Crinkle Diaphragm Pump Wave Propagation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional undulating diaphragm pumps face inefficiencies due to decreasing fluid passage section area from inlet to outlet, leading to accelerated fluid velocity and potential membrane contact issues, noise, and reduced flow rates.
Innovation Solution
The pump design features a membrane with evolving mechanical characteristics, such as increasing rigidity and moduli of elasticity from inlet to outlet, ensuring the wave propagation speed exceeds the average fluid speed, optimizing energy transfer and reducing pulsatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the passage section of the fluid in the propulsion chamber decreases from the inlet towards the outlet, then the fluid velocity increases due to conservation of flow, but the membrane wave propagation speed becomes insufficient to efficiently transfer energy to the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed with spatially varying mechanical properties: its rigidity increases from the inlet to the outlet of the propulsion chamber. This local variation in rigidity allows the membrane wave propagation speed to match the increasing fluid velocity, ensuring efficient energy transfer throughout the entire propulsion chamber length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the membrane along its length, specifically varying the rigidity parameter from inlet to outlet. This parameter change enables the membrane to maintain optimal wave propagation speed that matches the fluid velocity profile, maximizing energy transfer efficiency.
2Productivity
If the fluid velocity increases from inlet to outlet, then flow rate is maintained, but the membrane may contact the flanges causing noise and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
By making the membrane rigidity spatially varying (increasing from inlet to outlet), the membrane maintains proper wave propagation characteristics that prevent excessive displacement and contact with flanges, while still achieving the required flow rate through efficient energy transfer.
3Speed
If the membrane rigidity is increased from inlet to outlet, then the wave propagation speed increases to match fluid velocity, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is constructed with localized variations in rigidity through different structural configurations in different radial zones. This allows the complex rigidity profile to be achieved through modular design elements that can be manufactured using standard techniques.
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 enhances fluid speed and flow rates, allows for a smaller pump size, reduces noise and membrane damage risks, and maintains efficient energy transfer over the membrane's active radius.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane (1) mounted in a propulsion chamber (01) to undulate under the action of at least one linear electromagnetic actuator
Implementation Method 2
when the membrane (1) is actuated to deform in a progressive wave which propagates from the entrance to the exit of the propulsion chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2D
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a crinkle diaphragm pump having a propulsion chamber to accommodate the said diaphragm, characterized in that the diaphragm has mechanical characteristics that change from an inlet (3) of the propulsion chamber towards an outlet (4) of the propulsion chamber such that when the diaphragm is made to deform in a travelling wave which spreads from the inlet to the outlet of the propulsion chamber in order to propel the fluid, the rate of travel of the wave of the diaphragm throughout the cross section on the displacement of fluid inside the propulsion chamber is greater than or equal to the mean rate of travel of the fluid in this same section.