Bellows Elastic Member for Recyclable Pump Assemblies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pump assemblies using metal springs are costly and difficult to recycle due to the use of different materials, making them environmentally unfriendly and challenging to dispose of.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly featuring an eco-friendly elastic member with a multi-step structure and bellows-type connection part, made from soft plastic materials like PEEK or POM, which provides sufficient elastic force and is designed for easy manufacturing and integration into the pump assembly, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal spring is used to provide elastic force for the pumping operation, then the elastic force is sufficient and reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases and recycling becomes difficult due to mixed materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to soft plastic (such as PEEK, POM, or polyolefin elastomer) while maintaining the elastic function through structural design. The elastic member is formed as a single-integral structure with a bellows-type connection part that provides sufficient elastic force through its geometric configuration rather than material properties alone, achieving both cost reduction and recyclability while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material strategy by using soft plastic materials that combine elasticity with structural integrity. The elastic member is made from materials like PEEK or POM that provide both the necessary elastic properties and compatibility with the plastic components of the pump assembly, enabling single-material construction that is both reliable and easily recyclable
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-material elastic member is used to reduce costs and improve recyclability, then manufacturing cost decreases and recycling becomes easier, but providing sufficient elastic force becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first support portion, a bellows-type connection part with multiple peaks and valleys, and a second support portion. This segmentation allows each zone to contribute differently to the overall elastic function, with the bellows structure providing the primary elastic deformation capability while the support portions maintain structural integrity, achieving sufficient elastic force with a single-material construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from relying solely on material elasticity to utilizing geometric elasticity in three-dimensional space. The bellows-type connection part with its multi-peaked and multi-valley structure creates multiple deformation zones that distribute and amplify the elastic effect, generating sufficient elastic force through structural geometry rather than material properties alone
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 elastic member offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution by providing a stable and efficient pumping operation while being easy to manufacture and recycle, reducing the weight and complexity of the pump assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of peaks and valleys are configured to be bent assisting a pump action of the pump assembly when the elastic member is pressurized along an axial direction of the elastic member
Implementation Method 2
a spring providing an elastic force to the inside for the above-described repetitive pumping operation
Data Source
AI summary
An elastic member for a pump assembly is provided. The pump assembly may include an elastic member having an upper support, a lower support provided under the upper support, and a connection part which connects the upper support and the lower support, and in which peaks and valleys are repeatedly formed in an outward direction to be bent when the elastic member is pressurized.