Diaphragm Pump Port Layout for Low Flow Path Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diaphragm-type pumps with suction and discharge ports perpendicular to the diaphragm experience significant changes in flow path cross-sectional shape, leading to increased flow path resistance.
Innovation Solution
The fluid control apparatus is designed with suction and discharge ports positioned on the extension surfaces of the housing members, forming a continuous change in cross-sectional areas of the flow path, and using swing-type check valves to minimize vortex generation and pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If suction port and discharge port are provided in direction perpendicular to diaphragm, then pump structure is compact, but flow path cross-sectional shape changes greatly causing increased flow path resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The suction port and discharge port are repositioned from a perpendicular arrangement to an in-plane arrangement on the diaphragm surface. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the flow path to maintain a more consistent cross-sectional shape, reducing flow resistance while preserving the compact pump structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path is designed with curved transitions and smooth contours rather than sharp angles. The in-plane port arrangement enables a more gradual flow path geometry that reduces turbulence and maintains smoother fluid flow, thereby decreasing flow path resistance.
2Device complexity
If flow path cross-sectional area changes significantly, then ports can be positioned perpendicular to diaphragm, but this causes vortex generation and pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the ports to the diaphragm plane rather than perpendicular positioning, the flow path cross-sectional area variations are minimized. This dimensional change creates a more uniform flow path that reduces vortex formation and pressure losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path geometry parameters are optimized to maintain more consistent cross-sectional area along the flow direction. This parameter optimization reduces flow separation and vortex generation, thereby minimizing pressure loss while keeping the port arrangement simple.
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 configuration reduces flow path resistance and allows for efficient fluid transport with minimal pressure loss, enabling thinner and more efficient pump designs.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element which is a drive mechanism that bends the diaphragm
Implementation Method 2
a movable portion which is made of an elastic body and is bent by the piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
[Object] To provide a fluid control apparatus having a diaphragm structure and small flow path resistance. [Solving Means] A fluid control apparatus according to the present technology includes a first space, two flat plate members, a drive mechanism, a second space, a first check valve, and a second check valve. The first space has an inlet and an outlet. The two flat plate members face each other via the first space, and at least one of the flat plate members is an elastic body having flexibility. The drive mechanism bends the elastic body. The second space adjoins the first space, communicates with the first space via the inlet, and has a suction port. The first check valve allows fluid to flow from the suction port to the first space via the inlet. The third space adjoins the first space, communicates with the first space via the outlet, and has a discharge port. The second check valve allows the fluid to flow from the first space to the discharge port via the outlet. At least one of the suction port and the discharge port is positioned on an extension surface of at least one of the two flat plate members.