Air Driven Pump Intake Adjuster for Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air driven diaphragm pumps face challenges in efficiently managing varying demands and achieving optimal flow rates due to limitations in controlling output and exhaust, which affects both efficiency and performance under different operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an intake adjuster with a helical channel and closure element in the air valve, allowing for adjustable restriction of the intake passage, which reduces air pressure and power requirements by controlling the flow rate through a nonlinear pitch configuration, enabling balanced pump flow and efficiency across varying loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pump operates at maximum flow rate, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable intake passage area that can be dynamically adjusted during pump operation. The intake adjuster modifies the intake passage area from a first setting (maximum flow) to a second setting (reduced flow), allowing the pump to adapt its power consumption to match actual productivity requirements rather than operating at constant maximum power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the intake passage area by adjusting the intake adjuster position. This parameter change directly controls the amount of air entering the actuator, thereby controlling the pump's power consumption and flow rate in a continuous manner rather than discrete steps
2Use of energy by moving object
If the intake passage is restricted to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of the intake passage area to match the actual flow requirements. When reduced flow is needed, the intake adjuster restricts the passage area proportionally, reducing power consumption without creating excessive backpressure that would harm efficiency. The adjustment is tailored to the specific operating conditions
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pump is designed for high efficiency operation, then energy efficiency is improved, but adaptability to varying demands decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pump dynamically adaptable by introducing the intake adjuster mechanism. The system can be tuned to different operating points by adjusting the intake passage area, allowing the same pump to operate efficiently across a range of flow rates and viscosity conditions rather than being optimized for a single point
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the intake passage area to achieve both efficiency and adaptability. By varying this parameter, the pump can be optimized for different operating conditions including different viscosities, head pressures, and flow rates, maintaining energy efficiency across varying demands
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 solution allows for efficient reduction in power consumption and improved pump performance by adjusting air flow according to demand, maintaining high efficiency and flow rates while minimizing pressure buildup and exhaust resistance, thus optimizing pump operation under different viscosity and head conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an adjuster controlling flow through the intake passage. The adjuster includes a closure element which adjustably extends into the intake passage of the air valve
Data Source
AI summary
An air driven diaphragm pump includes an performance control actuator having a housing with opposed air chambers. The pump includes pump chambers facing the air chambers and pump diaphragms extending between each air chamber and each pump chamber, respectively. The actuator further includes an air valve, an intake to the air valve and an engagement. The intake includes an intake passage and a performance control intake adjuster rotatably mounted. The intake adjuster has a helical channel and a closure element extending adjustably into the intake passage. The engagement engages the helical channel for control of the intake. The helical channel has varied pitch to provide a nonlinear relationship between rotation and axial advancement of the intake adjuster. The nonlinear relationship gives flow rate proportional to the angular rotation of the intake adjuster. The end points of the channel provide a practical minimum pump performance of about 40% of maximum pump flow rate and a maximum pump performance of about 97% of maximum pump flow rate.