Undulating-Membrane Circulator Edge Guide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Undulating-membrane fluid circulators suffer from reduced hydraulic power due to transverse fluid movements at the edges of the membrane, which compromise the pressure differential and propulsion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating fluid guiding means, such as baffles, near the edges of the membrane to direct fluid flow parallel to the membrane's displacement, eliminating transverse flows and maintaining a high pressure differential across the membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fluid circulator uses undulating membrane without guiding means, then structure is simpler, but transverse fluid movements reduce pressure differential and propulsion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guiding means (baffles or guide walls) as intermediary elements in the propulsion chamber. These guiding means mediate between the membrane's undulating motion and the fluid, directing fluid flow parallel to the membrane displacement and preventing transverse movements that would reduce pressure differential. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by adding minimal complexity to maintain high hydraulic power.
2Power
If fluid guiding means are added near membrane edges, then pressure differential and propulsion efficiency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding means are placed locally only near the edges of the membrane where transverse fluid movements occur, rather than throughout the entire propulsion chamber. This localized approach addresses the specific problem area (edge effects) without unnecessarily complicating the overall structure, thus improving hydraulic power while minimizing added complexity.
3Productivity
If transverse fluid movements occur at membrane edges, then fluid flow is more flexible, but pressure differential decreases and propulsion force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding means divide the propulsion chamber into distinct flow regions, segmenting the fluid flow path. By creating separate zones for parallel flow near the membrane and preventing transverse mixing at the edges, the segmentation maintains pressure differential and propulsion force while still allowing overall fluid flexibility through the chamber.
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 enhances hydraulic power by promoting laminar flows and reducing turbulence, thereby improving fluid propulsion efficiency across the entire membrane surface.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable membrane paired with a drive means for generating an undulating movement of the membrane between the upstream and downstream edges thereof, the undulating membrane being capable of moving a fluid towards the discharge port
Implementation Method 2
making it possible to channel the fluid flow in a direction substantially parallel to the displacement of the wave along the membrane... promoting laminar flows and reducing turbulence
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an undulating-membrane fluid circulator having an intake port (3), a pump housing (4) delimiting a propulsion chamber (5), a discharge port (6), and an undulating membrane (2) paired with a drive means permitting an undulating movement of the membrane (2) between the upstream (8) and downstream (9) edges thereof, the undulating membrane (2) being capable of moving a fluid towards the discharge port (6). According to the invention, the circulator further comprises at least one means (7) for guiding the fluid, said means being disposed in the fluid propulsion chamber (5) near one of the edges (8, 9) of the undulating membrane (2) and making it possible to channel the fluid flow in a direction substantially parallel to the displacement of the wave along the membrane (2).