Fluid pump

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid pump having an improved performance. The pump comprises an impeller, volute housing, inner housing geometry, and an adapter. The impeller is configured to generate fluid flow velocity. The volute housing is configured to improve fluid pump performance while reducing power consumption, the volute housing comprises the inner housing geometry. The inner housing geometry is configured to convert the fluid flow velocity that has been generated into pressure. The adapter is designed to protect the unconnected end of the drive shaft and reduce the negative effects of shaft deflection. The adapter also has a structural rib geometry which is configured to provide superior structural integrity at a minimal mass.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fluid pump having an improved performance, said pump comprising:
 a. an impeller configured to generate fluid flow velocity, said impeller comprising:
 i. a hub profile; 
 ii. an outer diameter; 
 iii. an impeller eye centrally located on said impeller and configured to connect to one end of a drive shaft; 
 iv. a plurality of impeller blades connected to said hub profile and forming a plurality of flow channel areas interposed between two said impeller blades of said plurality of impeller blades; and 
 v. wherein each said flow channel area of said plurality of flow channel areas gradually diverges from said impeller eye to said outer diameter; 
   b. a volute housing configured to improve fluid pump performance while reducing power consumption, said volute housing having a fluid intake, a fluid discharge, and an inner housing geometry;   c. said inner housing geometry configured to convert the generated fluid flow velocity into pressure, said inner housing geometry comprising:
 i. a volute area having a secondary passage and circulation zone; 
 ii. said secondary passage interposed between said volute area and a collection zone, said secondary passage configured to allow volute area fluid reentry during priming and non-reentry after full prime is established; 
 iii. a diffuser located at the periphery of said volute area and configured to alleviate wasted energy conversion, said diffuser having a discharge point within said volute area; 
 iv. said discharge point configured to suppress vortex fluid separation as fluid flow passes through said discharge point; 
 v. wherein fluid flow passes said discharge point at an optimum fluid flow velocity for both pressure conversion and reduction of fluid separation; 
 vi. said collection zone positioned to receive fluid flow passed beyond said diffuser and to maintain pressure conversion; and 
 vii. wherein said secondary passage and said diffuser operate in conjunction during priming to effectively separate gases from the fluid; and 
   d. an adapter to protect the unconnected end of the drive shaft and reduce shaft deflection, said adapter having a structural rib geometry configured to provide superior structural integrity at a minimal mass.   
     
     
         2 . The fluid pump of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of flanges attached to said fluid intake and said fluid discharge, each said flange enables said fluid pump to connect with external fluid conduits. 
     
     
         3 . The fluid pump of  claim 1  further comprising a wear plate joined to said impeller, said plurality of flow channel areas interposed between said wear plate and said hub profile. 
     
     
         4 . The fluid pump of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of flow channel areas being shaped to gently generate fluid flow velocity. 
     
     
         5 . The fluid pump of  claim 1  wherein said adapter comprises an ergonomic handle. 
     
     
         6 . The fluid pump of  claim 5  wherein said ergonomic handle is constructed from sheet metal and connects to a molded pocket within said adapter. 
     
     
         7 . The fluid pump of  claim 1  wherein said volute housing comprises an indentation corresponding to said secondary passage, said indentation facilitates volute area fluid reentry during priming and non-reentry when full prime is established. 
     
     
         8 . The fluid pump of  claim 1  wherein said structural rib geometry comprises a plurality of horizontal ribs connected to a vertical rib. 
     
     
         9 . The fluid pump of  claim 1  wherein said diffuser size and location is calculated precisely to maintain pressure after the fluid flow escapes the volute area. 
     
     
         10 . The fluid pump of  claim 1  wherein each said impeller blade has a blade angle that facilitates performance of the generated fluid flow velocity. 
     
     
         11 . The fluid pump of  claim 1  wherein each said impeller blade has a blade thickness designed to facilitate the generated fluid flow velocity. 
     
     
         12 . The fluid pump of  claim 1  wherein said hub profile comprises a tapered shape to facilitate the generated fluid flow velocity. 
     
     
         13 . The fluid pump of  claim 1  wherein said volute housing is made from a non-corrosive metal. 
     
     
         14 . The fluid pump of  claim 1  wherein said impeller is made from a non-corrosive metal. 
     
     
         15 . The fluid pump of  claim 1  wherein said volute area further comprises a third passage configured to allow the escape of gasses during priming.