Diaphragm Valve Foldable Support for Membrane Wear at High Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small membrane valves experience faster wear and tear and more frequent damage due to inadequate support, which restricts their mobility and durability, especially under higher pressures, and are challenging to produce inexpensively and simply.
Innovation Solution
A support arrangement made of foldable, prism-shaped elements that are flexibly stored on the piston rod, allowing for a rolling movement between open and closed positions, providing comprehensive protection and maintaining membrane mobility and elasticity without restricting its operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support arrangement is added to small membrane valves, then membrane durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed to be movable relative to the piston rod, allowing them to dynamically adapt to the membrane's position during operation. The elements can move radially outward to support the membrane in the open position and return to a retracted position when the membrane is closed, providing dynamic support only when needed rather than permanent structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements act as intermediary components between the piston rod and the membrane. These elements transfer the support function from the piston rod to the membrane indirectly, allowing the membrane to maintain its mobility while receiving support when needed. The intermediary elements absorb the complexity of providing support without directly constraining the membrane.
2Reliability
If support elements are added to prevent elastomer flow, then membrane durability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into multiple individual support elements rather than using a single complex support structure. Each element is a simple, standardized component that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual parts and easier assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements utilize the existing pressure differential across the membrane as a parameter to automatically position themselves. When pressure acts on the membrane, the elements are pushed outward to provide support; when pressure equalizes, they return to their resting position. This parameter-based positioning eliminates the need for complex actuation mechanisms, reducing manufacturing cost.
3Device complexity
If the hood mass is reduced, then device complexity is reduced, but support capability for the lower housing section deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support elements serve as intermediaries that transfer and distribute the load from the hood to the lower housing section. Rather than relying solely on the hood's mass for support, these elements actively engage to distribute forces, allowing the hood to be lighter while maintaining adequate support capability through the intermediary support mechanism.
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 foldable support arrangement effectively prevents elastomer flow into unsupported spaces, ensuring long-lasting and durable operation of small membrane valves, even at higher pressures, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
the piston rod has a shape for a rolling movement of the elements and a special receptacle, and the elements are movably mounted on the piston rod, whereby the shape of the piston rod enables the elements to roll for a folding movement between an open and a closed position
Implementation Method 2
The piston rod is moved in its predetermined direction by a drive mechanism. This drive can be manual, electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic. The diaphragm screw is a pin-like element that is positively integrated into a layer of the diaphragm. The diaphragm screw is connected to the actuator spindle via the piston rod. This allows the diaphragm to be deformed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a diaphragm valve (1) comprising a diaphragm (6), a hood (8), and a piston rod (14). A support arrangement (16) acts on the diaphragm (6). The support arrangement (16) is formed from hinged elements (15).