Multi-Layer Valve Diaphragm Layout for Static-Dynamic Load Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Diaphragm valves experience wear and failure due to the transition of static and dynamic loads across the valve diaphragm, particularly in areas requiring reliable sealing for corrosive, hazardous, or high-purity fluids.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer diaphragm design with a first layer for sealing and a second layer featuring a bracing section and a functional section separated by a recess or material weakening, allowing for decoupling of static and dynamic loads, reducing friction and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a continuous valve diaphragm is used to ensure reliable sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but wear and failure occur in the transition area between static and dynamic load regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The second diaphragm layer is segmented into a bracing section and a functional section that are at least partially spaced apart from each other. This segmentation allows the bracing section to handle static loads while the functional section handles dynamic loads, preventing wear in the transition area between different load regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the diaphragm are given different structural qualities - the bracing section provides structural support for static loads, while the functional section is designed for dynamic movement. The separating section creates a local quality change that reduces load transfer and contact between these different regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the bracing section and functional section are closely connected to maintain structural integrity, then structural strength is improved, but friction and wear increase due to relative movement during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidfriction and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A separating section acts as an intermediary element between the bracing section and the functional section. This separating section reduces load transfer and minimizes contact between the two regions during operation, thereby reducing friction and wear while maintaining sufficient structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If static and dynamic loads are distributed across the same diaphragm area, then structural continuity is maintained, but load concentration causes premature failure in transition zones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediaphragm continuityVSAvoidresistance to failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The diaphragm structure is segmented into distinct bracing and functional sections that are spaced apart. This segmentation allows static loads and dynamic loads to be distributed to different sections, preventing load concentration in transition zones and reducing the risk of premature failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250389335A1Diaphragm valve, valve diaphragm and diaphragm layer with separating section

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 GEMU GEBR MULLER APP GMBH & CO KGAA

AI summary

A multi-layer valve diaphragm for a diaphragm valve includes a first diaphragm layer configured to contact a process medium and a second diaphragm layer positioned on a dry side of the first layer. The second diaphragm layer includes a bracing section and a functional section that is at least partially surrounded by the bracing section. The bracing section and the functional section are arranged at least partially spaced apart from one another to reduce mechanical coupling between regions subject to static and dynamic stresses. This configuration improves the durability of the valve diaphragm during repeated actuation.