Integrated Pressure Relief Valve in Diaphragm Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a compact diaphragm pump for seat adjusting devices that can manage fluid pressure in inflatable chambers without requiring separate pressure relief valves, while minimizing installation space and assembly time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A diaphragm pump with an integrated pressure relief valve, where the valve membrane is integrally formed with the diaphragm or valve member, allowing fluid discharge from the pressure chamber when pressure exceeds a threshold, reducing the need for additional components and enhancing overpressure relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate pressure relief valves are integrated into the seat adjusting device, then overpressure protection is improved, but installation space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve function is merged with the diaphragm pump by integrating a pressure relief channel and valve membrane directly into the pump housing. This combines two previously separate components (pump and pressure relief valve) into a single integrated unit, reducing the number of parts while maintaining overpressure protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm pump is designed to perform multiple functions: fluid pumping and pressure relief. The pump housing simultaneously serves as the pump chamber and houses the pressure relief channel, allowing the same component structure to fulfill both pumping and overpressure protection roles.
2Reliability
If separate pressure relief valves are integrated into the seat adjusting device, then overpressure protection is improved, but installation time and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve function is merged with the diaphragm pump by integrating a pressure relief channel and valve membrane directly into the pump housing. This combines two previously separate components (pump and pressure relief valve) into a single integrated unit, reducing the number of parts while maintaining overpressure protection functionality.
3Device complexity
If the valve membrane is integrally formed with the diaphragm or valve member, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve membrane is integrally formed as part of the diaphragm or valve member structure, eliminating the need for separate valve membrane components and reducing assembly steps. This integration reduces device complexity while the manufacturing process is designed to meet the required precision standards for the integral formation.
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 integrated pressure relief valve reduces the risk of overpressure conditions in fluid chambers, saving installation space and time, and minimizing assembly costs by eliminating the need for separate pressure relief valves, while allowing for adaptable threshold pressure settings.
Implementation Method 1
The valve membrane is moveable between a first configuration in which the valve membrane closes a pressure relief channel and a second configuration in which the valve membrane opens the pressure relief channel to allow fluid to be discharged from the pressure chamber
Implementation Method 2
A diaphragm pump with an integrated pressure relief valve, where the valve membrane is integrally formed with the diaphragm or valve member, allowing fluid discharge from the pressure chamber when pressure exceeds a threshold
Data Source
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AI summary
A diaphragm pump (5) for a seat adjusting device comprises a diaphragm (12) and a valve member (13, 14) which define a pump chamber (40) therebetween. An inlet valve (41) and an outlet valve (42) are formed on the valve member (13, 14). A pressure chamber (43) is in fluid communication with the outlet valve (42) and receives fluid discharged from the pump chamber (40) via the outlet valve (42). One of the diaphragm (12) and the valve member (53, 54) comprises a valve membrane (31) of a pressure relief valve integrated in the pump (5). The valve membrane (31) is integrally formed with the one of the diaphragm (12) and the valve member. The valve membrane (31) is moveable between a first configuration in which the valve membrane (31) closes a pressure relief channel and a second configuration in which the valve membrane (31) opens the pressure relief channel to allow fluid to be discharged from the pressure chamber (43).