Integrated Pump Assembly with Coaxial Diaphragm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps for simultaneous liquid and air discharge are complex and costly due to their multi-part construction, and diaphragm members face challenges in manufacturing and sealing engagement.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly featuring a liquid pump with a piston-forming element and an air pump using a flexible annular diaphragm member coaxially positioned about the piston-forming element, which engages with an annular seat arrangement to form an air relief valve, allowing for simultaneous discharge of air and liquid while minimizing parts and enhancing sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pumps are constructed with multiple separate parts for liquid pump and air pump, then the pumping function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid pump and air pump into a single integrated pump assembly. The diaphragm member is positioned within the pump housing and works cooperatively with the piston-forming element, merging two previously separate pumping functions into one unified structure. This reduces the number of parts while maintaining the dual pumping capability for both liquid and air.
2Ease of manufacture
If diaphragm members are constructed with complex structures to facilitate manufacture, then manufacturing ease improves, but sealing engagement with other pump elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible diaphragm member made of elastomeric material that forms a thin-film structure. This flexible shell approach allows the diaphragm to be manufactured as a single integrated component while maintaining effective sealing engagement with the pump housing and other elements through its inherent flexibility and conformability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the diaphragm member is made flexible to enable air pump function, then the air discharge capability improves, but the manufacturing complexity and sealing challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm member serves multiple functions within the integrated pump assembly: it acts as the moving element for air displacement, provides sealing between the air and liquid compartments, and works cooperatively with the piston-forming element for liquid pumping. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the flexibility requirements.
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 reduces manufacturing costs and complexity by integrating key components, ensuring effective sealing and efficient simultaneous discharge of air and liquid, while also addressing vacuum relief in the reservoir.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible annular diaphragm member coaxially about the piston-forming element spanning between an axially outer piston end of the piston-forming element and the piston chamber-forming body to define a variable volume annular air compartment therebetween
Implementation Method 2
the diaphragm member engages the piston chamber-forming body to form an air relief valve which open and closes with movement of the diaphragm member to permit external atmosphere air to relieve any vacuum which may arise in the reservoir
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an improved pump assembly (11) incorporating a liquid pump (26) and an air pump (28) and which pump includes a flexible annular diaphragm member (70) coaxially about a piston-forming element (15) forming a component with the liquid pump (26).