Non-Planar Drip Emitter Membrane for Pressure-Regulated Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drip emitters require multiple assembly steps and materials, making them costly and complex, particularly in pressure-regulated systems where a plastic body and elastic membrane are used, and existing membranes do not effectively regulate flow independently of pressure variations.
Innovation Solution
A flexible membrane with a non-planar, convex shape is integrated into a single-part drip emitter formed through bi-component molding, where the membrane is made from a more elastic material than the emitter body, allowing for pressure regulation and reduced assembly steps, and a hinge mechanism allows the emitter to pivot into a closed state with minimal moment forces to maintain sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-component assembly with separate membrane and body is used, then flow regulation performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the membrane and body into a single integrated component molded from a single piece of material. The membrane is formed as an integral part of the body, eliminating separate assembly steps while maintaining the flow regulation function through the non-planar portion that protrudes into the regulating chamber recess.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece component performs multiple functions: the membrane portion provides flow regulation and sealing, while the body portion provides structural support and defines the regulating chamber. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different materials are used for membrane and body, then functional performance is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves different functional properties in different regions of the same component by varying the material parameters during molding. The membrane region is molded with higher elasticity to provide flow regulation, while the body region uses standard material properties for structural support, all from a single material piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece component is designed with distinct functional zones: a membrane portion with non-planar geometry for flow regulation and a body portion for structural support. This segmentation of function within a unified structure allows different material properties in different regions without requiring multiple materials or assembly steps.
3Ease of operation
If the emitter is kept in a relatively open state, then ease of assembly is improved, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The non-planar portion of the membrane protrudes into the regulating chamber recess, creating a curved, flexible sealing surface. This geometric design allows the membrane to seal effectively when the emitter is in the relatively open state, eliminating the need for full closure while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed to be flexible and dynamic, allowing it to deform and conform to the regulating chamber recess to maintain sealing. The hinge mechanism allows the emitter to pivot between open and closed states, with the membrane dynamically adjusting to maintain sealing in the open state.
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 results in a cost-effective, single-part drip emitter with reduced assembly complexity and improved flow regulation, as the flexible membrane effectively seals and regulates liquid flow across varying pressures, maintaining efficient operation with minimal distortion and increased durability.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane in response to increase in pressure of the entering water undergoes distortion that operates to increase resistance to liquid flow through and out of the emitter
Implementation Method 2
a flexible membrane with a non-planar, convex shape is integrated into a single-part drip emitter
Implementation Method 3
a hinge mechanism allows the emitter to pivot into a closed state with minimal moment forces to maintain sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A drip emitter has a flexible membrane for regulating a flow of liquid exiting the emitter. The membrane, in a non-stressed or non-flexed state into a regulating chamber of the emitter, includes a non-planar portion.