Membrane Pump Axial Offset and Internal Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diaphragm pumps require a large amount of space and are prone to leakage due to external connections between hoses or lines and membrane heads, which complicates their design and manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

The connections for inlets and outlets are routed inside the pump housing, with connecting rods and membranes offset axially, allowing inlet and outlet valves to be arranged next to the membranes in the same plane, eliminating the need for external lines and reducing the risk of leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If external hose or line connections are used to interconnect working spaces, then the pump can be designed with simpler internal structure, but the space requirement increases and leakage risk increases due to multiple connection points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal structure complexityVSAvoidleakage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple separate connection points into a single integrated connection piece located inside the housing. This connection piece simultaneously connects to multiple working spaces, eliminating the need for external hoses and multiple external connection points, thereby reducing leakage risk while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from external connections (outside the housing) to internal connections (inside the housing). By routing connections through the internal space and using a connection piece positioned within the housing, the system moves the connection functionality to a different spatial dimension, reducing external leakage points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If connecting rods are arranged in the same plane on a common eccentric, then the mechanical structure is simpler, but the pump requires more space due to the planar arrangement of membranes and connection lines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical structure simplicityVSAvoidpump housing volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. By positioning connecting rods at different axial levels on the eccentric shaft and using a three-dimensional connection piece that extends across multiple levels, the design utilizes the third dimension (axial direction) to reduce the pump's overall footprint while maintaining mechanical simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested arrangement where the connection piece is positioned within the housing and extends across multiple axial levels, with membranes at different levels interconnected through this internal structure. This nested configuration allows components to be arranged in space rather than just in plane, reducing the required volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This design reduces the space required for the pump and minimizes the risk of leaks by integrating valve connections within the housing, enabling a more compact and efficient diaphragm pump configuration.

Implementation Method 1

the connecting rods being arranged on one or a common eccentric or crankshaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP1898092B1Membrane pump with at least two membranes arranged on different levels
Publication Date: 2010.07.14 KNF NEUBERGER
  • EP1898092B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1898092B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The diaphragm pump has a housing and two diaphragms (4) loaded by a piston rod (3) and arranged in different levels. The piston rods are arranged at a common eccentric shaft or crankshaft and oriented towards different directions. The diaphragms limit work areas (7) within the housing. The diaphragms are moved relative to each other in axial direction at same value as the piston rods at the places turned away from each other. The inlet and outlet valves (9,10) are arranged near the diaphragms in the area formed by the diaplacement.