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

[0005]Electrically operated diaphragm (EOD) pumps are a commercially available alternative to AOD pumps that mitigate some of the AOD pump's limitations, but introduce some of their own. EOD pumps employ speed reducing gear trains driven by conventional electric gear motors. These gear motors can operate at relatively high speeds allowing efficient energy conversion within the electromagnetics of the motors. The output of the gear trains then deliver mechanical energy through linkages to the pumping mechanisms at the relatively low speeds required by diaphragm pumps. The gearmotor EODs, thus, eliminate the need for compressed air and, thus, eliminate one of the energy conversion steps that waste energy. They also eliminate the additional cost of a compressor. 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 bypa

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

Images