Rotary Diaphragm Pump Trough Design for High-Pressure Extrusion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotary diaphragm positive displacement pumps have a limited lifespan when operating at higher pressures due to the diaphragm material being forced into the inlet or outlet ports, leading to potential failure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a trough on the diaphragm's outer face facing the inlet or outlet ports to prevent diaphragm material extrusion, combined with a reinforcement ring and specific design features like crenulated configurations and supporting structures to enhance durability and contact with the housing, ensuring reliable operation at higher pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the pump operates at higher pressures, then the pumping capacity and power increase, but the diaphragm material is forced into the inlet or outlet ports leading to reduced reliability and shorter lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing support structures (such as reinforcement rings or housing supports) at the inlet and outlet ports before the high-pressure operation begins. These supports are positioned in advance to prevent the diaphragm material from being forced into the ports when high pressure is applied, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling higher pumping capacity.
2Strength
If a reinforcement ring is added to the diaphragm, then the diaphragm can cope with higher loads, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcement ring with the diaphragm structure, integrating the reinforcement function into the existing diaphragm component rather than adding it as a separate, complex assembly. This combination provides the necessary strength to handle higher loads while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Productivity
If the diaphragm is pressed against the housing wall, then fluid is forced around the chamber, but diaphragm material may be forced up into the ports over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces support structures (intermediary elements) between the diaphragm and the inlet/outlet ports. These intermediaries act as mediators that allow the diaphragm to be pressed against the housing wall for effective fluid circulation while preventing the diaphragm material from being forced up into the ports, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability.
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 modified pump design significantly extends its operational lifespan at higher pressures by preventing diaphragm material extrusion and maintaining full contact with the housing, reducing wear and ensuring reliable fluid circulation.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible annular diaphragm forming one side of the chamber spaced opposite an annular wall of the housing, the diaphragm being sealed at its edge to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary pump comprising a housing (1) defining an annular chamber with inlet and outlet ports (12;11) spaced apart around the chamber, a flexible annular diaphragm (3) forming one side of the chamber spaced opposite an annular wall of the housing (1), the diaphragm (3) being sealed at its edges to the housing (1), a partition (13) extending across the chamber from a location between the inlet and outlet ports (12;11) to the diaphragm (3). The diaphragm (3) is configured to be pressed progressively against the opposite wall of the housing (1) to force fluid drawn in at the inlet port (12) on one side of the partition (13) around the chamber and to expel it at the outlet port (11) at the other side of the partition (13). The outer face of the annular diaphragm (3) has a trough (40) at the part of the diaphragm (3) which faces the inlet port (12) and/or at the part of the diaphragm 3 which faces the outlet port (11).