Asymmetrical Diaphragm Pump Motion Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diaphragm pumps, such as bilge pumps, require a hinge coupling between the diaphragm support plate and the pumping arm, increasing manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance costs due to the complexity of moving parts.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetrical diaphragm design with a central plate and annular convolute portion, featuring a minimum and maximum depth at diametrically opposed positions, eliminates the need for a hinge by using an inverted L-shaped flange with a locating lug to secure the diaphragm, allowing arcuate motion without rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinge coupling is used between the diaphragm support plate and the pumping arm, then the pump can convert pivotal motion to reciprocating motion, but the number of moving parts increases, leading to higher manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm support plate is integrated directly with the pumping arm, merging two previously separate components into one unified structure. This eliminates the hinge coupling while maintaining the motion conversion function, as the integrated structure allows the pumping arm to directly drive the diaphragm without requiring a separate hinge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm is designed with an asymmetrical shape, featuring a deeper convolute portion on one side and a shallower portion on the other. This asymmetry allows the diaphragm to convert the arcuate pivotal motion of the pumping arm into effective reciprocating motion without requiring a hinge, as the varying depth creates the necessary differential movement during the pumping cycle.
2Ease of operation
If a hinge coupling is used between the diaphragm support plate and the pumping arm, then motion conversion is enabled, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm support plate is integrated directly with the pumping arm, merging two previously separate components into one unified structure. This eliminates the hinge coupling while maintaining the motion conversion function, as the integrated structure allows the pumping arm to directly drive the diaphragm without requiring a separate hinge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge coupling component is completely removed from the design. By extracting this unnecessary intermediate component and redesigning the system with a direct integrated connection, the patent simplifies the overall structure, reducing both manufacturing complexity and assembly requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a hinge coupling is used between the diaphragm support plate and the pumping arm, then motion conversion is enabled, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm support plate is integrated directly with the pumping arm, merging two previously separate components into one unified structure. This eliminates the hinge coupling while maintaining the motion conversion function, as the integrated structure allows the pumping arm to directly drive the diaphragm without requiring a separate hinge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge coupling component is completely removed from the design. By extracting this unnecessary intermediate component and redesigning the system with a direct integrated connection, the patent simplifies the overall structure, reducing both manufacturing complexity and assembly requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces the number of moving parts, simplifying manufacturing and maintenance while maintaining pump functionality, thereby lowering costs and enhancing assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the convolute depth gradually increasing from the minimum depth to the maximum depth between the diametrically opposed positions along each opposing half-section of the annular convolute
Implementation Method 2
a locating lug extends from the free end of inverted L-shaped flange at least one position of the circumference of the flange. Advantageously, the lug prevents the diaphragm from rotating relative to any body it is mounted on by engaging with an aperture formed in the body.
Data Source
AI summary
A diaphragm for a diaphragm pump, which diaphragm is asymmetrical about its longitudinal axis wherein the diaphragm has a central portion and a surrounding annular convolute portion. The convolute portion has a minimum depth and a maximum depth at diametrically opposed positions of the annular convolute. The convolute depth gradually increases from the minimum depth to the maximum depth between the diametrically opposed positions along each opposing half-section of the annular convolute. The invention also provides a diaphragm pump with the asymmetrical diaphragm.