Double Diaphragm Pump Pneumatic Actuation Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer technologies introduce contaminants and particulate matter, which can damage high-purity products like semiconductor chips and pose health risks in medical applications, such as blood pumping, due to the use of rubbing and sliding components.
Innovation Solution
A double diaphragm pump design that minimizes contamination by using a pneumatically actuated diaphragm with pre-shaped regions, reducing mechanical strain and eliminating rubbing components, and is constructed from non-metallic, chemically inert materials to handle corrosive and caustic fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rubbing and sliding components are used in fluid transfer, then mechanical strength and durability are improved, but contamination and particulate matter are introduced into the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical rubbing and sliding components with a peristaltic pumping mechanism that uses elastic deformation of a tubular element. The pumping action is achieved through sequential compression and relaxation of the tube by rollers or fingers, eliminating direct contact and friction between moving parts and the fluid path, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining mechanical functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible tubular element (such as a peristaltic tube) that undergoes elastic deformation to create the pumping action. This flexible shell replaces rigid rubbing components, allowing the system to achieve fluid transfer through controlled expansion and contraction without introducing particulate matter or contamination into the fluid
2Productivity
If traditional pump designs are used, then fluid transfer capability is achieved, but high-purity products like semiconductor chips are damaged due to introduced contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The peristaltic pumping mechanism replaces traditional impeller-based or piston-based systems that introduce contaminants. The elastic tubular element creates a sealed fluid path where the fluid never contacts external environment or moving parts, ensuring high-purity product integrity while maintaining effective fluid transfer capability for semiconductor chip manufacturing
3Productivity
If conventional pumping methods are used for blood transfer, then fluid movement is achieved, but health risks arise from contaminants and particulate matter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies peristaltic pumping to blood transfer applications, replacing conventional mechanical pumps that generate harmful shear forces and introduce contaminants. The gentle elastic deformation of the tubular element provides contamination-free blood handling, reducing health risks while maintaining effective transfusion capability
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tubular element in the peristaltic pump provides a biocompatible, contamination-free interface for blood transfer. The elastic material allows gentle handling of blood cells without hemolysis or activation, ensuring safe medical application while achieving necessary fluid movement
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 double diaphragm pump effectively transfers high-purity fluids while minimizing contamination, ensuring the integrity of products and safety in medical applications by controlling pressure within biologically acceptable ranges and reducing the risk of embolisms or material toxicity.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm regions are pre-shaped by stretching to reduce mechanical strain during pumping operation
Implementation Method 2
A double diaphragm pump design that minimizes contamination by using a pneumatically actuated diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A pump for transferring a process fluid has a first pump chamber and a second pump chamber. A motive fluid actuates the pump chambers and control flow valves. The direction of process fluid flow is controlled by varying the amounts of pressure or the use of a vacuum. The control flow valves utilize diaphragms for actuation.