TECHNICAL FIELD
The exemplary illustrations described herein are generally directed, but not exclusively, to liquid pump assemblies, such as liquid pump assemblies for removing liquid from a seaplane float or other applications.
BACKGROUND
The presence of water in one or more floats of a seaplane poses numerous safety and performance challenges in operating such aircraft. Seaplanes rely on one or more floats, buoyant structures attached to the aircraft's fuselage, to land, take off, and provide buoyancy on water surfaces. It can be imperative for flight safety that no water (e.g., or a minimum amount) is left inside of one or more floats prior to flight. The presence of water within one or more floats can affect the seaplane's buoyancy, stability, and aircraft weight and balance. Each float of a seaplane can have up to eight separate (e.g., sealed) chambers where water can collect and be isolated and each chamber can have a drainage orifice for water extraction. Further, excessive water within one or more chambers can add weight which may compromise the ability of the airplane to gain sufficient lift during takeoff or may compromise balance. This situation can result in longer takeoff distances, reduced climb rates, and overall diminished flight performance.
Additionally, the presence of water within one or more chambers can lead to corrosion and/or structural damage of the float over time, impacting the float's integrity and potentially jeopardizing the safety of the seaplane. Addressing water presence in seaplane floats is relevant for maintaining optimal performance, ensuring safety, and extending the lifespan of seaplanes for amphibious operations.
Additionally, there exists a real environmental challenge where water from one lake or waterway can contain invasive species, and without the ability to filter the water as it is being removed from a float, pilots are exposing once clean water to invasive species, otherwise referred to as aquatic hitchhikers.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved water pump for removing water from seaplane floats and filtering water to maintain clear waterways.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the claims are not limited to the illustrated embodiments, an appreciation of various aspects is best gained through a discussion of various examples thereof. Referring now to the drawings, illustrative approaches are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent the illustrative exemplary approaches, they are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an illustrative approach. Further, the disclosed subject matter described herein is not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limiting or restricting to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description. Examples of the present disclosed subject matter are described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows.
FIG. 1A is a side view of a pump-base from an exemplary support assembly.
FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the pump-base illustrated in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1C is a side view of a pump-base illustrated in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2A is a side view of a pump-base outlet element/pre-pump inlet tube and a sealing member from an exemplary support assembly.
FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the pump-base outlet element/pre-pump inlet tube and sealing member illustrated in FIG. 2A from an exemplary support assembly.
FIG. 3A is a side view of a drill brace, a connecting member from an exemplary support assembly.
FIG. 3B is a top view of the drill brace illustrated in FIG. 3A.
FIG. 4A is a side view of a drill-pump outlet pre-filter.
FIG. 4B is a top view of the support interface and the connecting member illustrated in FIG. 4A.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the filter support cradle connected to the handle of the drill.
FIG. 5B is a top view of the filter support cradle illustrated in FIG. 5A.
FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the filter support cradle.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary water filter element.
FIG. 7A is a side view of a filter redirection nozzle post-filter.
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the redirection nozzle post-filter.
FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the redirection nozzle post-filter.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary support assembly including a drill-pump attached to a pump-base, a pump base outlet, a drill brace, drill-pump outlet pre-filter, filter support cradle, a water filter, and a redirection nozzle post-filter.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary support assembly including a drill-pump attached to a pump-base, a pump base outlet, and a drill brace.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings, a pump mechanism includes a support assembly with a pump base (e.g., base), a pump base outlet element (e.g., an outlet portion), a drill brace (e.g., a connecting member), a drill-pump outlet pre-filter connecting element, a filter support cradle (e.g., a support interface), a filter (e.g., water), a redirection nozzle element post-filter, and a drill-pump with an output shaft that is selectively received within a chuck of a drill to create a suction and begin the pumping process. The connecting member limits the movement of the drill-pump relative to the drill, allowing a single hand to easily operate the pump mechanism.
In one exemplary usage scenario, a support assembly for removing water from within a seaplane float may comprise components fixed to a drill-pump including a silicon adaptor that creates a seal with the seaplane float, the redirection assembly attached to the pump, and the water filtration adaptor. The drill brace may be coupled between the drill-pump and the drill configured to drive the drill-pump. The drill base may limit relative movement of the drill-pump (e.g., mating device) and support assembly during operation of the drill and drill-pump while still permitting pump operation.
Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1C with FIGS. 8 and 9 providing an overall depiction of the various components described herein, a pump mechanism 10 includes a support assembly 12 for a drill-powered liquid pump 902 selectively connected to a powered drill 900. The support assembly 12 can be used in combination with powered drill 900 to facilitate the removal of liquid from a mated component such as the interior of a float (e.g., associated with a seaplane). In some situations, a liquid source may be accessed directly without the use of a mating component. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the support assembly 12 includes a pump-base 100. The pump-base 100 includes a support portion 102, a neck portion 104, and a connecting portion 106. The support portion 102, the neck portion 104, and/or the connecting portion 106 are fluidly connected, with the neck portion 104 including an intake port 107 defined at its free outer end. Although the support portion 102, the neck portion 104, and/or the connecting portion 106 are shown as substantially cylindrically shaped, they may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations to effectively move liquids. Additionally, the pump-base 100 includes a tapered portion 109 connecting (e.g., fluidly connecting via a seal) the support portion 102 with the neck portion 104.
In examples, the support portion 102 is attached to a connecting plate 108. As illustrated in the disclosed illustration, the connecting plate 108 is substantially planar and is generally square and/or rounded. The connecting plate 108 is disposed at the bottom of the support portion 102. The connecting plate 108 includes a plurality of apertures 108A for connecting the support assembly 12 with a drill-pump 902 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8 or 9). Further, the plurality of apertures 108A can be disposed equally about the perimeter of support portion 102 for efficient stabilization during operation. Additionally, the connecting plate 108 can be substantially the same size as an outer surface of a drill-pump 902.
In accordance with an illustrative approach, support portion 102 includes a support channel 110, the neck portion 104 includes a neck channel 112, and/or the connecting portion 106 includes a connecting channel 114 and an outlet port 115. The support channel 110, the neck channel 112, and the connecting channel 114 can include varying sizes. Further, a first radius 1R of the support channel 110 is shown greater than a second radius 2R of the neck channel 112. The first radius 1R and the second radius 2R are greater than a third radius 3R of the connecting channel 114.
In exemplary approaches, such as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the first radius 1R and the second radius 2R are disposed coaxially about a vertical axis V-V. Further, the connecting portion 106 is shown perpendicularly from the vertical axis, the support portion 102, and/or the neck portion 104. As illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the connecting portion 106 can extend in an offset direction from the vertical axis V-V.
With examples, as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1C, a first height 1H of the support portion 102 can be substantially similar to a second height 2H of the neck portion 104. In other examples, the second height 2H is greater than the first height 1H. Further, dimensions of the pump-base 100 may be selected to maximize efficiency based on the type/size of aviation float for water removal.
In examples, the support portion 102 is connected to the drill-pump 902. In turn, the neck portion 104 may be selectively connected with a water source such as an aviation float F with the intake port 107 selectively mating with a corresponding port found on aviation float F enabling water to be drawn from the float using suction as discussed in more detail below.
Further, in accordance with alternative illustrations, an input nozzle 800 (e.g., see FIG. 8) can be disposed between the intake port 107 of neck portion 104 and an outlet orifice O on the aviation float to create a sealed connection to maintain necessary suction. The input nozzle 800 can include one or more of a variety of materials. For example, the input nozzle 800 includes silicon and/or plastic. Liquid dispatched from the aviation float F traverses through the outlet orifice (of the aviation float) O and then through input nozzle 800 into the intake port 107 of neck portion 104. Subsequently, liquid traverses through the neck portion 104 and into the connecting portion 106; and liquid is then drawn from the connecting portion 106 into the drill-pump 902.
Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the pump-base 100 is fluidly connected with a pump-base outlet element 200. With examples, the connecting portion 106 may be received by the pump-base outlet element 200. The pump-base outlet element 200 is half-circle and/or generally C-shaped. The pump-base outlet element 200 includes a generally cylindrically bent structure. Further, the pump-base outlet element 200 includes an outlet channel 204 disposed within the pump-base outlet element 200. The outlet channel 204 includes a constant radius throughout the half-circle shape. An end of the pump-base outlet element 200 is fluidly connected (e.g., sealed) with a sealing member 202 via an epoxy or the like. In other exemplary illustrations, the sealing member 202 may be screwed into the inlet portion of the drill-pump 902. As shown in examples, the sealing member 202 includes a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions 206 disposed radially about an exterior surface of the sealing member 202. The protrusions 206 provide a surface for rotating/twisting the sealing member 202 into connection with the inlet portion of drill-pump 902.
During operation of the drill-pump 902, liquid that is disposed within the connecting portion 106 can be pulled through the pump-base outlet element 200 and sealing member 202 via suction. Engaging the drill-pump 902 moves liquid in the aviation float chamber or other vessel through the pump-base outlet element 200 and/or the sealing member 202. For example, the suction generated by activating the drill-pump 902 can be large enough to remove water disposed within an aviation float chamber or other vessel.
With examples, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 9, the support assembly 12 for a drill-powered water pump 902 includes a connecting member 300 (e.g., drill brace). The connecting member 300 can include one or more of variety of shapes and/or sizes. For example and without limitation, the connecting member 300 is elongated and/or may be substantially planar. The connecting member 300 is configured to limit the relative translation and rotational/pivoting movement around the drill 900 with respect to the exterior surfaces of associated components of the support assembly 12 attached by way of a drill chuck 900′ while still permitting operation of the drill-pump 902 (i.e., the rotational movement generated by the drill chuck 900′ is transmitted solely to drill-pump 902 to generate the necessary suction while the exterior surfaces of the support assembly 12 remain fixed with respect to the drill 900). When engaging the drill-pump 902, torque is generated about the axis of rotation for chuck 900′ of the drill 900, driving drill-pump 902, which is secured by way of a pump shaft received into the opening defined by the chuck 900′. As the drill-pump 902 removes liquid from a source connected with the pump-base 100 by way of intake port 107 (e.g., an aviation float), due to the torque generated from the drill 900 through the drill-pump 902, the rest of the support assembly 12 remains fixed. This means that not only will support assembly 12 not rotate about the axis of rotation of the chuck 900′, but that it will not wobble about the chuck 900′ since it is rigidly fixed not only at the chuck′, but by way of the connecting member 300 as discussed in more detail below. Thus, the operation of the drill-pump 902 associated with support assembly 12 is easily accomplished using a single hand.
In examples, the connecting member 300 includes an aperture 302 and a slot 304. The connecting member 300 includes a first end 306 and a second end 308, with the first end 306 disposed opposite the second end 308. Further, the aperture 302 is disposed at the first end 306 of the connecting member 300, and the slot 304 is disposed at the second end 308 of the connecting member 300. The connecting member 300 can include a width that may decrease moving from the first end to the second end (e.g., moving from the aperture 302 to slot 304). The aperture 302 can include one or more of variety of shapes and/or sizes. For example and without limitation, the aperture 302 is circular and connects with/around an outlet port 904 of the drill-pump 902 (as shown in FIG. 9). The connecting member 300 connects (e.g., in a generally fixed nature) with the outlet port 904 of the drill-pump 902 at the first end 306, and connects (e.g., in a removably fixed nature) to the drill 900 at the second end 308. While the connecting member 300 is shown secured to drill-pump 902, it is also possible to connect the member to either the pump-base 100 or the outlet port 904 since those elements are rigidly connected to drill-pump 902. The slot 304 is generally elongated and/or rectangular in shape such that the slot 304 is configured to receive a fastening member to connect the connecting member 300 to the various drills for support (e.g., to overcome the natural torque generated during operation of the drill-pump 902). The location of the fastening member traverses along the direction of slot 304 such that the connecting member 300 can be secured in a variety of positions to accommodate a variety of drills (e.g., mating devices) comprising a variety of sizes and/or dimensions. The second end 308 of the connecting member 300 is connected to a handle portion 506 of the drill 900 (see, e.g., FIG. 9). Moreover, stabilizing the outlet port 904 of the drill-pump 902 to the handle portion 506 of the drill 900 via the connecting member 300 facilitates single hand operation of the support assembly 12 by limiting excess forces/torque.
Turning next to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the filter element 600 is fluidly connected (e.g., sealed) with the drill-pump 902 via a drill-pump outlet pre-filter connecting element 400. This drill-pump outlet pre-filter connecting element 400 can include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example, the drill-pump outlet pre-filter connecting element 400 is generally curved (e.g., about 90 degrees or more or less). The drill-pump outlet pre-filter connecting element 400 includes a first end 410 and a second end 412, the first end 410 disposed opposite the second end 412. Further, the drill-pump outlet pre-filter connecting element 400 includes a channel extending from the first end 410 to the second end 412 to direct water from the drill-pump 902 to the filter element 600. A first connection interface 400A disposed at the first end 410 connects with the outlet port of the drill-pump 902, and a second connection interface 400B disposed at the second end 412 connects with the inlet aperture 602 of the filter element 600. The first connection interface 400A is configured to receive at least a portion of the outlet port 904 of the drill-pump 902.
In further examples, the first connection interface 400A includes an outer surface comprising a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions 414 disposed radially about the outer surface of the first connection interface 400A. The vertical protrusions 414 provide a surface for rotating/twisting the drill-pump outlet pre-filter connecting element 400 into connection with the filter element 600 (e.g., resulting in a liquid-tight seal). In this manner, the drill-pump outlet pre-filter connecting element 400 forms a liquid-tight seal between the drill-pump 902 and the filter element 600. Additionally, the first connection interface 400A of the first end 410 includes an outer surface comprising one or more threads 416 such that the first connection interface 400A can rotate into engagement with the outlet port 904 of the drill-pump 902.
Referring now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the support assembly 12 includes a support interface 500 connected between the connecting member 300 and the handle portion 506 of the drill 900. The support interface 500 provides support for stabilizing the filter element 600 during operation. The support interface 500 can alternatively be disposed between the filter element 600 and the connecting member 300.
With examples, the support interface 500 can include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations to fit with a variety of drills. For example and without limitation, the support interface 500 may include a generally curved shape. The generally curved shape can be substantially similar to the curvature of the filter (e.g., filter element 600) for which has been design to cradle. FIG. 5B illustrates the curved profile of the support interface 500 from a top-down view. An inner surface 502 of the support interface 500 is configured to mate/contact the handle portion 506 of the drill 900, and an outer surface 504 of the support interface 500 is configured to contact the connecting member 300 (e.g., fastened thereto).
In examples, the support interface 500 includes an upper portion 510 and a lower portion 512. Further, the lower portion 512 includes a groove 514 extending along the outer surface 504 of the support interface 500. The groove 514 can include any variety of shape and/or size to effectively connect with the connecting member 300 and/or the drill 900. Additionally, the groove 514 includes a constant depth across the length of the support interface 500. The groove 514 extends from a first side 516 of the support interface 500 to a second side 518 of the support interface 500 (e.g., the first side 516 is opposite the second side 518). The upper portion 510 includes an aperture 520 and/or one or more chamfered/tapered sections 522. The one or more chamfered sections 522 facilitate connection of the connecting member 300 with the drill 900; and the one or more chamfered sections 522 are disposed substantially to a side of the aperture 520 (e.g., towards the first side 516). Further, the aperture 520 is disposed generally in a center of the upper portion 510 and can be generally circular shaped. The aperture 520 can include any variety of shape and/or size to fit with a variety of fastening members 910 of the drill 900.
In examples, as generally illustrated in FIG. 8, an exemplary support assembly 12 can include a filter element 600 coupled to the outlet port 904 of the drill-pump 902 via drill-pump outlet pre-filter connecting element 400. The filter element 600 is configured to filter liquid upon leaving the drill-pump 902. Further, the liquid (e.g., water disposed within the aviation float) can traverse through the pump-base 100 into the pump-base outlet element 200, and further into the drill-pump 902. The liquid then traverses through the outlet fitting 920 and into the filter element 600.
The outlet fitting 920 can include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations to direct liquid from the outlet port 904 to the filter element 600. The filter element 600 may filter undesired materials and/or a variety of species larvae and eggs from the discharge water. For example and without limitation, the filter element 600 is configured to filter out invasive species greater than about 20 microns or more or less in size (e.g., zebra mussel eggs and larvae). The filter element 600 can include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and without limitation the filter element 600 is generally cylindrical. Further, the filter element 600 includes an inlet aperture 602 and an outlet aperture 604. When moving water via the drill-pump 902, water (e.g., liquid) can pass into the inlet aperture 602 and out of the outlet aperture 604, where water is filtered and safe for draining upon passing through the outlet aperture 604.
As generally illustrated in FIG. 6, the filter element 600 includes an upper portion 606 and a lower portion 608. The inlet aperture 602 is disposed substantially proximate the upper portion 606 to receive liquid via the outlet port 904 of the drill-pump 902. In a similar nature, the outlet aperture 604 is disposed substantially proximate the lower portion 608 to drain/expel filtered liquid via the drill-pump 902. Further, filter element 600, the inlet aperture 602, and the outlet aperture 604 are centered about the same axis (e.g., coaxially aligned). The outlet aperture 604 is shown to extend outwardly from the lower portion 608 of the filter element 600 (e.g., a bottom surface). In this manner, the outlet aperture 604 can include one or more threads 610 for connecting the outlet aperture 604 to any variety of component or application, such as another routing element.
With exemplary approaches, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, the filter element 600 is fluidly connected (e.g., sealed) with a liquid redirection nozzle 700. The liquid redirection nozzle 700 can include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations.
For example and without limitation, the liquid redirection nozzle 700 can be curved (e.g., including about 90 degrees of curvature or more or less depending on the application of the drill-pump 902), substantially c-shaped, and/or elongated. The liquid redirection nozzle 700 includes a channel 702 extending from a first side 704 to a second side 706. The first side 704 includes a connection interface 710 configured to receive at least a portion of the outlet aperture 604. For example and without limitation, at least a portion of the outlet aperture 604 is disposed within the connection interface 710 to form a liquid-tight seal. The liquid redirection nozzle 700 can be secured to the outlet aperture 604 by rotating the liquid redirection nozzle 700 onto the filter element 600. In examples, the liquid redirection nozzle 700 includes a plurality of vertical protrusions 712 disposed radially about the outer surface of the liquid redirection nozzle 700.
As generally illustrated in FIG. 8, an exemplary support assembly 12 for a drill powered liquid pump mechanism is shown in an assembled state, including an exemplary filter assembly as discussed above. The support assembly 12 is configured to be connected with the drill 900 to facilitate the removal of liquid such as water from the interior of an aviation float (e.g., for a seaplane). The drill-pump 902 can be fluidly coupled with the pump-base 100 by way of intake port 107 such that the drill-pump 902 can be coupled with the outlet orifice of the aviation float. Further, in this illustrative approach, the neck portion 104 is coupled with the aviation float via an input nozzle 800. The input nozzle 800 can include one or more of a variety of materials. For example, the input nozzle 800 includes a substantially flexible silicon material. The input nozzle 800 can include a first portion 802 and a second portion 804. The first portion 802 is configured for connection with the neck portion 104 of the pump-base 100, and the second portion 804 is configured for connection with the aviation float. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the first portion 802 includes a larger radius than the second portion 804. Further, water is drawn from inside the aviation float, into the second portion 804, and into the first portion 802 (e.g., input nozzle 800) via activation of the drill-pump 902 via the drill 900. Subsequently, water is moved from the input nozzle 800 and into the pump-base 100. The drill-pump 902 pulls water through the neck portion 104 by way of the suction generated using drill 900, into the support portion 102, and out the connecting portion 106. Additionally, the drill-pump 902 pulls water from the connecting portion 106 into the pump-base outlet element 200 and the sealing member 202. As the drill 900 is activated, the water is pulled from the pump-base outlet element 200 and into the drill-pump 902. The connecting member 300 limits movement of the drill 900 and resulting torque on the assembly. Further, the connecting member 300 anchors to a handle portion 906 of the drill 900 to the outlet port 904 of the drill-pump 902. Upon further activation of the drill 900, water is forced from the outlet port 904 of the drill-pump 902 and to the outlet fitting 920. Water can be expelled via the outlet fitting 920, and additionally or alternatively, the water can be directed through a filter element 600 via drill-pump outlet pre-filter connecting element 400 and liquid redirection nozzle 700. As such, the support assembly 12 for a drill powered water pump removes water from the interior of an aviation float.
The exemplary illustrations are not limited to the previously described examples. Rather, a plurality of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the ideas of the exemplary illustrations and therefore fall within the protective scope. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.
With regard to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It should further be understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments, and should in no way be construed so as to limit the claimed invention.
Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the arts discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, it should be understood that the invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the following claims.
All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art unless an explicit indication to the contrary in made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “the,” etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.
Patent Application
20240209872
