Elastomer Membrane Recess for Diaphragm Valve Wrinkling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomer membrane elements in valves are prone to material accumulation and deformation, leading to wrinkles that affect their service life and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An elastomer membrane element with a recess between the working and fastening sections allows for deformation accommodation without impairing function, featuring a radially arranged recess that prevents elastomer material flow into the medium side and includes a rigid insert and fabric insert for stabilization and force transmission, reducing wrinkling and improving mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastomer membrane element is firmly clamped at the edge between two valve housing parts, then the membrane is securely fixed to the valve body, but material accumulations lead to wrinkling that affects service life
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane element is divided into functionally distinct zones: a working section for fluid control and a fastening section for mechanical attachment. The recess creates a transition zone that separates the deformation characteristics of these two sections, allowing the fastening section to remain stable while the working section flexes during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the membrane element are given different structural properties. The fastening section has increased thickness and rigidity for secure attachment, while the working section maintains elasticity for fluid control. The recess provides a localized area that accommodates material flow and prevents wrinkling propagation.
2Ease of operation
If the membrane thickness is reduced in the clamping zone, then the membrane can be firmly clamped, but material accumulations cause wrinkling that impairs function
Solution Approach 1:
The recess is pre-formed in the membrane element during manufacturing, creating a predetermined space for material accumulation before the element is installed and subjected to operational stresses. This preliminary structural feature prevents wrinkling from developing during subsequent clamping and operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a recess is introduced to accommodate deformation, then wrinkling is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recess is integrated into the membrane element as a continuous, seamless feature during the molding process. The transition between the recess and the surrounding membrane areas is smooth and continuous, eliminating the need for separate components or complex assembly steps while still providing the necessary deformation accommodation.
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 design ensures reliable operation by allowing deformation accommodation without impairing fluid channel closure, reducing wrinkling, and enhancing the stability and mobility of the elastomer membrane element.
Implementation Method 1
allowing residual deformations from the working section to flow into the recess during operation of the elastomer membrane element
Data Source
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AI summary
An elastomeric membrane element (2) for a diaphragm valve is proposed, wherein the elastomeric membrane element (2) comprises a working section (4) for opening and closing a fluid channel of the diaphragm valve, and wherein the elastomeric membrane element (2) comprises a fastening section (6) surrounding the working section (4) for fixing the elastomeric membrane element (2) relative to a valve body of the diaphragm valve. A recess is arranged at least partially between the working section (4) and the fastening section (6).