Pump with water management

Description

[0001] The present application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 778,288 filed March 12, 2013.

The present invention generally relates to the field of pumps, and more particularly to a new and useful tire inflation apparatus in the field of pumps.

[0003] In many gas filling applications, such as tire inflation devices, it is highly desirable to prevent the pumping of incompressible liquids into the final container (e.g., tire). However, since many gas filling devices use ambient air laden with water as the fluid source, liquid fouling of the final container is often a problem. In the field of gas filling, therefore, there is a need for a new and usable pumping system using water management. Classic approaches involve the use of a compressor with a flywheel, mounting members and bracket, as shown in US 5,591,281.

Figures 1A and 1B show schematic views of a variation / form of the removal mechanism in the closed and open condition, respectively.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a block diagram of the pumping system.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a first variation of an removal mechanism incorporated into a first variation of a pumping system that is configured to be statically engaged with a rotating surface.

Figures 4A and 4B are schematic views of a second variation of the removal mechanism incorporated into a second variation of the pumping system coupled to the rotating surface.

Figures 5A and 5B show a schematic view of a third variant of the removal mechanism comprising the membrane in a closed and open condition, respectively.

Fig. 6 is a top-down view of a first variation of the selector mechanism and sealing member assembly.

Fig. 7 is a top-down view of a second variation of the selector mechanism and a sealing member assembly including a return member.

The invention relates to a pumping system according to claim 1.

Figures 8A and 8B show, respectively, a side view of a fourth variant of the removal mechanism and a top-down view of a membrane for a fourth variant of the membrane, respectively.

Figures 9A and 9B show a schematic view of a fourth variant of the pump in first and second positions, respectively.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of a fifth variant of the pump.

Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a sixth variation of an removal mechanism incorporated into an variation of a pumping system configured for static engagement with a rotating surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0004] The following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments, but rather is intended to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention.

As shown in Figs. 1A and 1B, the debris removal mechanism 100 has a housing 200 having an inlet 210 and a first outlet 230, a selection mechanism 300 in fluid communication between the inlet 210 and the first outlet 230, and a sealing member 400 that selectively opens a second. outlet 250 to remove separated impurities. Housing 200 may additionally have a second outlet 250. Removal mechanism 100 functions to remove contaminants such as water and solids from the pumped gaseous stream. Evacuation mechanism 100 preferably additionally functions to flush contaminants 30 out to the environment, but may alternatively direct contaminants 30 to the debris collector or any other suitable tank. The removal mechanism 100 may additionally operate to adjust the thermal properties of the gaseous stream, the flow characteristics of the gaseous stream, or any other suitable physical or chemical property of the gaseous stream. Removal mechanism 100 is preferably a passive system, but may alternatively be an actively driven or controlled system.

Removal mechanism 100 may advantageously operate between a closed mode (as shown in Fig. 1A) in which the sealing member 400 rests and substantially closes the first outlet 230, and an open mode (as shown in Fig. 1B) in which the sealing member 400 is spaced from the first outlet 230 and allows fluid to flow from inlet 210 to the first outlet 230. Alternatively, removal mechanism 100 may operate between a continuous series of modes based on the pressure difference across the separation mechanism. However, the removal mechanism 100 may operate between any other suitable mode.

[0007] In operation of the evacuation mechanism, water and other contaminants advantageously enter evacuation mechanism 100 through inlet 210 and collect upstream of the sealing member 400 and / or selection mechanism 300 in a closed mode. Sealing member 400 preferably remains in the closed mode, while the force output in front of the closure member remains below the threshold force. In response to the force output in excess of the threshold force, the sealing member 400 preferably moves away from the first outlet 230 to the open mode, thereby unsealing the first outlet 230 and allowing contaminants to flow from the evacuation mechanism 100 to a second reservoir in fluid communication with the first outlet 230 (e.g., into the open mode). surroundings). The biasing force preferably moves the sealing member 400 from the closed to the open position, but any other force or mechanism may move the sealing member 400 from the closed to the open position. The force output may be exerted by the mass of water on the sealing member 400 (e.g. in combination with gravity, centrifugal force or other external force) due to the pressure generated by the pump 40, due to pressure build-up caused by impurities blocking the flow of the pumped fluid 13 through the selection mechanism 300, or any other suitable force. The threshold force is preferably a loading force that urges the sealing member 400 towards the closed position, but alternatively may be a virtual threshold force, the active member actuating the sealing member 400 in response to a pressure or force output as measured by a pressure sensor located in the collecting area 600. or in the front area above the threshold value. The loading force is preferably a return force produced by a return member 500 connected to the sealing member 400 (e.g., a spring force, a magnetic attraction force, etc.), but additionally or alternatively may be a return force produced by a separating mechanism with deformable member, a return force generated by pressure. retrograde from the first reservoir 20, or by any other suitable force member. [0008] As shown in Fig. 2, removal mechanism 100 is preferably used in a pumping system 10 including pump 40. Pump system 10 may further include a first reservoir 20. Removal mechanism 100 is preferably located in the fluid path between pump 40 and first reservoir 20 so that pumped fluid 13 must flow. by removal mechanism 100 before reaching the entrance of the reservoir. Water, solids, or other contaminants collect at the pump side of evacuation mechanism 100 while gas preferably flows therethrough, thereby removing contaminants from the gas stream. Alternatively, removal mechanism 100 may be located along a portion of the fluid path (e.g., with a first outlet 230 perpendicular to the flow direction of pumped fluid 13), located in the pump 40, in the reservoir 20, or may be along any other portion of the pumping system 10. Removal mechanism 100 is preferably in fluid communication between the pump outlet and the inlet 210 of the first reservoir 20, the evacuation mechanism 100 functions as a three way valve, but may alternatively be in fluid communication with the pump outlet and the second reservoir, or have any other flow connection configuration.

The pumping system 10 functions to pump fluid from a fluid source 12 to a first reservoir 20 which is preferably in fluid communication with a destination reservoir, such as the interior 3 of a tire. Pump 40 preferably pumps gas, but may alternatively pump any other suitable fluid. The gas is preferably air, but may alternatively be any other suitable gas. The fluid source is preferably ambient, but may alternatively be a gas reservoir or any other suitable gas source. The first reservoir 20 is preferably an intermediate reservoir between the pump 40 and a destination reservoir, such as the inside of a tire, but may alternatively be any other reservoir of fluid. The first reservoir 20 is preferably a high pressure reservoir designed to maintain an internal fluid pressure higher than ambient atmospheric pressure, but alternatively may be any other suitable reservoir. Pump 40 is preferably configured for static engagement with rotating surface 1 (e.g. rotating with respect to the gravity vector or other external reference point) with the mounting points 2, and to convert the rotational motion into a substantially linear pumping motion (e.g., parallel or perpendicular to the axis 4 of rotation). However, pump 40 may be configured to remain substantially static with respect to the gravity vector with the motor or other drive mechanism driving the pumping of the pump. Pump 40 is preferably a positive displacement pump, more preferably a reciprocating pump (e.g. diaphragm or piston pump), but may alternatively be a peristaltic pump or any other suitable pump. For example, removal mechanism 100 may be used in HVAC systems or any other suitable application that requires the removal of liquid from a gaseous stream.

[0010] As shown in Figs. 3, 4A and 4B, pump 40 preferably uses the rotation of the pivot surface to pump ambient gas into the reservoir. The pump 40 preferably includes a gravity element 41 or a reference element that remains substantially static with respect to the gravity vector or reference point (e.g., within a given angular range of the gravity vector) and a pumping member 43 (e.g. piston pump or diaphragm pump) which rotates with respect to a gravity element and acts with relative motion to pump fluid. However, pump 40 may be configured to remain substantially static with respect to the gravity vector or may be configured in any other suitable manner.

The pump 40 may be a pump such as that described in U.S. Application No. 13 / 188,400 filed July 21, 2011, U.S. Application No. 13 / 187,949, filed Jul 21, 2011, U.S. Application No. 13 / 797,826, filed 40 March 2013, or it can be any other rotary pump. Pump 40 may be a reciprocating pump comprising a reciprocating member and a pump body 43 that is statically coupled to the pivot surface, the pump 40 is driven by a drive mechanism that includes a cam 45 pivotally coupled to the pivot axis of rotation, an eccentric mass. 41 coupled to the cam, and a force transmitting member 47 coupled to the reciprocating member and making non-skid contact with the cam. In operation, the eccentric mass maintains the position of the cam with respect to the gravity vector while the piston pump 40 rotates with respect to the cam about the axis of rotation. The force transmitting member engages the reciprocating member with the cam and converts any variation in the distance between the cam bearing surface (e.g., the surface where the force transmitting member engages) into a linear reciprocating movement of the reciprocating member. The bearing surface may be an inner bearing surface (e.g., where the piston pump 40 is surrounded by a cam) or it may be an exterior bearing surface (e.g., when the piston pump 40 rotates about the exterior of the cam). However, pump 40 may be linear actuator driven, combustion, or any other suitable configuration.

As shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, pump 40 may include a drive mechanism including an arcuate bearing surface and an eccentric mass connected to the arcuate bearing surface, a pump mechanism (pump seat) including a pump chamber and actuator, and a force transmitting member engaging the arcuate surface. support with actuating element.

The drive mechanism preferably has an axis of rotation, the pump preferably mounted on the pivot surface such that the axis of rotation of the drive mechanism is substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation of the pivot surface, but alternatively may be mounted on the pivot surface in any other suitable configuration. The arcuate bearing surface is preferably a cam surface pivotable about the axis of rotation, but may alternatively be an arcuate bearing surface of any other suitable pump component. The arcuate bearing surface preferably has a non-uniform curvature but may alternatively have a uniform curvature or any other suitable curvature. In one embodiment, the arcuate bearing surface has a first section having a large curvature adjacent to a second section having a low curvature. The arcuate bearing surface may additionally have a third section between the first and second sections, the third section having a curvature varying from a low curvature near the second section to a large curvature near the first section. The arcuate bearing surface is preferably the outer circumference of the cam, but alternatively may be the inner circumference of the cam, the wide face of the cam, or any other suitable cam surface.

[0014] The drive mechanism may further comprise a mass pair operable between: a coupling mode in which the mass pair connects the eccentric mass to the cam, and a decoupling mode in which the mass pair disengages the eccentric mass from the cam. In one embodiment, a mass pair engages the inner bearing surface of the cam, wherein in engaging mode, the pair of masses are statically coupled to the inner bearing surface of the cam, and in disengaged mode, the pair of masses are rotatably coupled to the inner bearing surface.

[0015] The eccentric mass functions to shift the center of mass of the drive mechanism away from the axis of rotation. The eccentric mass may be built into the cam such that the eccentric mass and the cam form one unit, or it may be coupled to the cam by an arm or any other suitable coupling mechanism. The cam is preferably statically coupled to the eccentric mass, more preferably temporarily statically coupled to the eccentric mass, but may alternatively be substantially permanently coupled to the eccentric mass. The eccentric mass may be a single part or it may be formed of multiple parts. In one embodiment, the eccentric mass includes first and second portions, and the eccentric mass may operate between: a pumping mode where the first portion is adjacent to the second portion, and a non-pumping mode where the first portion is spaced apart from the second portion.

The pump mechanism is preferably positioned at a radial distance from the axis of rotation and rotatably coupled to the cam. The pump mechanism is preferably radially engaged from the outer portion of the cam, but may alternatively be radially engaged from the inside of the cam. The actuator preferably acts along the axis of movement. The axis of movement is preferably rotatably connected to the axis of rotation, but may alternatively be configured differently with respect to the axis of rotation. The actuator of the pump mechanism is preferably a piston, but may alternatively be a diaphragm (e.g., a disc diaphragm), a tube, or any other suitable actuator.

[0017] The force transmitting element preferably comprises an axis having an arcuate position constant with respect to the arcuate position of the pump mechanism. More preferably, the axis of the force transmitting member may be attached to the axis of actuation of the actuator. The force transmitting element is preferably a roller element, the axis of the force transmitting element preferably being the axis of rotation of the roller element. However, the force transmitting element may be a jack arm or any other suitable force transmitting element. The roller preferably makes slip-free contact with the arcuate support surface, but may alternatively be positioned differently with respect to the arcuate support surface.

[0018] Pump 40 may further include a torque stabilizing mechanism configured to adjust the force of the actuator on the cam during the return stroke. The torque stabilizing mechanism is preferably used with a pair of masses, but may alternatively be used in variants of the pump 40 without a pair of masses. In one variation, the torque stabilization mechanism may include a profiled channel formed between the inner bearing surface and a pair of masses, the profile channel having a low lumen section and a high lumen section, and the torque stabilization mechanism further comprises a movable member having a size substantially equal to the section. with a low clearance and smaller than the high clearance section, and the movable element is located in the profiled channel, wherein the torque stabilizing mechanism switches a pair of masses between a coupling mode in which the movable element is in the low clearance section and maintains the position of the mass pair relative to the inner support surface, and a decoupling mode in which the movable element is in the high clearance section and allows the relative movement between the pair of masses and the inner bearing surface. The high clearance section is preferably approximately radially aligned with the first section of the arcuate bearing surface, but may alternatively be offset or otherwise positioned.

Pump 40 may further include a second pump mechanism and a second force transmitting element. The second pump mechanism preferably includes a second actuator and a second chamber. The second force transmitting member preferably engages the arcuate bearing surface with the second actuator, and preferably includes a second axis having a second arcuate position stationary with respect to the arcuate position of the second pump mechanism. The second pump mechanism is preferably substantially similar to the first but may alternatively be a different pump mechanism. The second actuator preferably has a larger actuating surface than the first actuator, but may alternatively have an actuating surface similar to or smaller in relation to the first actuator. The second pump mechanism is preferably in fluid communication with the first pump mechanism to form a two-stage pump mechanism, but may alternatively be fluid-insulated from the first pump mechanism. An inlet to the first pump mechanism is preferably in fluid communication with an outlet of the second pump mechanism, the outlet of the first pump mechanism is preferably in fluid communication with the reservoir, and the inlet of the second pump mechanism is preferably in fluid communication with the environment. However, an outlet of the first pump mechanism may alternatively be in fluid communication with an inlet of the second pump mechanism. The second pump mechanism may advantageously operate between: a compressed position in which the second actuator is substantially close to the closed end of the second chamber; a return position in which the second actuator is located in a first position remote from the closed end of the second chamber; and a pressure position in which the second actuator is located in a second position remote from the chamber, the second position being further away from the chamber than the first position, the second actuator being set to a pressure position in response to a pressure in the reservoir exceeding the opening pressure the frame is set to the non-inflation position when the second pump seat is set to the pressure position. However, the second pump mechanism may only operate between a compressed position and a return position, or may operate between any other suitable positions.

Pump 40 may further include a passive pressure control system consisting of a passive valve in fluid communication with the reservoir, a reservoir in fluid communication with the outlet of the first pump seat, the passive valve having an opening pressure threshold and a closing pressure threshold lower than the pressure threshold. opening, and the passive valve can operate between: an open mode in response to a reservoir pressure exceeding the opening pressure threshold, the passive valve allowing fluid to flow from the reservoir; and a closed mode in response to a reservoir pressure drop below a closure pressure threshold, wherein the passive valve prevents fluid from flowing from the reservoir.

Pump 40 may further include a fluid manifold fluidly connecting the first pump seat, the second pump seat, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the first and second pump seats, and a passive valve is positioned in the fluid manifold, where: in open mode, passive the valve allows fluid to flow from the reservoir to the first and second pump seats; and in closed mode, a passive valve prevents fluid from flowing from the reservoir to the first and second pump ports.

The pump 40 may further include a frame statically connecting the first force transmission element (e.g., first axle) to the second force transmission element (e.g. the second axle), and the frame is operable between: a pumping position in which the frame places the first force transmission element in non-slip contact with the arcuate bearing surface and the second force transmission surface is connected to the arcuate bearing surface by the first force transmission element and the frame; and a non-pumping position in which the frame disengages the first force transmitting member from the arcuate bearing surface and slidingly connects the second force transmitting member to the arcuate bearing surface. The center of the frame is preferably located in a first radial position in the pumping position and in a second radial position in the non-pumping position, the first radial position being different from the second radial position. However, the frame may be otherwise located in pumping and non-pumping positions.

[0023] The pump 40 may additionally include a housing coupled to the drive mechanism and the pump mechanism. The housing is preferably configured to be statically mounted on the revolving surface, and the revolving surface is configured to rotate with respect to the gravity vector. More preferably, the housing is configured to be mounted on the wheel hub. However, the housing may alternatively be mounted on any other suitable pivot surface. The housing preferably houses the drive mechanism, pump mechanism (s) and force transmitting member. The housing preferably functions as a reservoir, but may alternatively form a reservoir or statically hold the reservoir relative to the pump chamber.

Pump 40 may additionally include a relief valve operable between an open state, in which a relief valve fluidly connects the reservoir to the interior of the casing, and the reservoir in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump seat, and a closed state in which the relief valve substantially prevents fluid from flowing out of the housing. tank inside the housing.

[0025] As shown in Figs. 1A and 1B, housing 200 (cover) of removal mechanism 100 functions to contain and protect components of the removal mechanism. Housing 200 may additionally function to define an inlet 210 (valve inlet 210) and a first outlet 230 (valve passage), and may additionally define a fluid passage connecting inlet 210 to first outlet 230. Housing 200 may further define a second outlet 250 ( valve outlet) in fluid communication with a second tank (e.g. housing 200 can further define a second fluid passage connecting inlet 210 and second outlet 250. Housing 200 can further function to support sealing member 400. Housing 200 can additionally function to support and / or define a mechanism. selector 300. Housing 200 may further define a member passage 270 in which the sealing member 400 moves. Housing 200 may additionally function to co-generate pressure on the front side with selection mechanism 300 with selection mechanism 300. Housing 200 is preferably made as a single piece, but may alternatively be formed of a plurality of parts statically connected to each other. Housing 200 is preferably substantially rigid, but may alternatively be flexible. Housing 200 is preferably non-ferrous and non-metallic, but alternatively may be iron or include iron-containing components. For example, housing 200 may include an iron component close to the first outlet 230, the sealing member 400 further having an iron containing component biased towards the iron containing housing portion by a magnetic attractive force. However, the housing 200 may be otherwise constructed. The housing may be pressurized (e.g., it may reliably maintain an internal pressure greater than atmospheric pressure), or it may be substantially non-pressurized. The housing may have a bleed opening (e.g., first outlet 230 and sealing member 400) that vent the contents from the housing into the environment when the pressure within the housing exceeds a pressure threshold. The housing is preferably a disk, but may alternatively be angular or any other suitable shape. The housing is preferably statically mounted to the pump 40, but may alternatively be movably connected to the pump 40 and / or the water regulating mechanism. In one variation of the pump 40, the housing is configured to statically connect to the rotating surface (e.g., with nuts, bolts, screws, adhesive, etc.). The housing 200 is preferably an integral component with the housing of the pump system 10, but may alternatively be a separate component that is mounted on the pump system 10.

[0026] Inlet 210 (valve inlet 210) of housing 200 functions to fluidly connect evacuation mechanism 100 to an outlet of the pump. Inlet 210 is preferably in fluid communication with first outlet 230, based on the operation of sealing member 400. In particular, inlet 210 is preferably in fluid communication with first outlet 230 when sealing member 400 is in an unoccupied position (e.g., second position, depressurized mode). etc.), and is preferably fluid-tight (e.g. disconnected) relative to the first outlet 230 when the sealing member 400 is in a seated position (e.g., first position, sealed mode, etc.). Inlet 210 is preferably an opening through the wall of housing 200, but alternatively may be formed in sealing member 400, may be a hollow insert engaging the lumen of the housing, or may be otherwise formed.

[0027] The first outlet 230 (valve passage) of the housing 200 is operable to fluidly connect the evacuation mechanism 100 to the second reservoir. More preferably, first outlet 230 is operable to fluidly connect inlet 210, selection mechanism 300, or collection area 600 (e.g., the area formed between inlet 210 and selection mechanism 300) to the second reservoir, but alternatively may fluidly connect pump 40 to the second reservoir. The first outlet 230 is preferably in fluid communication with the first inlet 210 by a flow connection, more preferably a first manifold.

220 for a fluid, but alternatively a fluid conduit or any other suitable flow connection. The first outlet 230 is preferably selectively sealed by a sealing mechanism, the first outlet 230 and the sealing mechanism together form a fluid tight seal when the sealing mechanism is in the sealed position. The first outlet 230 is preferably an opening through the wall of the housing 200, but may be a hollow molding which partially engages the housing lumen towards the sealing member 400 or alternatively may be formed in some other way. The first outlet 230 preferably further comprises sealing means or one or more spacers along the edge close to the sealing mechanism, such as e.g. O-ring or sealing ring whose function is to create a seal with a sealing mechanism. In one variation of the evacuation mechanism 100, a first outlet 230 is located at the same end of the evacuation mechanism 100, on a second wall of the evacuation mechanism 100 at a first wall having an inlet 210. In another variation of the evacuation mechanism 100, the first outlet 230 is located at the same end of the evacuation mechanism 100, on a second wall of the evacuation mechanism 100 opposite the first wall having an inlet 210. In this variation, the sealing mechanism extends the entire width of the housing 200 to substantially seal inlet 210 from first outlet 230 in the closed position. However, first outlet 230 may be positioned differently from inlet 210.

As shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, the housing 200 may further define a second outlet 250 (valve outlet) that functions to fluidly connect the removal mechanism 100 to the first reservoir 20 (e.g., tire interior 3, pressure chamber, etc. ). More preferably, second outlet 250 fluidly connects inlet 210 to first reservoir 20. Second outlet 250 is preferably in fluid communication with inlet 210 by a second manifold 280 or flow connection. The second flow connection is preferably a channel member 270 within which the sealing member 400 moves, but may alternatively be a separate fluid channel, a first fluid channel, or any other suitable flow connection. The second outlet 250 is preferably formed as an opening through the wall of the housing 200, but may be in the form of a hollow recess which partially engages the lumen of the housing or alternatively may be formed in some other way. Second outlet 250 is preferably located distant from inlet 210 by selection mechanism 300, but may alternatively be located close to inlet 210 on the same side as selection mechanism 300.

[0029] The sealing member 400 of the evacuation mechanism 100 is operable to seal the first outlet 230. The sealing member 400 preferably moves relative to the housing 200. The sealing member 400 may preferably operate between a first position (e.g., a closed position) in which the sealing member 400 is is pressed towards the first outlet 230 and substantially seals it in flow, and a second position (e.g. an open position) in which the sealing member 400 is pressed in the direction away from the first outlet 230, thereby creating a fluid communication between the first outlet 230 and the inlet 210. The sealing member 400 is preferably dimensioned to seat in the second outlet 250 in wherein the O-ring or gasket can maintain a substantially fluid-tight seal between the second outlet 250 and the sealing member 400. Alternatively, the sealing member 400 may be substantially the same or larger dimensions as the opening of the second mouth 250, with the sealing channel substantially blocking the second mouth 250. The sealing member 400, however, may have any other suitable dimensions. Sealing member 400 is preferably supported by selection mechanism 300, selection mechanism 300 actuating sealing member 400 between open and closed positions.

[0030] The sealing member 400 may additionally or alternatively be supported by the return member 500. The return member 500 is operable to apply a biasing force to the sealing member 400 towards the first outlet 230. The return member 500 is preferably located in a channel 270 of the member, far away from it. the first outlet 230 across the sealing member 400, but may alternatively be located on the side of the sealing member 400 close to the first outlet 230. The return element 500 is preferably a spring, but may be a diaphragm having a fixed spring which is connected to the sealing member 400 and statically connected to the walls of the member channel 270, a magnetic element, or may be any other suitable return element 500. The return element 500 is preferably substantially robust. against degradation or protection against degradation (e.g. corrosion) caused by water and / or environmental contamination.

In one variation, the sealing member 400 is coupled (e.g., mounted, attached, or otherwise coupled) to the selection mechanism 300, with a portion of the selection mechanism 300 moving in the member channel 270 to move the sealing member 400 between an open position. and closed. In a second embodiment, the sealing member 400 is connected to a face of the selector mechanism 300, with a spring connected to the face of the selector mechanism 300 opposite the sealing member 400 pressing the sealing member 400 against the first outlet 230. In a third embodiment, the sealing member 400 is biased (e.g. biased) to the first outlet 230 by a spring disposed between the sealing member 400 and the housing wall 200 opposite the wall having the first outlet 230. In the fourth embodiment, the sealing member 400 is biased (e.g., pulled) against the first outlet 230 by a spring interposed between the wall having the first outlet 230 and sealing member 400. However, sealing member 400 may otherwise be releasably engaged with the first outlet 230.

[0032] Removal mechanism 100 may further include a collection area 600 that functions to collect contaminants 30 to be removed. The collection area is preferably formed in the reservoir, but alternatively may be formed elsewhere. The collection area is preferably located radially outward from the axis of rotation of the removal mechanism or pump 40, but may alternatively be located at any other suitable position. The collection area preferably extends radially from the wall of the reservoir such that the collection area is the radially outward part of the pump 40. The collection area is preferably located close to the outlet to the second reservoir (e.g. tires). More preferably, the outlet to the second reservoir is located along a part of the collection area parallel to a radius extending from the center of rotation or radially inward of the part radially outermost of the collection area. However, the collection area may be created in other ways. The first outlet 230 may be in fluid communication with the collection area 600 in response to the operation of the sealing member 400 in the open mode, and fluid-tight to the collection area 600 by the sealing member 400 in the closed mode. The first outlet 230 in open mode preferably discharges the contaminants collected in collection area 600. The collecting area 600 may additionally function as a pressure chamber which creates an output force to actuate the sealing mechanism and / or the support structure of the sealing mechanism from a closed position to an open position. The collecting area 600 is preferably in fluid communication with the selection mechanism 300. In a first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the collection area 600 may define a portion of the circumference of the housing surrounding the pump 40 or reservoir, the collection area 600 preferably being an exit from the housing or the circumference of the reservoir that extends further from the axis of rotation along a radial vector than the remainder of the housing. The exit is preferably ogival or wedge-shaped, but may be of any other suitable shape. However, the collection area 600 may be any other suitable portion of the housing. In a second embodiment, the collection area 600 is a separate reservoir downstream of the selection mechanism 300, with the selection mechanism 300 separating the debris from the fluid stream and the debris flowing into the collection area 600 through a collection passage separate from the first and second fluid channels. In a third embodiment, a collection area 600 is in fluid communication with an inlet 210. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1A, 1B, 5A and 5B, a collecting area 600 is preferably co-defined between housing 200 and sealing member 400. Selection mechanism 300 may further define a collecting area 600 with housing 200 and / or sealing member 400. Face of selection mechanism 300 near inlet 210 ( from the front side of the selection mechanism 300) and the wall of the housing 200 preferably together form the collecting area 600, but the collecting area 600 may be formed otherwise. Alternatively, collection area 600 may be formed in any other suitable area of ​​pump 40 or removal mechanism 100. Removal mechanism 100 may include one or more collection areas.

[0033] Selection mechanism 300 of removal mechanism 100 operates to separate contaminants from the fluid stream pumped by pump 40. More preferably, selection mechanism 300 functions to separate all or a portion of the water entrained in the airflow and to discharge water into the environment. However, the selection mechanism 300 may operate to separate all or part of the entrained solids (e.g., solids, selecting chemicals, etc.) from the fluid stream. Selection mechanism 300 may additionally discharge the collected contaminants into a second reservoir, such as into the environment.

Selection mechanism 300 is preferably in fluid communication with inlet 210. More preferably, selection mechanism 300 is preferably in fluid communication between inlet 210 and second outlet 250, but alternatively or additionally may be fluidly connected between inlet 210 and first outlet 230. Selection mechanism 300 preferably it extends across the second fluid passage connecting inlet 210 and second outlet 250. The selection mechanism 300 preferably extends across the entire cross section of the second fluid channel, but may alternatively extend across a portion of the cross section of the second fluid channel. Alternatively, selection mechanism 300 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second fluid channel or may be located at any other suitable angle to the second fluid channel.

[0035] The selector mechanism 300 is preferably mounted within the housing. Selection mechanism 300 preferably forms a substantially liquid-impermeable seal with housing 200 (e.g., where less than a percentage of the threshold of the amount of liquid entrained in the gaseous stream may pass through the seal), but alternatively may form a substantially gas-tight seal with housing 200 (e.g. wherein gas is forced through selection mechanism 300), a substantially solid impermeable seal with housing 200, does not seal with housing 200, or forms any other suitable seal with housing 200. Selection mechanism 300, more preferably edges of selection mechanism 300, are preferably statically mounted within the housing, with the housing interior having a slot, clip, or other attachment mechanism that substantially statically holds the edge of selection mechanism 300. For example, selection mechanism 300 may be retained between the first. and the other part of the housing that clamp it during assembly. Alternatively, the edges of selection mechanism 300 may be movable with respect to housing 200 and may move along the interior of the housing along longitudinal gaps, grooves, tracks, or any other suitable translational movement mechanism. However, selection mechanism 300 may be otherwise retained relative to housing 200.

[0036] In one variation of the removal mechanism 100, the selector mechanism 300 is the wall of the pump 40 or housing 200. In this variation, the centrifugal force generated by rotation of the pump 40 or rotation of the rotating surface collects water and any entrained solids around the periphery of the system, with water it then flows into collection area 600 and is discharged into the environment.

In another variation of evacuation mechanism 100, selection mechanism 300 is disposed across a cross section of the fluid passage connecting inlet 210 and second outlet 250 (e.g., perpendicular or at a non-zero angle to the direction of fluid flow), with the fluid from pump 40 being directed from inlet 210 by selection mechanism 300 before exiting second outlet 250. Inlet 210 and first outlet 230 are preferably located on the front side of selection mechanism 300, and second outlet 250 is preferably located on the rear side of selection mechanism 300. However, inlet 210, first outlet 230, and second 250 may be otherwise arranged.

[0038] The selection mechanism 300 preferably includes a membrane 310 that operates to selectively allow contaminants to pass through the membrane while retarding gas flow through the membrane. Alternatively, the membrane may selectively retard the flow of liquids or contaminants through the membrane. The diaphragm may additionally support the sealing member 400, if any, with the sealing member 400 engaging a wide face of the diaphragm, more preferably a diaphragm surface close to the first outlet 230. This variation may be particularly desirable when the diaphragm is flexible. The sealing member 400 is preferably formed as an integral part of the membrane, but may alternatively be glued, welded or otherwise connected to the face of the membrane. The membrane is preferably passive, but may alternatively be active.

[0039] The membrane is preferably a selective membrane. The membrane preferably preferentially allows a liquid to pass therethrough (more preferably at least water or a polar liquid to pass therethrough) while simultaneously preventing gas flow therethrough. Alternatively, the membrane may preferentially allow gas to flow therethrough while selecting the non-gaseous components of the fluid stream (e.g. while preventing liquid or solid contaminants from passing therethrough). Alternatively, the membrane may selectively pass or transport a given set of molecules, a given phase of the material, or it may select any other suitable material characteristics.

The membrane is preferably a liquid-permeable, gas-impermeable, more specifically a water-permeable, substantially gas-impermeable membrane, but alternatively may be a gas-permeable, water-impermeable, gas-permeable, oil-impermeable membrane. a gas-permeable, solid-impermeable (e.g., solid-impermeable) membrane, or it can be any other suitable barrier. The membrane is preferably hydrophilic, but alternatively may be hydrophobic, oleophobic, or may have any other suitable properties that preferentially or selectively allow gas to flow therethrough. The membrane is preferably a liquid or water selective membrane, but may alternatively be selective with respect to any other suitable compound or physical state. The membrane is preferably a GORE ™ membrane, more preferably a GORE-TEX ™ membrane, but alternatively may be a Nafion ™ membrane, a reverse osmosis membrane, a PEM membrane, a PTFE membrane, a fabric with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic coating, or any other suitable membrane. The membrane preferably passes liquid or water therethrough at or above atmospheric pressure and preferably. Alternatively, the diaphragm may adjust the flow preference based on the pressure difference between the first and second wide face of the diaphragm. For example, the membrane may selectively pass water through the membrane in response to the application of a first pressure differential, and pass both water and gas through the membrane (e.g. at the same or a similar flow rate) in response to application of the second pressure difference, the second pressure difference being less than the first pressure difference. However, the membrane may be any other suitable membrane with any other suitable transmission characteristics.

[0041] The membrane may additionally or alternatively be formed of a plurality of layers or segments arranged with normal vectors to the wide segment faces aligned in parallel. For example, a membrane may include a gas-impermeable layer configured to prevent gas flow therethrough, which is coated, bonded, laminated or otherwise bonded to the liquid-permeable layer. Alternatively, the membrane may include a gas-permeable layer configured to allow gas to flow therethrough that is coated, bonded, laminated or otherwise bonded to the liquid-impermeable layer. However, the water-selective membrane may include a gas supply layer or any other suitable number of layers with any suitable property. The gas-permeable layer is preferably a porous layer (e.g. with pores in the range of between 0.001 to about 3.0 Pm, preferably less than 0.5 Pm, but alternatively larger), but may alternatively be a diffusion layer (e.g. where all or selected gases diffuse or pass through the layer) or may be formed from any other suitable material. The gas-permeable layer is preferably additionally liquid-impermeable, but may alternatively be liquid-permeable. The gas-permeable layer can be made of polyethylene, polypropylene and their copolymers, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyarylsulfone and their copolymers, fluorinated resins such as polytetrafluoroethylene and poly (vinylidene fluoride), polymers treated with a chemical compound containing fluorine or containing such a chemical compound, materials silicone based, such as poly (dimethylsiloxane) or silicone rubber, polyolefin elastomers, of any other material, which can be made gas-permeable and impermeable to liquid water, or any other suitable material. The gas permeable layer may be formed using thermally induced phase transition (TIPT), thermally induced phase transition (TIPS) processes, or any other suitable method. The liquid-impermeable layer preferably comprises hydrophobic materials, but may alternatively include hydrophilic, oleophobic or any other suitable material. In another example, the water-selective membrane may include a porous membrane covered with a liquid-repellent layer. However, the membrane can be formed in other ways.

[0042] The membrane is preferably made entirely of a water-selective membrane, but may alternatively contain a plurality of materials that may impart additional physical and / or chemical properties to the membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane may additionally include a regenerating section in addition to a water selective component. The regenerating section is preferably a transition part (e.g. connects physically) the water-selective component to the mounting points in the housing 200, but alternatively may physically connect the water-selective component to the sealing member 400, physically bind the first and second portions of the water-selective component, or may be positioned relative to the water-selective component in the housing 200. gaseous state in any other suitable manner. The regenerating section acts to create a regenerating force that biases the membrane and the combined sealing mechanism towards the second membrane deformation outlet 250. The regeneration section is preferably water selective (e.g. water permeable and gas impermeable), but alternatively may be substantially gas permeable and water impermeable. The regenerating section preferably has a lower modulus of elasticity (e.g. Young's modulus) than the water-selective component, but alternatively may have a greater or equal elastic modulus. The regeneration section preferably has a greater strain at break (e.g., greater than the membrane), but may alternatively have equal or less strain at break than the water-selective component. The regenerating section is preferably a resilient material, more preferably an elastomer such as rubber, elastolefin, resilin, elasin or thermoplastic elastomers, but alternatively may be any other suitable material. In a first example, the regeneration section surrounds the water-selective component, the sealing member 400 being supported by a portion (e.g., center) of the water-selective component. In a second example, the water-selective component surrounds the regeneration section and the sealing member 400 is supported by the regeneration section. In a third example, the diaphragm comprises a plurality of concentric alternating rings of a resilient, gas-impermeable material. The diaphragm may, however, be configured differently. In a second variant, the membrane may additionally comprise layers or sections of hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials. In a third embodiment, the membrane may additionally comprise layers or sections of filter material. The diaphragm may, however, include any other suitable material.

[0043] In one variation of the system, the surface of the diaphragm remote from the second outlet 250 is preferably connected to a fluid manifold that is in fluid communication with an outlet that is preferably equally in communication with the inlet of the reservoir. In operation, gas flows from pump 40 to inlet 210, through a diaphragm, through a fluid manifold (e.g., overcoming the restoring force of return element 500), and from second outlet 250 to first reservoir 20. Water preferably collects on the face of the diaphragm near the inlet 210 (e.g., in a collecting area 600), gradually obstructing air flow through the diaphragm. Air pressure on the front side of the diaphragm builds up as air is constantly being pumped through the system but cannot escape through the valve into the downstream diaphragm reservoir. When the pressure build-up force acting on the mass of water and / or the front side of the sealing member 400 exceeds the restoring force of the return member 500, the sealing member 400 is preferably set in the open position by the output force (as shown in Fig. 5B), unsealing the second outlet 250 and allowing air, water, and contaminants to flow from collection area 600 through second outlet 250. Sealing member 400 is preferably positioned in the closed state (as shown in Fig. 5A) by the compressive force generated by the retractor 500, whenever the air pressure acting on the sealing member 400 is lower than the restoring force of the retractor 500.

[0044] Selection mechanism 300 may additionally or alternatively be a separation mechanism, the separation mechanism applying a separating force to the pumped fluid to separate the liquid and / or solid particles from the gaseous fluid component. The separating force is preferably a centrifugal force, but may alternatively be compressive force or any other suitable force. The decoupling mechanism is preferably a mounting mechanism that provides for static mounting of removal mechanism 100 and / or pump 40 on the rotating surface, and rotation of the rotating surface exerts a centrifugal force. The separation mechanism may additionally or alternatively include an expansion chamber, a coalescing filter, a drier, a condenser thermally coupled to the environment, a centrifuge, a heat extractor, or any other suitable mechanism that preferentially removes or separates the liquid from the gas.

[0045] The evacuation mechanism 100 may further include an ejection mechanism that exerts an ejection force on the collected debris (e.g., water and / or particulate matter) to force debris through the first outlet 230. The ejection force can be a pressure exerted by the fluid being pumped. The resulting pressure difference may increase the fluid (e.g., water) permeability of the selection mechanism, or may otherwise increase the flow of contaminants through the selection mechanism. The ejection force may be a centrifugal force acting on the collected mass of contaminants, with the removal mechanism 100 connected to the pivoting surface and the first outlet 230 being located outside the selection mechanism 300 along a radius extending from the pivot axis of the pivoting surface. In this embodiment, the removal mechanism 100 may be a revolving surface. The ejection force may additionally or alternatively be a pressure exerted by a fluid downstream of the mechanism, the ejection mechanism may be a first reservoir 20 or a second reservoir in fluid communication with the second outlet 250. The ejection force may additionally or alternatively be a return force generated by the bias member (return member 500). ), and the ejection mechanism may be a pressure element. The ejection force may additionally or alternatively be a pressure applied against the mechanism, a force of gravity, or any other suitable force.

[0046] In one example of the pumping system 10 shown in Fig. 11, the evacuation mechanism 100 is located downstream of the pump inlet 210. This pump 40 is preferably used on the revolving surface. The collection area 600 is defined by a portion of the housing or the circumference of the reservoir (e.g., radially outward from the axis of rotation of the pivot surface), and the diaphragm or valve is positioned along the circumference of the housing within the collection area 600 (e.g. radially outward from the axis of rotation of the pivot surface). In one particular variation, a collection area is formed within a first reservoir (e.g., high pressure reservoir) that receives fluid from the pump outlet to the reservoir inlet and conveys fluid to the second reservoir (e.g., tire interior) from the reservoir outlet. The collecting area is preferably formed as an outcrop positioned on and extending radially outward to the rest of the reservoir body. More preferably, the collection area is formed along a portion of the fluid path extending between the reservoir inlet and the reservoir outlet. The diaphragm or valve is preferably located along the side of the collecting area. The diaphragm or valve is preferably located at an extreme radially outward point from the axis of rotation 4 of the pump within the collecting area, but may alternatively be located at a radially outermost point of the reservoir or any other suitable component of the pump. The diaphragm or valve is preferably located close to the outlet of the reservoir, more preferably upstream of the reservoir outlet (e.g. between the reservoir inlet and outlet), but alternatively downstream of the reservoir outlet. However, the diaphragm or valve may be located close to the inlet of the reservoir, or may be in any other suitable configuration relative to the inlet or outlet of the reservoir. In operation, the pump 40 draws gas into the housing where the centrifugal force generated by the rotating housing distributes the denser water particles along a radial direction against the housing wall (selection mechanism 300). Water particles collect in the collection area 600. Water particles can be pumped into the environment through a water-permeable, gas-impermeable membrane under the influence of the pressure of the pumped fluid, can pass into the environment by the membrane transfer mechanisms, and be released into the environment when the total mass of water particles removed exceeds the return force of the return element 500, or may be removed from the system in other ways.

[0047] In another variation of the pump 40, the evacuation mechanism 100 is located within the fluid path between the pump 40 and the reservoir. Removal mechanism 100 preferably comprises a housing 200 defining an inlet 210 in fluid communication with the pump outlet, a first outlet 230 in fluid communication with the environment, a second outlet 250 in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a member passage 270 fluidly connecting inlet 210 and second outlet 250; a diaphragm extending through a cross-section of the member passage mounted within the housing along the edge, and a sealing member 400 actuatable within the member passage 270 supported on the face of the diaphragm close to the first outlet 230 configured to removably seal the first outlet 230 as shown. in Fig. 5. Removal mechanism 100 may additionally include a spring return element 500 disposed within the conduit

270 member, away from the second mouth 250 across the sealing member 400, which presses the sealing member 400 to the second mouth 250.

[0048] In one variation of the system, pump 40 pumps fluid into the reservoir. The centrifugal force generated by the rotating surface on the reservoir (statically mounted on the rotating surface) separates the denser components of the fluid stream, such as liquid and solids, from the gaseous component of the fluid stream. The gaseous stream is preferably passed to

In operation of another variation of the system, pump 40 pumps fluid to inlet 210, the diaphragm allowing gas to flow through the fluid manifold from the outlet to the reservoir. The diaphragm delays the flow of liquid through the fluid manifold, with liquid (e.g., water) collecting at the inlet 210 (second outlet 250) of the face of the diaphragm. The valve opens when the weight of the water exceeds the weight threshold (e.g. when the force exerted by the mass of water exceeds the return force of the return element 500), thereby releasing the water into the environment. The water may be discharged radially outside the pivot surface, normal to the pivot surface (e.g., parallel to the pivot axis), or at any other suitable angle. This variation may further include a water removal mechanism 100 disposed between the pump outlet and the water adjustment mechanism.

It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art from the preceding detailed description and the drawings and claims that modifications and variations can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.