Wastewater Pump Coupling Self-Alignment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wastewater lifting systems face difficulties in easily connecting and disconnecting the pump unit to the outlet line within the container, particularly for maintenance purposes, due to the need for precise alignment and complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A wastewater lifting system with a releasable coupling mechanism that allows the pump unit to be inserted through an opening in the container wall, featuring a first and second coupling part that automatically align and connect in the insertion direction, facilitated by elastic deformability and guide structures, enabling easy connection and disconnection without requiring intricate alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pump unit is connected inside the container to the outlet line, then the connection is secure and sealed, but the connection and disconnection process becomes complex and difficult for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into two separate parts: a first coupling part attached to the outlet connection and a second coupling part attached to the outlet line. This segmentation allows the pump unit to be easily disconnected by separating the coupling parts, while maintaining a secure sealed connection when assembled together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first coupling part is designed to be insertable into the second coupling part along the insertion direction. This nested configuration allows one coupling component to be housed within the other, creating a compact and secure connection that can be easily assembled and disassembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Manufacturing precision

If the coupling requires exact alignment for connection, then the connection is precise and sealed, but the alignment process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling alignment precisionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The second coupling part is designed with mobility along the insertion direction, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to automatically align with the first coupling part during the connection process. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for precise manual alignment while maintaining connection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism is designed to self-align through the movable second coupling part that automatically positions itself relative to the first coupling part during insertion. This self-aligning feature eliminates the need for external alignment tools or complex positioning procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Simplifies the connection and disconnection process of the pump unit to the outlet line, allowing for effortless maintenance and installation, while ensuring a secure and sealed fluid passage, reducing assembly complexity and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The outlet line is designed to be elastically deformable at least in sections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformability: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2489799B1Waste water hoisting facility
Publication Date: 2014.08.20 GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENT AS
  • EP2489799B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2489799B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2489799B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a wastewater lifting station with a container (2) and at least one pump unit (6) arranged therein, wherein the pump unit (6) has an outlet nozzle (13) which is connected to an outlet line (8), wherein the pump unit (6) is removable from the container through an opening in a wall of the container and the outlet nozzle (13) is connected to the outlet line (8) via a coupling (14, 16) which can be released in the insertion direction (X) of the pump unit (6).