Non-Contact Bellows Cylinder for Friction-Free Fluid Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reciprocating piston pumps face issues with frequent consumable replacement due to friction, reduced longevity, increased operational costs, and contamination risks, especially when handling medical or chemical fluids, necessitating a solution that enhances durability and longevity while minimizing contact resistance.
Innovation Solution
A volume control actuator featuring a non-contact rubber cylinder with expanding and contracting bellows, connected via upper and lower joints, allows for fluid flow without contact resistance, integrated with a check valve and installation frame, improving durability and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reciprocating piston pump uses a sealing member to prevent liquid leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but friction and wear increase leading to frequent consumable replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sealing system (piston and sealing member contact) with a bellows-based flexible membrane system. The bellows expands and contracts to displace fluid without requiring sliding contact, thereby eliminating friction and wear while maintaining sealing performance through the flexible membrane structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a bellows made of flexible material that can expand and contract to accommodate fluid volume changes. This flexible shell structure provides sealing without contact friction, as the bellows deforms elastically to push fluid through the pump body without requiring sliding seals between moving parts.
2Reliability
If consumables are replaced frequently to maintain performance, then operational reliability is maintained, but operational interruptions and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wear-prone consumable sealing components with a durable flexible bellows system that has no sliding contacts. This substitution eliminates the need for frequent consumable replacement while maintaining sealing performance, thereby reducing operational interruptions and extending maintenance intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for disposable sealing members by using a reusable flexible bellows structure. The bellows can undergo repeated expansion and contraction cycles without degradation from friction, transforming a consumable component into a durable long-lasting component.
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 non-contact volume control actuator effectively extends the lifespan of consumables, reduces operational interruptions, and maintains fluid purity by eliminating contact friction, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a rubber cylinder having both ends fixed to a top surface of the installation plate and one end of the reciprocating rod, wherein the rubber cylinder is provided in the first installation space so that the volume of the rubber cylinder changes in an expanding and contracting manner in response to the stroking of the reciprocating rod
Data Source
AI summary
A volume control actuator including a non-contact cylinder. An installation frame has a predetermined height and size. First and second installation spaces are defined in upper and lower portions of the installation frame, respectively. A pressing unit is vertically disposed on top of the installation frame to move a reciprocating rod in the first installation space reciprocating stroke movements. A fluid pipe is provided in the second installation space and connected to an installation plate to obtain a path through which fluid flows. Both ends of a rubber cylinder are fixed to a top surface of the installation plate and one end of the reciprocating rod. The rubber cylinder is provided in the first installation space so that the volume of the rubber cylinder changes in an expanding and contracting manner in response to the stroking of the reciprocating rod, thereby causing fluid in the fluid pipe to flow.