing pressure loss and improving energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the pump chamber, valve chamber, and flow paths are integrally provided in the housing, then the structure is simplified and size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidflow path precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pump chamber, valve chamber, and flow paths are merged into a single integral housing structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate components and complex assembly operations, simplifying the overall device structure while reducing the number of potential leakage points and assembly errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex mechanical assembly of separate chambers and flow paths is replaced by a single molded housing structure. This substitution uses forming processes (such as injection molding) to create the integrated structure, which can achieve consistent precision more reliably than mechanical assembly of multiple parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design enhances injection capability while allowing for a smaller, lighter motor, reducing size and weight while maintaining or improving the washer pump's performance, and preventing erroneous assembly through specific structural features.

Implementation Method 1

a respiratory hole for communicating the inside of the motor accommodating portion with its outside is provided between the motor accommodating portion and the corner portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRespiratory hole communication:

Implementation Method 2

an impeller rotated by the motor, a pump chamber in which the impeller is housed; a pair of valve chambers in which the liquid flows in response to the rotation direction of the impeller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpeller rotation: Impeller

Implementation Method 3

the flow paths extend to the discharge hole on the same side as the valve chamber... reducing pressure loss by minimizing steps and turbulent flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure loss reduction: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 4

using inclined walls to gradually increase flow area, thus optimizing liquid flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGradual area expansion:

Data Source

PatentUS11795968B2Washer pump with a respiratory hole communicating a motor accommodating portion and an outside

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 MITSUBA CORP

AI summary

A washer pump configured to suck liquid stored in a tank and configured to jet the liquid to a surface to be cleaned. The washer pump includes: a housing attached to the tank, an impeller rotatably provided in the housing, a motor rotating the impeller, a motor accommodating portion provided in the housing and accommodating the motor, a corner portion provided in the housing and disposed between the motor accommodating portion and the tank, and a respiratory hole provided between the motor accommodating portion and the corner portion. The respiratory hole communicating an inside of the motor accommodating portion with an outside thereof.