Membrane Pump Radial Stretching for Stroke Extension and Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Membrane pumps used in medical ventilation monitoring and gas analysis are limited by their design, which restricts elastic behavior, stroke length, and maximum pressure, leading to noise, mechanical vibrations, and reduced fatigue life, affecting measurement accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A membrane pump design featuring a pump housing with an enlarged surface and a membrane element that can radially move and stretch, allowing for a longer stroke and reduced fatigue stress, while a thicker central section decelerates the pump stroke progressively, minimizing vibrations and increasing pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a flat membrane with fixed edges is used in a conventional pump chamber, then the pump structure is simple and compact, but the membrane elasticity is limited, stroke length is restricted, and fatigue life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into a fixed central portion (first portion) and a movable peripheral portion (second portion). The fixed portion maintains structural stability while the movable portion extends radially outward to provide enhanced elasticity and extended stroke length, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and membrane durability
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane design transitions from a traditional planar configuration to a three-dimensional structure with the second portion extending radially outward beyond the pump chamber walls. This dimensional extension increases the effective membrane area and elasticity without complicating the overall pump structure
2Length of moving object
If the membrane area is increased to extend stroke length, then the pump can achieve longer stroke, but the pump pressure decreases since pressure is defined by pump force divided by area
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is segmented into a first portion within the pump chamber and a second portion extending beyond the chamber walls. Only the first portion contributes to pressure generation while the second portion provides stroke extension, allowing independent optimization of pressure and stroke length
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the membrane have different functional qualities: the first portion is optimized for pressure generation within the chamber, while the second portion is optimized for stroke extension beyond the chamber. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve both long stroke and high pressure
3Device complexity
If a flat membrane meets a concave or flat surface of the pump chamber, then the pump chamber structure is simple, but noise is generated and mechanical vibrations occur due to instant stop of pump stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The second portion of the membrane extends radially outward beyond the pump chamber walls beforehand, creating a cushioning effect that allows the membrane to decelerate gradually as it approaches the chamber surface. This prevents sudden stops and reduces noise and vibrations without complicating the chamber structure
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 design achieves a longer pump stroke with reduced fatigue, lower vibrations, and increased pressure, enhancing measurement accuracy and reliability by effectively utilizing available pump force and extending membrane life.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of the membrane element is slidably clamped between the enlarged surface and the second pump house member in such a way that the clamped portion is allowed to move radially and to stretch when a force is applied
Implementation Method 2
a thicker central section decelerates the pump stroke progressively, minimizing vibrations and increasing pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A pump comprising a pump housing member having a chamber with inner walls and an open end having a first area, the pump housing member comprises an enlarged surface surrounding the open end of the chamber. The pump further comprises a second pump housing member and a membrane element with a second area. The membrane element has a first central section having a third area with same size as the first area of the open end of the chamber. The membrane element is arranged on the pump housing element with the first central section positioned over the open end, forming a sealed chamber. A portion of the membrane element is slidably clamped between the enlarged surface and the second pump housing member.