Offset Support Sections for Diaphragm Wall Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-volume large diaphragms in diaphragm pumps tend to fail prematurely due to distress mechanisms such as alternating stresses and abrasion, with existing reinforcements either failing to extend or reduce the service life, limiting operation to less than 600 hours.
Innovation Solution
A high-volume large diaphragm with geometrically enhanced reinforcement features a hat-shaped structure and vertically offset circumferential support sections, increasing wall thickness and stability, and using thermoplastic elastomer materials like Santoprene ™ TPV to optimize resistance to cyclic stresses and abrasion, ensuring extended service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the wall thickness is increased to withstand alternating stresses, then the strength and durability are improved, but the stress concentrations at the interface of wall surfaces and support sections increase, leading to crack formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating support sections with different thicknesses at specific locations on the diaphragm wall. The support sections have a first thickness at the interface with wall surfaces and a second, greater thickness at the center, providing localized reinforcement exactly where needed to withstand alternating stresses without uniformly thickening the entire wall and creating excessive stress concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional wall surface to a three-dimensional support section structure by extending the support sections through the wall thickness. This dimensional change allows the support sections to protrude into the diaphragm chamber, creating a geometric configuration that distributes stresses more effectively and reduces stress concentrations at the wall interface.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional reinforcements are added to extend service life, then the structural support is improved, but the service life is reduced due to excessive stress concentrations and crack formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the reinforcement structure. The support sections have specific thickness ratios (first thickness at interface, second greater thickness at center) and are positioned at predetermined locations, creating optimal stress distribution parameters that extend service life without compromising reliability. The geometric configuration parameters are carefully controlled to prevent crack formation.
3Loss of substance
If the diaphragm wall is made thinner to reduce material usage, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the resistance to alternating stresses and abrasion is insufficient, leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the diaphragm wall into distinct regions: thin-walled sections for material efficiency and support sections with increased thickness for stress resistance. The support sections are segmented into multiple predetermined locations around the diaphragm chamber, providing reinforcement only where alternating stresses and abrasion are most severe, rather than uniformly thickening the entire wall.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple support sections are added to enhance reinforcement, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the support sections as a single molded feature within the diaphragm wall structure. The support sections are formed as continuous or substantially continuous circumferential structures that are monolithically integrated with the wall, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining enhanced stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention is a high-volume large diaphragm (5) which provides a pair of support sections (10a,10b) specially configured to withstand the stresses implemented by an eccentrically actuated pushrod diaphragm pump. The pair of support sections is comprised of an interior support section (10b) and an exterior support section (10a) that are vertically offset relative to each other's placement on the wall (20) of the high-volume large diaphragm. It is additionally anticipated that more than one pair of offset interior and exterior support sections can be provided on high-volume large diaphragms with significantly greater wall height.