Membrane With Embedded Data Storage For Separable Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane technologies for valves and pumps face challenges in recycling and reusing membranes due to integrated electronic components, which contaminate the elastomer material and are difficult to separate, making environmentally friendly treatment and cost-effective recycling complicated.
Innovation Solution
A membrane design with a recessed data storage device embedded in the elastomeric material, allowing for easy separation and recycling of electronic and mechanical components, where the data storage is surrounded by the membrane and can be removed without tools, facilitating simple and inexpensive recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If electronic components are integrated into the membrane, then measurement and data storage capabilities are improved, but separation and recycling of components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into separable components: the elastomeric membrane itself and the integrated electronic components (sensor, data memory, evaluation unit). The electronic components are housed in a separate housing that can be detached from the membrane, allowing easy separation for recycling while maintaining functional integration during use.
Solution Approach 2:
A housing structure serves as an intermediary between the electronic components and the elastomeric membrane. This housing contains the electronic components and provides a controlled interface to the membrane, enabling both functional integration and easy separability for recycling purposes.
2Reliability
If electronic components are embedded in the elastomer material, then integration and functionality are improved, but contamination of elastomer material increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic components are segregated from the elastomeric material by placing them in a separate housing. This prevents contamination of the elastomer while maintaining functional integration through the housing-membrane interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic components are extracted from direct contact with the elastomeric material and placed in a separate housing. This extraction eliminates the contamination issue while preserving the functional benefits of integration through the housing structure.
3Reliability
If conventional electrical plug arrangements are used, then electrical connections are achieved, but sterile cleanliness and ease of cleaning are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane itself serves as a flexible sealing element that provides both mechanical function and electrical connection capability. The evaluation unit is integrated into the membrane structure, eliminating the need for separate plug arrangements and maintaining sterile cleanability.
4Loss of information
If measuring devices are integrated into the membrane, then state variable measurement capability is improved, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor, data memory, and evaluation unit are merged into a single integrated electronic component assembly housed in one housing. This consolidation simplifies production compared to integrating multiple separate measuring devices into the membrane.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
Device for diagnosing a diaphragm of a diaphragm valve or a diaphragm pump comprising a first component consisting of a diaphragm provided in a housing, wherein a part of the diaphragm protrudes from the housing, and a second component consisting of a data storage device, wherein the data storage device is arranged in the diaphragm in such a way that it is expressibly connected.