Double Pump Non-Return Valve Damping for Pressure Surge Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Double pumps experience pressure surges and noise due to rapid flap movement during switching between pumps, leading to potential damage and instability in the flap's end position.

Innovation Solution

A non-return valve with an extension on the side facing away from the flap wing, loaded by damping means to slow down the movement and stabilize the flap's position, preventing pressure surges and ensuring a stable end position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the non-return valve switches quickly from one pump to the other, then the switching speed is improved, but pressure surges and noise occur due to rapid flap movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoidpressure surges and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a damping element (such as a rubber bumper or viscoelastic material) that is pre-positioned to absorb the impact energy when the flap reaches its end position. This cushioning element is installed in advance at the stop location, so when the flap moves rapidly during pump switching, the damping material absorbs the shock before it can generate pressure surges or noise, thus resolving the contradiction between fast switching and harmful pressure waves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary damping element (rubber bumper, viscoelastic material, or dashpot) that mediates between the rapidly moving flap and the rigid stop. This intermediary component absorbs and dissipates the impact energy through deformation or viscous damping, preventing the direct transmission of shock forces that would otherwise create pressure surges and noise in the liquid and pump system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If the non-return valve moves rapidly during pump switching, then the response time is improved, but the flap hits the stop considerably causing damage and noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidimpact damage and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The damping element is pre-installed at the stop position to cushion the flap's impact before it occurs. This beforehand cushioning allows the flap to maintain its rapid movement for quick response while the pre-positioned damping material absorbs the impact energy at the moment of contact, preventing damage and noise without compromising response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the stop region by introducing materials with different mechanical properties (rubber, viscoelastic materials, or viscous fluids in dashpots). These materials have higher damping capacity and lower stiffness compared to rigid stops, allowing the flap to move quickly while the stop region absorbs impact through controlled deformation or viscous resistance, thus reducing harmful effects without slowing the response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the flap is allowed to move freely for quick switching, then the operational speed is improved, but the end position of the flap is not sufficiently stable during delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational speedVSAvoidflap position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The damping element provides beforehand cushioning at the end position, creating a stable resting zone for the flap. When the pump operation causes the flap to settle at its end position, the damping material absorbs residual vibrations and prevents oscillations, ensuring stable positioning while allowing rapid movement during active pump switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The damping element acts as an intermediary between the flap and the rigid stop, providing a compliant interface that allows the flap to reach its end position quickly while preventing excessive oscillations. The damping material absorbs vibrational energy and provides a stable resting position, mediating between the need for quick movement and position stability during pump delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively reduces pressure surges and stabilizes the flap's position, minimizing noise and damage by slowing down the valve movement and maintaining a stable end position during pump switching.

Implementation Method 1

the non-return flap has an extension which is stressed or loaded by damping means to brake its movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3179110B1Double pump
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 WILO SE
  • EP3179110B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Double pump with two fluid-conveying pumps, the pressure channels of which open into an outlet nozzle, wherein a check valve pivotable about an axis is arranged in the outlet point, which, when pumping through the pressure channel of one of the two pumps, closes the pressure channel of the other pump by its flap, wherein, in relation to the axis, on the side facing away from the flap, the check valve has an extension which is stressed or loaded by damping means to slow down its movement.