Undulating Diaphragm Pump Frequency Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corrugating diaphragm pumps are not optimized in terms of energy consumption and efficiency, particularly in applications like aircraft gray water management and fuel circulation, where the resonance frequency of the pump membrane often differs from the power supply frequency, leading to suboptimal operation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for controlling the undulating diaphragm pump by adjusting the frequency and electrical supply voltage of the actuating means based on determined operating parameters to match the resonance frequency of the pump and fluid, using a control unit to regulate and optimize the operation for reduced energy consumption and increased efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the actuating means are supplied with a fixed frequency voltage to operate the undulating diaphragm pump, then the pump can maintain stable operation, but the energy consumption is high and efficiency is low when the operating frequency does not match the resonance frequency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the operating frequency adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the frequency of the actuating means to match the resonance frequency of the diaphragm pump, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining stable operation. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its frequency based on operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the actuating means based on the determined resonance frequency of the pump. By adjusting this key parameter, the system achieves optimal energy efficiency without requiring a completely complex control system, thus resolving the contradiction between energy loss and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the actuating means operate at a fixed power level, then the pump structure can be simplified, but the pump cannot adapt to different operating conditions and application requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to operating conditionsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the power level of the actuating means dynamically adjustable through the control unit. This allows the pump to adapt to different operating conditions and application requirements while keeping the control system relatively simple, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power parameter of the actuating means based on determined operating conditions. By adjusting this parameter, the system achieves versatility across different applications without significantly increasing device complexity, resolving the contradiction effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the pump operates without frequency adjustment to match resonance frequency, then the device complexity is low, but the efficiency and energy consumption are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump efficiencyVSAvoidfrequency control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by determining the resonance frequency of the pump and using this information to adjust the operating frequency of the actuating means. This feedback mechanism improves pump efficiency by ensuring operation at or near the resonance frequency, while the control remains relatively simple, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes mechanical vibration principles by operating the diaphragm pump at its resonance frequency. This maximizes the efficiency of the pumping action while requiring minimal additional control complexity, effectively resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 approach allows the corrugating diaphragm pump to operate at optimal energy efficiency and desired operating levels by aligning the oscillation frequency with the resonance frequency, improving overall performance and adaptability to specific applications.

Implementation Method 1

actuating means being supplied electrically according to a given frequency or voltage to make the undulating membrane oscillate and undulate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the frequency and/or the electrical supply voltage of the actuating means as a function of at least one operating parameter... to match the resonance frequency of the pump and fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3279475B1Method for operating an undulating-membrane pump, and system for operating an undulating-membrane pump
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 ZODIAC AEROTECHNICS
  • EP3279475B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3279475B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(C)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a corrugated diaphragm pump (2) comprising a corrugated diaphragm (7) and actuation means (9) for the corrugated diaphragm (7) electrically powered at a given frequency or voltage to cause the corrugated diaphragm (7) to oscillate and undulate. According to the invention, the method consists of varying the frequency and/or voltage of the electrical supply to the actuation means (9) as a function of at least one previously determined operating parameter of the corrugated diaphragm pump (2).