Patent Application
20230034134
Fluid delivery systems are used to delivery fluid from a source location to a delivery location. In some instances, fluid delivery systems include a pump system configured to provide the fluid at desired parameters, such as at desired pressures and desired volumetric rates. Fluid delivery systems are useful for a variety of fluids, for example, paints, primers, finishes, A and B part component fluids, as well as a variety of fluids.
The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the background.
A fluid pump comprises an electric motor configured to provide a unidirectional rotational output. The fluid pump further comprises a screw drive coupled to the electric motor. The screw drive is configured to convert the unidirectional rotational output of the electric motor into reciprocating motion to linearly reciprocate a piston coupled to the screw drive.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential featured of the claimed subject matter, is not intended to describe each disclosed example or every implementation of the claimed subject matter and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative examples.
Piston paint pumps are sometimes driven via hydraulics or eccentrics. Hydraulic paint pumps are typically driven using a gasoline engine having high torque. However, it may be undesirable to use such a system with the exhaust and weight of the system. Eccentric paint pumps are typically driven using an electric motor which solves at least the exhaust problem. However, eccentric driven paint pumps are limited by torque requirements or bending moments.
In another approach, a linear screw driven pump is used. One example of a linear screw drive for converting rotary to linear motion is a ball screw drive. Stroke length is not limited by torque requirements or bending moments as they are in an eccentric drive and a screw drive is typically more durable than an eccentric drive. The torque required in a linear screw drive is substantially the same at any point along the stroke whereas eccentric drives require more or less torque depending on where the piston is in the stroke. Also, a longer stroke length is desirable because the longer the stroke, the longer the running surfaces, and thus less wear at any given point on the surfaces.
In a screw drive, stroke limits can be detected by number of rotations of the motor rather than using stroke limit sensors (as currently used in hydraulic systems, for example). In a screw-driven pump, additional diagnostics may be able to be done with current sensing during extension stroke versus retraction force including possibly diagnosing valve or seal failures. One limitation of known electric piston pumps is that they cycle too fast to be able to detect any issues like this, but it may be possible to detect issues with a longer stroke length.
With a self-reversing screw, typically used for winding winches and certain types of fishing reel spools, the electric motor only needs to spin one direction which means the power electronics will likely be longer lasting, more efficient, and may be able to be simplified compared to roller screw or ball screw where the motor would have to come to a full stop, reverse, and then get up to full speed again. A standard self-reversing screw mechanism may be more substantial than a roller screw due to the lower effective area of a reversing screw compared to a roller screw. A sub type of self-reversing screw called a ball reverser or self-reversing ball screw, provides a way to have the self-reversing feature, but also have higher effective area and greater efficiency.
The change in direction of the piston in a linear screw-driven pump may not happen as frequently as in other piston pump designs so dead band when the piston changes over may be more noticeable if the piston direction cannot be changed rapidly enough. Therefore, in one example, an accumulator can be added to mitigate some of the dead band on changeover. And/or for example, a return profile of a self-reversing screw nut or the self-reversing screw can be changed to reduce the reversing time of the piston.
In a horizontal orientation, a double acting piston pump may need a biasing valve in both inlet and outlet valve in order to prime properly. Once the pump is primed the biasing valves are not needed in order to maintain proper function. In another example, a self-priming circuit may be implemented to eliminate the need for biasing valves.
Fluid pump 102 is powered by motor/screw assembly 104. As shown, motor/screw assembly 104 is controlled by controller 106. Controller 106 can include various hardware and software components to control and monitor functions of motor/screw assembly 104. In some examples, controller 106 can diagnose problems with motor/screw assembly 104 and/or fluid pump 102. Controller 106 controls the motor/screw assembly 104 to generate a reciprocating motion that is transferred to fluid pump 102 through coupler 103. In some examples, the reciprocating motion is generated by controller 106 sending commands to alternate motor 104 in a forward and a reverse direction which actuates a screw in a forward and reverse direction to drive a nut in a reciprocating motion. In other examples, the nut is driven in alternating forward and reverse direction which drives the screw in a reciprocating motion. In some examples, the screw and nut are self-reversing such that the motor only actuates in one direction to create the reciprocating motion.
In some examples, motor/screw assembly 104 is battery powered. In other examples, motor/screw assembly b is powered by an AC power source (e.g., a wall outlet). As shown, motor/screw assembly 104 are in the same housing, in other examples, the motor and screw are separate from one another. In one example, motor/screw assembly 104 and controller 106 include a Tritex II® motor available from Curtiss-Wright Corporation.
Handle 110 allows a user to easily carry pump system 100. Stand 112 is used to keep system 100 in an upright or otherwise pumping position. As shown, stand 112 is collapsible to reduce the dimensions of system 100. In other examples, stand 112 is non-collapsible. In some examples, stand 112 is removable from system 100, such that another support structure can be used (e.g., one or more of the carts shown below).
In one example, screw 104-1 is a self-reversing screw and nut 104-3 is a self-reversing nut. In one example of this, nut 104-3 is driven in a single rotational direction and screw 104-1 is driven in a reciprocating motion within nut 104-3. Or in another example, screw 104-1 is rotationally driven in a single direction while nut 104-3 reciprocates. In one example, nut 104-3 acts as a rotor in a motor. Such examples will be shown in more detail in
As shown in
Stand 112 is shown in the extended position such that pump system 100 is supported proximate fluid source 160. Stand 112 includes legs 112-1, arms 112-2 and joints 112-3. As shown, there are three of each of these components. In other examples, there may be a different amount of these components. In one example, to adjust for different fluid sources 160, joint 112-3 can be adjusted such that pump system 100 raises or lowers. In another example, to adjust for different fluid sources 160, the length of legs 112-1 may be changed (e.g., via telescoping or pin locking extensions mechanisms). Similarly, in an example, to adjust for different fluid sources 160, the length of arms 112-2 may be changed (e.g., via telescoping or pin locking extensions devices). In some examples, paint intake 101 can be changed to accommodate the fluid source 160. In some examples, stand 112 couples to fluid source 160.
Extension housing 208 and extension tube 210 facilitate the raising and lowering of pump system 100. As shown in
In some examples, lifting pump system 100 causes cart 200 to rearwardly tip. To prevent cart 200 from rearwardly tipping while raising pump system 100, foot pedals 206 are provided such that a user can step on pedal 206 and prevent rearward tipping motion of cart 200. In some examples, foot pedals 206 are textured or shaped to accommodate and prevent a user's foot from slipping from foot pedals 206 while pump system 100 is lifted.
As shown, cart 602 is supported by wheels 606 and handle 604. In other examples, different components may be provided to support cart 602 when in a downward spraying position.
As shown, screw 5504 is a self-reversing screw and nut 5506 is a self-reversing nut. This configuration allows screw 5504 to rotate in a single direction, which causes nut 5506 to linearly actuate along the length of threads on screw 5504 in a first direction, then at the end of the threads on screw 5504 reverse to linearly actuate in a second direction along the length of the threads. Thus, nut 5506 is able to linearly reciprocate along the length of threads of screw 5504 by way of unidirectional rotation of screw 5504. In this way, the system can produce reciprocating motion with the use of a unidirectional motor or a motor that is operated to only provide unidirectional rotational output, such as motor 5502.
Self-reversing actuator 5550 includes motor 5502, screw 5554, nut 5556 and coupler 5510. As shown motor 5502 includes stator 5557 and nut 5556, which acts as the rotor. As nut 5556 rotates it drives linear motion of screw 5554. Because both nut 5556 and screw 5554 are self-reversing, motor 5502 only drives nut 5556 in one direction which causes screw 5554 to reciprocate linearly. Thus, screw 5554 is able to linearly reciprocate along the length of nut 5556 by way of unidirectional rotation of nut 5556. In this way, the system produce reciprocating motion with the use of a unidirectional motor or a motor that is operated to only provide unidirectional rotational output, such as motor 5502.
As shown, the threads of screw 5504 and 5554 form a double helix raceway comprising a first thread and a second thread, wherein each thread is of a different handedness. For example, the threads of screws 5504 and 5554 comprise both a right-handed thread and a left-handed thread. Having both a right-handed thread and a left-handed thread allows for linear reciprocation of the nut or the screw (whichever is configured to reciprocate in the particular arrangement) in a first direction and a second direction while rotating the other of the nut or the screw in only a first direction of rotation.
The speed at which a self-reversing system reciprocates is determined by a number of different things. For example, the speed at which nut 5556 (or screw 5504 in system 5500) rotates contributes to the reciprocating speed. Also, the pitch (shown at 5562) of the threads contributes to the reciprocating speed. Also, the return pattern (shown at 5564) contributes to the speed at which the reciprocating motion reverses. As shown (at 5564), there is a short pause in the reversing thread. In other examples, the intersection of the threads could form a sharp profile such that the reversing occurs nearly instantaneously. In other examples, the intersection of the threads (shown at 5564) could be smoothed to some degree such that the reversing occurs quicker than shown, but less than the sharp profile. It will be understood that in some examples, motor 5502 can be used as the motor of motor/screw assembly 104 of pump system 100. Though not shown in
Control box 1602 can include display elements 1613 and 1618, input mechanisms 1614 and 1616, power line 1610, and can include an electronics assembly that can include one or more controllers (which may comprise one or more processors or microprocessors), a communication system, memory or data store, as well as various other components, including various hardware and software components. As illustrated, power line 1610 is configured to plug into an AC power source (such as a wall outlet) and to provide power to various components of plural component system 1600. In some examples, control box 1602 may include a power converter to convert AC power to DC, such as in the case where motors of pump systems 100 are DC motors. In other examples, control box 1602 may include a rectifier and a rechargeable battery, which in turn powers the motors of pump systems 1000. Various other power supply configurations are contemplated herein.
Control box 1602 is capable of receiving various inputs and providing various outputs. For example, a user can provide inputs through input mechanisms 1614 or 1616 to control the ratio at which component A and component B of the plural component system are delivered, as well as various other operating parameters of the plural component system 1600 such as a speed of each motor of motor/screw assemblies 104-11 and 104-22, a temperature at which delivery lines of hose 1606 are heated, as well as various other parameters. In other examples, operating parameters may be stored within memory of control box 1602 and can be communicated to other components of plural component system 1600, for example, operating parameters of pump systems 100 can be communicated to controllers 106 via communication and power lines 1604. In other examples, communication between control box 1602 and pump systems 100 may be wireless, in which case lines 1604 may only provide power to pump systems 100.
Display mechanisms 1613 (illustratively shown as a display screen) and 1614 (illustratively shown as a light) can be used to surface various information, such as operating parameter information (e.g., A-B ratio, pressures, temperatures, engine speed, etc.) as well as to surface alerts or other notifications. In some examples, display mechanism 1613 may be a touch screen capable of receiving user touch input.
Each pump system 100 is configured to pump a respective component fluid (e.g., part A or part B) at a variable volumetric rate. As illustrated in
In the illustrated example, one controller 106 (e.g., 106-1) is a chief and one controller 106 (e.g., 106-2) is a worker, thus forming an asymmetric control communication system. In such an example, the chief controller generates and sends control communication to the worker controller (e.g., via communication line 108, or in other ways) and the worker controller controls one or more components of its respective pump system 100 based on the control communication from the chief controller. In other example, other forms of control communication are contemplated and thus, in other examples, there need not be a chief controller and a worker controller. The two controllers 106-1 and 106-2 communicate via communication line 108, though, in other examples, wireless communication between controllers 106-1 and 106-2 is contemplated. For example, a ratio of component A and component B may be desired. Pump system 100-1 may pump component A from fluid source 1660-1 while pump system 100-2 may pump component B from fluid source 1660-2. The desired ratio may be provided by user input provided through input mechanisms 1614 or 1616 of control box 1602 or may otherwise be stored in a memory of control box 1602. The ratio (or some parameter based on the ratio, such as motor speed, volumetric flow rate, etc.) may be provided to a controller 106 via a communication line 1604, though, in other examples, communication may be wireless. The controller 106 controls the speed of the motor of motor/screw assembly 104 based on the ratio (or based on the parameter based on the ratio). In the case of asymmetric control. The chief controller may control its respective motor based on the ratio (or parameter based on the ratio) and provide control communication (indicative of a parameter of the worker fluid pump system) to the worker controller such that worker controller controls its motor based on the control communication.
Advantageously, where pump system 100 includes a unidirectional electric motor (e.g., 5502) or a motor that provides a unidirectional rotational output (e.g., 5502) and a drive, such as a screw drive (e.g., 5500 or 5550), that translates unidirectional rotational output of the motor into bi-directional linear reciprocation of the pump 102, the volumetric rate of fluid pumped by the pump system 100 can be varied by only varying the rotational speed of the motor.
Operating parameters of each pump system 100, such as speed, pressure, volumetric flow rate, etc. can be detected by various sensors and the sensor signals can be communicated to control box 1602 via respective communication and power lines 1604 or can be communicated wireles sly. These parameters can be used in feedback control of the pump systems 100 to achieve desired mix ratios. Some examples of these sensors will be shown in
Pump system 100-1 pumps a first fluid (e.g., component A) at a select rate from fluid source 1660-1 out of outlet 108-1 through outlet delivery line 1612-1 to an inlet 1666-1 of a respective fluid line 1664-1 of hose 106. Pump system 100-2 pumps a second fluid (e.g., component B) at a select rate from fluid source 1660-2 out of outlet 108-2 through outlet delivery line 1612-2 to an inlet 1666-2 of a respective fluid line 1664-2 of hose 106.
Electrical heating lines 1620 are also shown running from control box 1602 to hose 1606. Hose 1606 can comprise two fluid lines 1664 (shown as 1664-1 and 1664-2), each configured to carry and deliver a respective fluid to fluid applicator 1630, such as a plural component spray gun that is coupled to hose 106. Each fluid line 1664 can be internally heated. Each electrical heating line 1620 can be coupled to a respective electrical heating element of a respective fluid line 1664 to internally heat the fluid. The temperature at which the fluid is heated can be controlled by control box 1602, the heating parameter can either be stored in memory or input by a user.
A communication line 1622 can be seen coupled to running from control box 1602 where it may couple, at the other end, to a fluid applicator 1630, such as a spray gun (e.g., plural component spray gun). Activation and deactivation of a trigger of the fluid applicator 1630 may generate an electrical signal which is communicated to control box 1602 via communication line 1622 to activate and deactivate pump systems 100.
As illustrated in
Nut is coupled to a piston rod 6010 by a connection assembly which includes a flange 6018 of piston rod 6010, a plurality of fasteners 6020 (e.g., threaded fasteners) a plurality of apertures 6022 (e.g., threaded apertures) of piston rod 6010, and a plurality of apertures 6024 (e.g., threaded apertures) of nut 6006. Fasteners 6020 are inserted through apertures 6022 and 6024 to secure piston rod 6010 to nut 6006 such that the piston rod 6010 is linearly reciprocated with linear reciprocation of the nut 6006. Piston rod 6010 further includes a coupler 6012 (which can be similar to coupler 5510), a wear ring 6014 around its outer diameter and a cavity 6016. Coupler 6012 allows for coupling of piston rod 6010 to a fluid pump, for example, fluid pump 102, such as by coupling to rod 102-1, which can include the use of another coupling mechanism such as coupler 103 shown previously. As shown in previous FIGS., the rod 102-1 can include a coupler that is similar to coupler 6012 of piston rod 6010. Cavity 6016 defines a space into which screw 6004 and a piston guide 6050 fit such that piston rod 6010 fits around and travels a length of piston guide 6050 and screw 6004. Wear ring helps reduce wear of piston rod 6010 by preventing contact between piston rod 6010 and housing 6080, helps maintain concentric alignment of piston rod 6010, and can also absorb side load.
Piston guide 6050 also helps to maintain concentric alignment of piston rod 6010 and helps prevents contact between piston rod 6010 and screw 6004. Piston guide 6050 is coupled to screw 6004 by a coupling assembly that includes a fastener 6052, an aperture 6052 (e.g., threaded aperture) of screw 6004, and an aperture 6056 of piston guide 6050. Aperture 6056 can include a threaded portion 6058. Fastener 6052 is inserted through apertures 6056 and 6054 to secure piston guide 6050 to screw 6004.
As further illustrated in
Assembly 6000 further includes a bearing assembly 6072, which may include one or more roller elements (e.g., ball bearings, etc.) that assists in the rotation of screw 6004. Assembly 6000 further includes a bearing cap 6074 which helps retain bearing assembly 6072. Bearing cap 6074 is coupled to housing 6080 by a coupling assembly which includes a plurality of fasteners 6076 (e.g., threaded fasteners), a plurality of apertures 6077 (e.g., threaded apertures) of bearing cap 6074, and a plurality of apertures 6081 (e.g., threaded apertures) of housing 6080. Fasteners 6076 are inserted through apertures 6077 and 6081 to secure bearing cap 6074 to housing 6080. Bearing cap 6078 further includes a sealing element 6078 which prevents environmental debris (e.g., dust, etc.) from entering an interior of housing 6080 or from contaminating bearing assembly 6072 and also helps to prevent leaking and thus retain bearing lubricant (e.g., grease, etc.) within bearing assembly 6072.
As further illustrated in
It will be understood that the assembly 6000 can comprise various materials, some examples of which are listed. The bearing assembly 6072 can comprise a metal, such as steel. The bearing cap 6074 can comprise a metal, such as aluminum. The housing 6080 can comprise a metal, or different parts of the housing 6080 can be made of different materials, such as different metals. For example, fasteners 6087 can comprise steel whereas side portion 6083 and ends 6085 can comprise steel or aluminum. The self-reversing ball nut 6606 can comprise metal, such as steel with steel roller elements (e.g., steel ball bearings, etc.). The self-reversing ball screw 6604 can comprise metal, such as steel. Piston guide 6010 can comprise, for example, acetal resin. Wiper sealing element 6090 can comprise a nitrile rubber or fluoroelastomer. Sealing element 6078 can comprise nitrile rubber or fluoroelastomer. Piston rod 6010 can comprise a metal, such as steel. Tube 6040 can comprise a metal, such as steel. Various other materials are contemplated herein.
Motor 1102 can be similar to other motors described and/or shown herein (e.g., motor of motor/screw drive assembly 104, motor 5502, etc.). Motor 1102 can be an electric bidirectional motor or an electric unidirectional motor. In one particular example, motor 1102 can be a unidirectional electric motor that provides a unidirectional rotational output. Drive 1104 can be similar to other drives described and/or shown herein (e.g., screw drive of motor/screw drive assembly 104, screw drive 5500, screw drive 5550, screw drive 6000, etc.). Drive 1104 is coupled to motor 1102 and configured to convert the rotational output of motor 1102 into linear and bidirectional (reciprocating) motion. Pump 1106 can be similar to other pumps described and/or shown herein (e.g., pump 102, etc.) and can include a rod (e.g., pump rod 102-1, such as a piston rod) and a pump head (e.g., pump head 102-2, such as a piston). Pump 1106 is coupled to drive 1104 and is driven linearly and bidirectionally (reciprocally) by the rotational output of motor 1102 by virtue of its coupling to drive 1104. Pump 1106 draws fluid (e.g., paint, etc.) through inlet 1108 (e.g., during an upstroke) and expels fluid through outlet 1110 (e.g., during a downstroke). Inlet 1108 can be similar to other inlets described and/or shown herein (e.g., inlet 101). Outlet 1110 can be similar to other outlets described and/or shown herein (e.g., outlet 108).
As shown elsewhere herein, both drive 1104 and pump 1106 can include a coupling feature which form a shoulder and/or surface for the purpose of coupling drive 1104 to pump 1106, some examples of which are shown in
Controller 1112 can be similar to other controllers described and/or shown herein (e.g., controller 106). Controller 1112 generates control signals to control the rotation (e.g., speed and/or direction of rotation) of motor 1102. In one example, controller 1112 can be a chief controller that generates control communication that is sent, via communication circuitry 1114, to other fluid pump systems 1104. In one example, controller 1112 can be a worker controller that receives control communication from another chief controller of another pump system 1104. In such an example, controller 1112 generates control signals based on the control communication received from the chief controller of the other pump system 1104. Controller 1112 can include a combination of hardware, firmware, and software. In one example, controller 1112 includes one or more processors and memory storing instructions that are executable by the one or more processors.
As illustrated in
Fluid pump system 1100 can include one or more power sources 1116, for example, one or more batteries and/or a wired power source, such as a power cord configured to be plugged into a wall outlet. Power source(s) 1116 can provide power to one or more items of fluid pump system 1100. Fluid pump system 1100 can also include one or more user interface mechanism(s) 1118 which can include a display and/or one or more user input mechanisms. User interface mechanisms 1118 can thus display various information, such as the status, operating parameters, and diagnostics of fluid pump system 1100 as well as receive user inputs, such as user inputs that adjust the operation of fluid pump system 1100. Thus, controller 1112, in some examples, can generate control signals to control the operation of fluid pump system 1100 based on user input received through user interface mechanism(s) 1118. The user input mechanisms can include dials, switches, buttons, or, in the case where a user interface mechanism 1118 is a touchscreen, the user input mechanisms can include surfaced, and touch enabled, buttons. Various other types of user input mechanisms are contemplated.
Handle 1122 can be similar to other handles described and/or shown herein (e.g., handle 110, etc.). Stand 1124 can be similar to other stands described and/or shown herein (e.g., stand 112, etc.). Cart 1126 can be similar to other carts described and/or shown herein (e.g., cart 200, cart 602, cart 1202, cart 4412, etc.).
Fluid pump system 1100 can include one or more housings 1128 which house one or more components of fluid pump 1100, such as the housings shown in previous FIGS. (e.g.,
Fluid pump system 1100 can include a connection assembly 1132 that couples motor 1102 to drive 1104. Connection assembly can be similar to other connection assemblies described and/or shown herein (e.g., belt assembly 1522, gear assembly 1526, coupler 5503, etc.). In other examples, a component of drive 1104 can act as a component of motor 1102, such as the example shown in
Sensors 1120 can include a motor speed sensor 1140, a fluid pressure sensor 1142, a flow rate sensor 1144, as well as various other sensors 1146. Motor speed sensor 1140 detects the speed (e.g., revolutions per minute (RPM)) of motor 1102. Such sensors are known in the art and thus are not described in further detail herein. The speed of motor 1102, detected by motor speed sensor 1140, can be output to controller 1112, such as for the purpose of feedback-based (e.g., closed loop) control of motor 1102 and/or can be output to other devices (e.g., 1170) and/or systems (e.g., 1160). For example, there may be motor speed value at which motor 1102 is to operate (e.g., a motor speed setpoint). Controller 1112 may utilize the motor speed setpoint to control operation of motor 1102 and utilize the detected motor speed to adjust the control of motor 1102 during operation.
Fluid pressure sensor 1142 detects the pressure at which fluid is pressurized by the fluid pump system 1100. Such sensors are known in the art and are thus not described in further detail herein. The fluid pressure sensor 1142 can placed at the outlet 1108, or in another location. The fluid pressure, detected by fluid pressure sensor 1142, can be output to controller 1112, such as for the purpose of feedback-based (e.g., closed loop) control of motor 1102 and/or can be output to other devices (e.g., 1170) and/or system (e.g., 1160). For example, there may be a fluid pressure value (e.g., a fluid pressure setpoint) that establishes a desired pressure at which fluid pump system 1100 is to pressurize fluid. Controller 1112 may utilize the fluid pressure setpoint to control operation of motor 1102 and utilize the detected fluid pressure to adjust the control of motor 1102 during operation. For instance, reducing the speed of motor 1102 may in turn reduce the pressure and increasing the speed of motor 1102 may in turn increase the pressure.
Flow rate sensor 1144 detects a volumetric rate at which fluid is output by fluid pump system 1100. Such sensors are known in the art and are thus not described in further detail herein. The flow rate sensor can be placed at the outlet 1108, or in another location. The volumetric flow rate, detected by flow rate sensor 1142, can be output to controller 1112, such as for the purpose of feedback-based (e.g., close loop) control of motor 1102 and/or can be output to other devices (e.g., 1170) and/or system (e.g., 1160). For example, there may be a flow rate value (e.g., a flow rate setpoint) that establishes a desired flow rate at which fluid pump system 1100 is to output fluid. Controller 1112 may utilize the flow rate setpoint to control operation of motor 1102 and utilize the detected flow rate to adjust the control of motor 1102 during operation. For instance, reducing the speed of motor 1102 may in turn reduce the flow rate of fluid output by fluid pump system 1106 and increasing the speed of motor 1102 may in turn increase the flow rate of fluid output by fluid pump system 1106.
Additionally, the viscosity of fluid pumped by pump system 1106 may vary during operation, such as due to temperature change throughout the operation. The change in viscosity may be reflected by the detected motor speed, the detected pressure, and/or the detected flow rate. Thus, advantageously, fluid pump system 1106 can account for the changes in viscosity of the fluid by utilized feedback-based control to adjust the operation of the motor 1102.
Alternatively, or in addition to using the data generated by sensors 1120 for control, controller 1112 or remote devices 1170, or both, may use the sensor data for diagnostics. For example, where motor 1102 is unidirectional and drive 1104 is a self-reversing screw drive, the speed of motor 1140 (in combination with the known dimensions of drive 1104) can be used to track stroke count of the pump 1106. Stroke count can refer to the number of times pump 1106 has cycled through an upstroke and downstroke. The stroke count can be used to track the wear and usage of the fluid pump system 1100, as well as to estimate other metrics, such as volumetric output. In another example, the sensor data can be used to detect potential wear or other malfunction, as part of the diagnostics. For example, variance of the detected flow rate or the detected fluid pressure vary (e.g., by a threshold amount) from an expected flow rate or fluid pressure, can indicate and be used to determine malfunction or wear of fluid pump system 1100. For example, such variance may indicate the existence of a leak, clogging, wear of pump parts (e.g., pump head 102-2), as well as various other wear or malfunction. Similarly, variance of the detected motor speed (e.g., by a threshold amount) from an expected motor speed can indicated and be used to determine malfunction or wear of fluid pump system 1100. For example, such variance may indicate slip due to wear of parts of drive 1104 or wear of parts of drive 1104 or pump 1106 which causes increased load on motor 1102. The diagnostics information can be surfaced on an interface mechanism, such as a display and can be stored for later reference. Additionally, in some examples, where wear or malfunction is determined, an alert or other notification can be output and surfaced on an interface mechanism.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The present application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/203,697, filed Jul. 28, 2021, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63203697 | Jul 2021 | US |
