Membrane Pump Triangular Valve Layout for Near-Complete Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diaphragm pumps face issues with residual volume and air retention, leading to pulsation and reduced pumping performance due to central inlet chambers and specific outlet/inlet opening arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The diaphragm pump design incorporates two outlet valves and one inlet valve arranged in a triangular configuration within the pump chamber, with one outlet valve positioned in the upper and one in the lower region relative to gravitational acceleration, offsetting the inlet valve for improved emptying and venting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a central inlet chamber is used with concentric outlet chamber arrangement, then the pump structure is simplified, but the residual volume of pumped medium increases and complete emptying becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber is divided into multiple pumping elements (at least two), each with its own inlet and outlet valves arranged in a non-concentric pattern. This segmentation allows each element to be emptied independently, reducing overall residual volume while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet and outlet valves are arranged asymmetrically within the pump chamber, specifically positioned at different radial distances from the center. This asymmetric arrangement creates favorable flow paths that enable complete emptying of the pump chamber, eliminating the residual volume problem associated with concentric designs.
2Device complexity
If outlet openings surround inlet openings or inlet openings surround outlet openings, then valve arrangement is simplified, but air remains in upper pump chambers causing pulsation and reduced performance
Solution Approach 1:
Each pumping element is designed with specific local valve arrangements tailored to its position in the pump chamber. The inlet and outlet valves are positioned at different radial distances from the center, creating localized flow patterns that prevent air trapping in upper regions while maintaining overall arrangement simplicity.
3Productivity
If outlet valves are positioned to improve emptying and venting, then pumping performance increases, but valve design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into multiple independent pumping elements, each with optimized valve positioning. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to overall pumping performance through its specific inlet/outlet valve arrangement, achieving complete emptying and venting without requiring overly complex individual valve designs.
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 arrangement allows for nearly complete emptying and venting of the pump chamber, enhancing pumping stability and performance while simplifying the design.
Implementation Method 1
pump chamber (12), wherein the chamber volume of the pump chamber (12) can be changed periodically by deformation of a diaphragm (6)
Implementation Method 2
one outlet valve (17) is located in an upper region of the pump chamber (12) and the other outlet valve (17) in a lower region relative to gravitational acceleration
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Diaphragm pump with at least one pump chamber, wherein the pump chamber is connected to an inlet chamber via an inlet valve and to an outlet chamber via two outlet valves, wherein the inlet valve has an inlet opening that can be closed by an inlet valve body and the outlet valves each have an outlet opening that can be closed by an outlet valve body, wherein the two outlet valves and the inlet valve form a triangle in a projection onto a projection plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pump chamber.