Single-Actuator Diaphragm Pump for Reduced Fluid Pulsation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diaphragm pumps experience fluid pulsation due to the alternating operation of the diaphragm, and the need for multiple actuators increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A diaphragm pump design with two pump chambers and a single actuator, where the diaphragm deforms to alternately expand and contract different pump chambers, ensuring fluid flow in one direction without requiring multiple actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuators are arranged in each pump chamber to reduce pulsation, then fluid supply uniformity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber is divided into a first pump chamber and a second pump chamber that are disposed adjacently. Each chamber has its own check valves but shares a common diaphragm actuated by a single actuator. This segmentation allows continuous fluid discharge by alternating between chambers, reducing pulsation without requiring multiple actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
A single actuator is used to drive the diaphragm that controls both the first and second pump chambers simultaneously. The actuator merges the function of what would traditionally require separate actuators for each chamber, simplifying the device while maintaining the ability to alternately expand and contract both chambers for continuous fluid discharge.
2Device complexity
If a single actuator controls both pump chambers to simplify design, then device complexity is reduced, but achieving continuous fluid flow becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuator operates periodically to alternately expand and contract the first and second pump chambers. During one half-cycle, the first chamber expands while the second contracts, and during the next half-cycle, the roles reverse. This periodic alternating action ensures continuous fluid discharge without interruption, maintaining reliability while using only one actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that while one pump chamber is in the discharge phase, the other is in the suction phase, and vice versa. This continuous alternation of phases between the two chambers eliminates idle time and ensures uninterrupted fluid flow, achieving continuity with a single actuator.
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 configuration reduces fluid pulsation and simplifies the pump design, eliminating the need for multiple actuators and reducing costs while maintaining fluid flow stability.
Implementation Method 1
the diaphragm is displaced convexly in a direction to the first pump chamber, the second pump chamber is configured to expand and the first pump chamber is configured to contract
Implementation Method 2
Because pressure in the pump chamber decreases or increases at this time, an inflow of fluid from the outside of the diaphragm pump to the pump chamber and an outflow of fluid to the outside of the diaphragm pump are repeated
Data Source
AI summary
A diaphragm pump includes an actuator, a diaphragm, and first and second pump chambers and deforms to change a volume of the first pump chamber and a volume of the second pump chamber so that fluid flows. The diaphragm is bonded to a first surface and a second surface of the actuator. When the diaphragm is displaced convexly in a direction to the first pump chamber, the second pump chamber is configured to expand and the first pump chamber is configured to contract so that fluid flows into the second pump chamber and fluid flows out of the first pump chamber. When the diaphragm is displaced convexly in a direction to the second pump chamber, the first pump chamber is configured to expand and the second pump chamber is configured to contract so that fluid flows into the first pump chamber and fluid flows out of the second pump chamber.