Double Diaphragm Pump for Uniform Fluid Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid delivery systems for viscous fluids, such as ink in printing machines, face issues with uneven flow rates, increased costs due to larger pipe diameters, evaporation, and difficulty in cleaning, as they operate under non-uniform pressure and require significant water for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system utilizing a double diaphragm pump with alternating diaphragm action and equal pipe diameters for introducing and returning fluids, maintaining constant pressure and uniform flow rates, and incorporating a drain-back tube for efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the pipe diameter of the return tube is increased to facilitate flow of viscous fluids, then the fluid flow is improved, but the cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the fluid delivery system by using a double diaphragm pump that maintains constant pressure and uniform volume flow rate during both delivery and return phases. This parameter change allows the use of smaller diameter pipes while still achieving adequate flow rates for viscous fluids, thereby reducing material costs without sacrificing flow performance
2Speed
If the fluid is delivered at low speed for viscous fluids, then the delivery quality is improved, but the solvent is evaporated easily and the ink is dried
Solution Approach 1:
The double diaphragm pump operates continuously with both diaphragms working in alternating phases, ensuring uninterrupted fluid circulation. The return phase actively moves fluid back through the system at controlled rates, preventing stagnation and reducing evaporation time. This continuous circulation maintains fresh fluid supply to the printing mechanism while minimizing exposure time to evaporative conditions
3Productivity
If the fluid is drawn in at a higher speed but returned at a lower speed, then the delivery is faster, but the delivered amount is not balanced over time
Solution Approach 1:
The double diaphragm pump employs periodic alternating action of two diaphragms, where one diaphragm delivers fluid while the other returns fluid, and then they switch phases. This periodic coordination ensures that the volume delivered during the delivery phase equals the volume returned during the return phase, maintaining fluid balance over time while achieving high delivery speeds during the active delivery phase
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
Ensures smooth, uniform fluid delivery and recycling with reduced water usage for cleaning, preventing evaporation and leakage, and facilitating quick cleaning and color changes.
Implementation Method 1
A pneumatic mechanism is mounted in the double diaphragm pump and provided with a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm on two ends of the pneumatic mechanism respectively. The pneumatic mechanism drives the two diaphragms to draw in and expel fluid alternately.
Implementation Method 2
The ink in the ink-collecting groove 83 is dropped into the return tube 84. Then the ink is returned to the ink fountain 71 by height difference defined in fluid statics (gravity-driven flow) or capillary effect/penetration.
Implementation Method 3
The ink in the ink-collecting groove 83 is dropped into the return tube 84. Then the ink is returned to the ink fountain 71 by height difference defined in fluid statics (gravity-driven flow) or capillary effect/penetration.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fluid delivery system is revealed. A double diaphragm pump (1) provided with two inlets (13, 16) and two outlets (14, 17) is mounted in the fluid delivery system. An introducing pipeline (2) of the fluid delivery system is connected to one set of inlet and outlet (13, 14) while a return pipeline (3) of the fluid delivery system is connected to the other set of inlet and outlet (16, 17). Thereby a pneumatic mechanism (10) in the double diaphragm pump (1) drives two diaphragms (11, 12) therein to draw in and expel fluid in the system so that the fluid flows in and out through the two sets of inlets and outlets. Thus the pressure remains constant and the volume flow rate is uniform during delivery and returning of the fluid. A drain-back tube (6) provided with a control valve (61) is arranged between the introducing pipeline (2) and the return pipeline (3). The fluid is returned and delivered under control of the control valve (61) while changing fluids or cleaning pipelines of the system.