Diaphragm Pump Non-Rigid Coupling Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diaphragm pumps face challenges in achieving optimal alignment between the eccentric drive shaft axis and the electric motor shaft axis, leading to suboptimal performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A diaphragm pump design incorporating a non-rigid coupling between the motor shaft and the eccentric drive shaft, with bearings on opposite sides of the eccentric drive shaft, and a method for coaxial alignment using a monitoring device and loose attachment followed by tightening, ensures proper alignment and enhanced operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid coupling is used to connect the motor shaft and eccentric drive shaft, then the structural stability is improved, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to inability to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible coupling device comprising a flexible membrane that connects the motor shaft to the eccentric drive shaft. This flexible membrane allows for relative movement and deformation to accommodate misalignment while maintaining structural integrity, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling device changes the rigidity parameter of the connection between motor shaft and eccentric drive shaft. By using a flexible membrane with controlled elasticity, the system can adapt its stiffness to balance structural stability requirements with alignment tolerance requirements under different operating conditions.
2Reliability
If the eccentric drive shaft is securely fixed to prevent movement, then the operational stability is improved, but the ability to achieve coaxial alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a two-stage alignment process: first, the flexible coupling device is installed to allow preliminary coaxial alignment of the motor shaft and eccentric drive shaft; second, once alignment is achieved, the system operates with the flexible coupling maintaining both alignment and operational stability. This preliminary action enables proper alignment before securing the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling device introduces dynamic characteristics to the connection between motor shaft and eccentric drive shaft. During alignment, the flexible membrane can deform to accommodate positioning adjustments; during operation, it maintains stable transmission while compensating for minor deviations, thus achieving both alignment and operational stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If monitoring devices and alignment procedures are added, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coupling device is designed to self-align the motor shaft and eccentric drive shaft through its elastic deformation characteristics. The flexible membrane naturally seeks the position of minimum elastic energy, which corresponds to the coaxial alignment position, eliminating the need for complex external monitoring devices and manual alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling device acts as an intermediary element between the motor shaft and eccentric drive shaft that facilitates alignment. Rather than requiring complex monitoring systems, the flexible membrane itself serves as the alignment mechanism through its physical properties, simplifying the overall system while achieving precise coaxial alignment.
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 solution achieves improved rotational efficiency, as indicated by higher rotations per minute, and secure attachment prevents unwanted movement, optimizing the diaphragm pump's performance.
Implementation Method 1
a non-rigid coupling interconnecting the motor shaft and the eccentric drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
an eccentric drive including an eccentric drive shaft which is driven by the electric motor, via the motor shaft, about an eccentric drive shaft axis which is coaxial with the electric motor shaft axis
Data Source
AI summary
A diaphragm pump and a method for aligning thereof, the pump including an electric motor, a motor shaft, driven by the electric motor for rotation about an electric motor shaft axis, an eccentric drive, driven by the electric motor, via the motor shaft, to provide reciprocal driving along a pump driving axis, the eccentric drive including an eccentric drive shaft rotating about an eccentric drive shaft axis, the eccentric drive shaft axis being coaxial with the electric motor shaft axis, a non-rigid coupling interconnecting the motor shaft and the eccentric drive shaft and a diaphragm pumping assembly having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet communicating with a pumping chamber, the pumping chamber having a diaphragm arranged to be reciprocally driven about the pump driving axis.