Balloon Pump Flow Path Layout for Valve-Free Fluid Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pressure-feeding devices, such as those described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-88602, suffer from increased part count and poor handleability due to the need for separate valves and pipes, which complicates movement and handling.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pressure-feeding device with an integrally arranged balloon pump and flow path unit, where the discharge path has a greater pressure loss than the supply path, eliminating the need for additional valves and reducing the number of parts, and utilizing the elastic force of the balloon pump to discharge fluid without a power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve and pipe are added to prevent fluid leakage during filling, then fluid control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge path is integrated into the balloon pump structure itself, merging the storage function and discharge function into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate pipes and valves, reducing device complexity while maintaining fluid control reliability through the inherent pressure loss design of the integrated discharge path.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon pump structure is designed to utilize its own elastic recovery force to drive fluid discharge through the integrated discharge path. The system serves itself by using the stored elastic energy during deflation to automatically push fluid through the discharge path without requiring external valves or power sources, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Ease of operation
If separate pipes and valves are used for fluid discharge, then fluid flow control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge path is merged with the balloon pump structure, creating an integrated unit that eliminates multiple separate components. This integration significantly improves ease of operation by reducing the number of parts that need to be assembled, connected, and maintained, while still providing effective fluid flow control through the designed pressure loss characteristics.
3Reliability
If the discharge path has greater pressure loss than the supply path, then fluid leakage during filling is prevented, but fluid discharge efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure loss parameter of the discharge path is specifically designed to be greater than that of the supply path. This parameter change serves dual purposes: preventing fluid leakage during filling operations while still allowing efficient discharge during pump operation. The elastic recovery force of the balloon pump compensates for the higher pressure loss, maintaining discharge efficiency.
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
The device achieves high handleability and reduces the number of parts, allowing for efficient fluid discharge and continuous supply without the need for additional valves, while maintaining control over fluid flow and minimizing interference with adjacent components.
Implementation Method 1
a balloon pump of a bag shape, being elastically expandable, contractible and deformable
Implementation Method 2
The discharge path has a greater pressure loss than the supply path
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pressure-feeding device includes: a balloon pump of a bag shape that is elastically expandable, contractible and deformable, and defines a pump chamber inside; and a flow path unit that includes at least a portion of a flow path communicating with the pump chamber. The balloon pump and the flow path unit are integrally arranged. The flow path includes a supply path that supplies a fluid to the pump chamber, and a discharge path that discharges the fluid from the pump chamber. The discharge path has a greater pressure loss than the supply path.