Self-Locking Membrane Connection for Torque-Proof Pump Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane pumps face challenges in securely connecting membranes, particularly PTFE membranes, to the drive shaft due to difficulties in forming stable adhesive or weld bonds, leading to potential detachment during membrane replacement and limited usability in pumps with limited installation space.
Innovation Solution
A membrane system with a threaded socket, thrust ring, and thrust plate design, featuring different thread pitches and directions, ensures a torque-resistant connection by using adhesive or other means to connect the thrust plate to the thrust ring, preventing detachment during membrane replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive or weld bonds are used to connect the membrane to the drive shaft, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficulties in forming stable bonds with PTFE membranes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adhesive or weld bonds with a mechanical screw connection system. The thrust plate with external thread engages with the threaded socket in the membrane, providing a purely mechanical connection that avoids the manufacturing difficulties of forming stable adhesive or weld bonds with PTFE membranes. This mechanical substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving both strong connection and ease of manufacture.
2Ease of operation
If a detachable screw connection is used between the drive shaft and membrane, then the ease of operation is improved for membrane replacement, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential unintentional loosening during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thread locking compound to the screw threads before assembly, which is a preliminary action taken during manufacturing. This locking compound prevents unintentional loosening during operation while maintaining the detachable nature of the connection for membrane replacement. The preliminary application of the locking agent resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliability without sacrificing ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the membrane connection system is designed for secure attachment, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components needed for torque-resistant connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the thrust plate component: it provides the external thread for screwing to the drive shaft, the connecting portion for torque-resistant connection to the membrane, and the structural element for transmitting oscillating motion. This merging of functions into a single component achieves reliable connection while minimizing device complexity.
4Ease of repair
If the thrust plate is made detachable from the drive shaft, then the ease of repair is improved for membrane replacement, but the loss of substance increases due to potential detachment and remaining on the drive shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thread locking compound to the screw threads before assembly, which prevents the thrust plate from detaching and remaining on the drive shaft during membrane replacement. This preliminary locking action ensures that the thrust plate remains securely attached while still allowing intentional detachment for repair, resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and prevention of loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane system comprising a membrane and connecting elements for connecting the membrane to a membrane pump for conveying a fluid, which membrane pump has a drive shaft designed for an oscillating translatory movement perpendicular to the plane of the membrane during operation of the membrane pump and has an external thread at an end portion for engagement with the membrane system by screwing. To ensure a secure and torque-proof connection between the membrane and the connecting element to be screwed to a drive shaft, the connecting elements comprise a threaded socket, a thrust ring and a thrust plate.