Variable stroke length electrically operated diaphragm pump

Abstract

A variable stroke length EOD pump system is provided that includes a diaphragm pump and an electromagnetic linear actuator that operates the diaphragm pump. The linear actuator includes two stator halves, and an armature. The armature is supported for linear motion along an axis of and between field poles of the stator halves. Each stator half may also include a drive coil partially surrounded by a magnetically permeable core.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 781,335, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, entitled “Variable Stroke Length Electrically Operated Diaphragm Pump.” The subject matter disclosed in that provisional application is hereby expressly incorporated into the present application in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present disclosure is related to diaphragm pumps and, more particularly, to an electrically operated diaphragm pump having a reciprocating electromagnetic linear actuator.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY[0003]Commercially available air operated diaphragm (AOD) pumps possess many desirable features. AOD pumps, nevertheless, also possess an inherent limitation—they require compressed air as a power source. Compressed air may not always be available in places where an AOD pump could be useful. Obtaining this power source requires an additional expense which may limit the pump's potential market.[000...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a new type of electrically operated diaphragm (EOD) pump that eliminates the need for gear trains and their associated drawbacks. Instead, a reciprocating electromagnetic linear actuator is used to achieve efficient energy conversion. The orientation of the air gap between moving and stationary parts maximizes the amount of force generated within a given space. This new pump design could be smaller, lighter, less expensive, and more flexible than conventional EODs.

Problems solved by technology

AOD pumps, nevertheless, also possess an inherent limitation—they require compressed air as a power source.

Compressed air may not always be available in places where an AOD pump could be useful.

Obtaining this power source requires an additional expense which may limit the pump's potential market.

Compressed air power also lacks efficiency.

On the other hand, using gear motors in EODs adds considerable size, weight, and expense to the pump when compared to an AOD.

Commercially available geannotor EOD's also typically have bypass springs that simply collapse when high outlet pressure places too much force against the diaphragms.

This technique protects overloading the geannotor, but does nothing to allow the pump to operate into higher outlet restrictions.

Images