Stepped Diaphragm Valve Tab Layout for Readable ID and RFID

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Solution Overview

Problem

Diaphragm valves face a challenge in displaying increasing amounts of information within limited space on the valve diaphragm tab, necessitating a solution that enhances information display and transponder arrangement without increasing size.

Innovation Solution

A multi-part valve diaphragm design with offset tab sections and integrated transponders allows for efficient information display and wireless identification, utilizing a stepped tab design and additional tabs to accommodate both optical and transponder-based identification features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the tab size is increased to provide more space for information display and transponder arrangement, then the available space for information display increases, but the valve diaphragm size increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetab areaVSAvoidvalve diaphragm volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensional change by creating a stepped tab structure where the first tab section extends further laterally than the second tab section. This multi-level arrangement utilizes vertical stacking in the lateral direction, effectively increasing the available surface area for information display and transponder placement without increasing the overall valve diaphragm footprint. The offset arrangement allows information to be inscribed on the first tab section while transponders are arranged on the second tab section, maximizing space utilization in three-dimensional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If multiple tabs are added to provide additional information display areas, then the information display capacity increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation display capacityVSAvoidvalve diaphragm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tab into two distinct sections: a first tab section for information inscribing and a second tab section for transponder arrangement. This segmentation allows different functions to be performed on different parts of the same tab structure, increasing information display capacity without adding separate independent tabs. The media-side component and dry-side component are also segmented, with each contributing a different tab section, distributing the complexity across functional boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tab structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical connection between media-side and dry-side components, displays information on the first tab section, accommodates transponders on the second tab section, and enables both optical and wireless identification. This multi-functionality increases information display capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single integrated structure performs multiple roles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4660492A1Diaphragm valve for diaphragm valve and diaphragm valve
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 GEMU GEBR MULLER APP GMBH & CO KGAA
  • EP4660492A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4660492A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4660492A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multi-part valve diaphragm (2) for a diaphragm valve (4) is disclosed, wherein the valve diaphragm (2) comprises at least one media-side component (100) and one dry-side component (200), wherein at least one tab (6a, 6b) projects laterally from the valve diaphragm (2), wherein the at least one tab (6a, 6b) comprises at least one first tab section (110a, 110b) of the media-side component (100) and at least one second tab section (210a, 210b) of the dry-side component (200), and wherein the at least one second tab section (210a, 210b) of the dry-side component (200) is set back at least sectionally relative to the at least one first tab section (110a, 110b) of the media-side component (100).