Membrane Pump Pressure Measurement via Spring Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional membrane pumping systems require separate pressure detectors, which increase bulk, power consumption, and hinder miniaturization, and existing solutions cannot measure pressure in a vessel when the pump is not actively pumping.
Innovation Solution
A membrane pump system using a spring to move the membrane between end positions, with sensing means to generate measuring values for processing to determine pressure values in the vessel, allowing pressure measurement during both pumping and non-pumping operations, and utilizing a flat spring for reproducible stiffness and optical sensors for accurate location detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate pressure detector is provided in the pumping system, then pressure measurement capability is improved, but system bulk increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure measurement function is merged with the existing membrane structure. The membrane serves dual purposes: as the pumping element and as the sensing element. By detecting the position of the membrane (which directly reflects pressure conditions), the system eliminates the need for a separate pressure detector, thereby reducing system bulk while maintaining pressure measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the pumping membrane that creates pressure differentials and the sensing element that detects pressure conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain accurate pressure measurement without adding separate detection components, thus avoiding increased system bulk.
2Measurement precision
If a separate pressure detector is provided in the pumping system, then pressure measurement capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing function is combined with the membrane structure itself. Since the membrane's position naturally indicates pressure conditions, no separate power-consuming detection system is needed. The existing actuation and control circuits can be used to detect membrane position, thereby maintaining pressure measurement capability while minimizing additional power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane serves itself as both the actuating element and the sensing element. Its physical displacement under pressure directly provides the measurement signal, eliminating the need for separate powered sensors. This self-service approach reduces power consumption while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensing is based on membrane acceleration during pumping, then pressure measurement is achieved, but measurement is only possible when the pump is actively pumping
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the membrane position at all times, not just during active pumping phases. By maintaining continuous awareness of membrane position, the system can determine pressure conditions whether the pump is actively pumping or in standby mode, thereby improving measurement availability and system adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure measurement function operates continuously through continuous monitoring of membrane position, rather than only during discrete pumping cycles. This continuous action ensures pressure information is always available, enabling the system to respond appropriately whether pumping or maintaining pressure within a desired interval.
4Force
If the membrane is moved by electromagnetic means alone, then pumping force is provided, but integrated pressure measurement during non-pumping operation is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuation system is integrated with the sensing function. The same electromagnetic circuits used to drive the membrane are utilized to detect its position, enabling pressure measurement without requiring separate sensing hardware. This merging allows pressure measurement capability to be maintained whether the pump is actively pumping or in non-pumping operation.
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
Enables simple and reliable pressure measurement in a vessel connected to the pump, reducing system bulk and power consumption while allowing pressure maintenance within a desired interval without continuous pumping.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane of the membrane pump is movable by an actuating member in a first direction from a first end position to a second end position against the action of a spring and in the opposite direction from the second end position to the first end position under the action of the spring
Implementation Method 2
sensing means for generating a measuring value representing the location of said first end position of the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A pumping system comprising a membrane pump (1) for pumping a medium into or out of a vessel (6), the membrane pump comprising an actuating member (13) for moving a membrane (3) in a first direction from a first end position to a second end position against the action of a spring (12), the membrane being movable in the opposite direction from the second end position to the first end position under the action of the spring. The pumping system comprises sensing means (14) for generating a measuring value representing the location of said first end position of the membrane (3), and processing means (17) for establishing a pressure value representing the pressure inside a vessel (6) connected to an inlet (5) or outlet (24) of a pump chamber (4), the processing means (17) being adapted to establish said pressure value based on said measuring value.