Variable-Area Rapid-Discharge Valve Prevents Flow Peaking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rapid-discharge-valve structural bodies in diaphragm pumps have a constant communication passage size, limiting the flow rate of air and resulting in flow rate peaking even when the motor's rotational speed increases.
Innovation Solution
A rapid-discharge-valve structural body with a flow rate controller that adjusts the communication passage area based on the supplied gas flow rate, preventing flow rate peaking by allowing gas to flow from the input-side space to the output-side space in accordance with the supplied flow rate and preventing backflow when no gas is supplied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the communication passage size is kept constant, then the device structure is simple, but the flow rate of gas is limited and flow rate peaking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The communication passage is designed with a variable cross-sectional area that changes dynamically along its length, being larger at the inlet side and smaller at the outlet side. This dynamic geometry allows the passage to accommodate varying flow rates without causing peaking, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional area parameter of the communication passage is changed continuously from the inlet to the outlet. This parameter change optimizes the flow characteristics, allowing higher flow rates during pump operation while preventing flow rate peaking, without requiring complex additional components.
2Speed
If the motor rotational speed is increased, then the gas supply speed increases, but flow rate peaking occurs due to the constant communication passage size
Solution Approach 1:
The variable cross-sectional area of the communication passage creates a dynamic flow path that adapts to different operating speeds. At higher motor rotational speeds, the gradually changing area allows smooth gas flow without abrupt expansions that would cause peaking, maintaining flow rate stability across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gradual area reduction in the communication passage acts as a passive feedback mechanism, where the flow rate itself influences the effective passage area. Higher flow rates naturally encounter the tapered section, which provides flow resistance proportional to the flow rate, preventing peaking without requiring active control systems.
3Productivity
If the communication passage area is increased to allow higher flow rates, then flow rate peaking may occur, but if decreased, then the flow rate limit is reached
Solution Approach 1:
The communication passage employs a dynamic cross-sectional area profile that is larger near the inlet to accommodate high flow rates from increased motor speed, then gradually tapers toward the outlet. This dynamic geometry allows the passage to handle higher overall flow rates while the gradual transition prevents abrupt flow expansions that would cause peaking, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful flow characteristics.
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
The flow rate of gas discharged from the discharge passage changes in response to the motor's rotational speed, effectively preventing flow rate peaking and ensuring consistent pressure reduction to atmospheric pressure when the supply is stopped.
Implementation Method 1
a spring 230 for biasing the valve body 220
Implementation Method 2
the communication passage 223 decreases the difference between the internal pressure of the input-side space 214 and that of the output-side space 215
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A rapid-discharge-valve structural body (2) allows air to flow from an input-side space (9A) to an output-side space (9B) in accordance with the flow rate of air to be supplied to a supply passage (101). Accordingly, the flow rate of air to be discharged from a discharge passage (113) also changes. As a consequence, flow rate peaking can be prevented.