Rotary kinetic fluid motors or pumps – Method of operation
Reexamination Certificate
2002-06-07
2004-08-24
Nguyen, Ninh H. (Department: 3745)
Rotary kinetic fluid motors or pumps
Method of operation
C415S090000, C415S160000, C415S080000, C415S202000, C415S902000, C416S19800R, C416S19800R, C060S805000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06779964
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for facilitating the movement of fluids, transferring mechanical power to fluid mediums, as well as deriving power from moving fluids. The present invention employs an impeller system in a variety of applications involving the displacement of fluids, including for example, any conventional pump, fan, compressor, generator, turbine, transmission, various hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and the like.
2. Description of Prior Art
Various forms of impeller systems have been employed in a diversity of inventions, including turbines, pumps, fans, compressors, homogenizers, as well as other devices. The common link between these devices is the displacement of fluid, in either a gaseous or liquid state.
Impeller systems may be broadly categorized as having either a single rotor assembly, such as a water pump (U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,821) or homogenizer (U.S. Pat. No. 2,952,448); or a single radially arranged multi-vaned assembly, such as a fan or blower (U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,499); or a multi-disc assembly mounted on a central shaft, as in a laminar flow fan (U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,183). Impeller systems employing vanes, blades, paddles, etc. operate by colliding with and pushing the fluid being displaced. This type of operation introduces shocks and vibrations to the fluid medium resulting in turbulence, which impedes the movement of the fluid and ultimately reduces the overall efficiency of the system. One of the inherent advantages of a multi-disc impeller system is obviating this deficiency by imparting movement to the fluid medium in such a manner as to allow movement along natural lines of least resistance, thereby reducing turbulence.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,061,142 describes an apparatus for propelling or imparting energy to fluids comprising a runner set having a series of spaced discs fixed to a central shaft. The discs are centrally attached to the shaft running perpendicular to the discs. Each disc has a number of central openings, with solid portions in-between to form spokes, which radiate inwardly to the central hub, through which a central shaft runs, providing the only means of support for the discs.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 1,061,206 discloses the application of a runner set similar to that described above for use in a turbine or rotary engine. The runner set comprises a series of discs having central openings with spokes connecting the body of the disc to a central shaft. As in the aforementioned patent, the only means of support for the discs is the connection to the central shaft.
The designs of the disc and runner set of the aforementioned pump and turbine have significant shortcomings. For example, the discs have a central aperture with spokes radiating inwardly to a central hub, which is fixedly mounted to a perpendicular shaft. The only means of support for the discs are the spokes radiating to the central shaft. The disc design, the use of a centrally located shaft, and the means of connecting the discs to the central shaft, individually, and especially in combination, create turbulence in the fluid medium, resulting in an inefficient transfer of energy. As the discs are driven through a fluid medium, the spokes collide with the fluid causing turbulence, which is transmitted to the fluid in the form of heat and vibration, and the centrally oriented shaft interferes with the fluid's natural path of flow causing excessive turbulence and loss of efficiency. Additionally, the spoke arrangement colliding with the fluid medium creates cavitations, which in turn, may cause pitting or other damage to the surfaces of components. And finally, the arrangement of the runner set does not sufficiently support the discs during operation, resulting in a less efficient system.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,961 describes a fluid driven turbine generator utilizing a single rotor having magnets secured in a receptacle shaped portion and spinning about a stationary core to produce electricity. Fluid jets drive the single rotor by impinging on a circumferential roughened surface of the receptacle shaped portion of the rotor. The present invention is distinct from the above in that it employs a multi-disc impeller system rather than a single rotor.
There is a need in the art for a more efficient means of displacing fluids and generating power from propelled fluids without introducing unnecessary turbulence to the fluid medium and loss of energy transfer through heat and vibration. The present invention alleviates the shortcomings of the art and is distinct from conventional systems. The present invention provides a compact, efficient and versatile system for driving fluids and generating power from propelled fluids.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides systems and methods for facilitating the movement of fluids, transferring mechanical power to fluid mediums, as well as deriving power from moving fluids. Embodiments of the present invention exploit the natural physical properties of fluids to create a more efficient means of driving fluids as well as transferring power from propelled fluids. An impeller assembly is provided that may be incorporated into a wide range of devices, such as pumps, fans, compressors, generators, circulators, blowers, generators, turbines, transmissions, various hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and the like. According to one aspect of the present invention, an impeller assembly is provided comprising a plurality of substantially flat discs, a plurality of spacing elements, a plurality of connecting elements, at least one central hub and one or more support plates. The plurality of discs and spacing elements are alternately arranged in a parallel fashion along a central rotational axis and held in tight association by connecting elements forming a stacked array. One or more first support plates may be fixedly connected to, or integral with, the central hub. The stacked array of discs and associated elements are fixedly connected to the first support plate or plates and thereby interconnected to the central hub. A second one or more support plates is fixedly connected to the opposing end of the stacked array of discs, thereby providing structural integrity to the impeller assembly.
According to another aspect of the present invention, each disc comprises a viscous drag surface area having a central aperture. The viscous drag surface area is essentially flat and devoid of any substantial projections, grooves, vanes and the like. Discs of the present invention further comprise one or more support structures, such as a series of support islets, located on the inside perimeter of the disc for receiving spacing and/or connecting elements.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, discs are interconnected by conventional structural elements, such as spacers and connecting rods, attached to the interior perimeter of each disc and supporting plate. The connecting rods in turn are attached to the central hub. Connected to the shaft of the central hub assembly is a mechanism for rotating the central hub and impeller assembly, such as a motor or some similar mechanism. In alternative embodiments, the central hub may be connected to any conventional rotational energy translating mechanism, such as drive shafts and the like.
In accordance with further aspects of the present invention, the parallel arrangement of the discs' central apertures of the stacked array generally define a central cavity of the impeller assembly, creating a fluid conduit. In addition, the plurality of intermittently arranged discs, spacing, and connecting elements define a plurality of inter-disc spaces which is continuous with the central cavity of the staked array. Fluid may flow freely between the plurality of inter-disc spaces and the central cavity of the stacked array. According to yet other aspects, the present invention provides systems and methods wherein the impeller assembly works in conjunction with the interior surface of a housing to create zones of h
Benado Lisa N.
Nguyen Ninh H.
Speckman Ann W.
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