Fluid drive and method of driving

Abstract

This invention relates to a fluid driving device and driving method. The fluid driving device includes: a pipe assembly, a first part of which has an inlet and a third part of which has an outlet; a valve assembly including a first valve and a second valve, both of which are fixedly connected to the pipe assembly. The first valve is installed between the first and second parts of the pipe assembly, and the second valve is installed between the second and third parts of the pipe assembly. In a first state, the second part of the pipe assembly can be elastically deformed by external force, opening the second valve and closing the first valve. In a second state, the second part of the pipe assembly can move in the opposite direction when the external force disappears, opening the first valve and closing the second valve. The first and second states alternate. This fluid driving device does not require a specially designed pump chamber, has a simpler overall structure, and reduces manufacturing difficulty and cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microfluidics, and in particular to fluid drive devices and drive methods. Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidic actuation, as a crucial component of microfluidic systems, has wide applications in chemical analysis, biomedicine, tissue engineering, mechanical control, and microdevice cooling. Current microfluidic actuation devices are mainly divided into non-mechanical and mechanical types, with mechanical devices being more favored due to their superior stability and faster response speed. However, many mechanical microfluidic actuation devices have complex structures, requiring the fabrication of pump chambers with specific shapes, resulting in higher manufacturing difficulty and costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, the present invention proposes a fluid drive device that does not require a specially designed pump chamber, has a simpler overall structure, and reduces manufacturing difficulty and cost.

[0004] Fluid drive device, including:

[0005] A pipe assembly, the interior of which is hollow, the pipe assembly includes a first part, a second part and a third part of the pipe assembly distributed sequentially along the length direction, and the outer end of the first part of the pipe assembly is provided with an inlet and the outer end of the third part of the pipe assembly is provided with an outlet.

[0006] A valve assembly, comprising a first valve and a second valve, both the first valve and the second valve being fixedly connected to the pipeline assembly, the first valve being installed between a first part and a second part of the pipeline assembly, and the second valve being installed between a second part and a third part of the pipeline assembly;

[0007] In the first state, the second part of the pipe assembly can be squeezed by an external force and undergo elastic deformation, increasing the pressure on the inflow side of the second valve and the pressure on the outflow side of the first valve, so that the second valve opens and the first valve closes.

[0008] In the second state, the second part of the pipeline assembly can move in the opposite direction when the external force disappears, and the pressure on the outflow side of the first valve and the pressure on the inflow side of the second valve decrease, so that the first valve opens and the second valve closes, and the first state and the second state alternate.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first part, the second part, and the third part of the pipe assembly are integrated, and the first valve and the second valve are both installed inside the pipe assembly. The first valve is located at the connection between the first part and the second part of the pipe assembly, and the second valve is located at the connection between the second part and the third part of the pipe assembly.

[0010] In one embodiment, the inlet end of the second part of the pipe assembly is provided with at least two first parts of the pipe assembly, and / or the outlet end of the second part of the pipe assembly is provided with at least two third parts of the pipe assembly.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first part, the second part, and the third part of the pipe assembly are spaced apart along the length direction, the first part and the second part of the pipe assembly are connected by the first valve, and the second part and the third part of the pipe assembly are connected by the second valve.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first part and the second part of the pipe assembly are detachably connected to both ends of the first valve, and the second part and the third part of the pipe assembly are detachably connected to both ends of the second valve.

[0013] In one embodiment, both the first valve and the second valve include a first housing, a second housing, and a valve body. The first housing and the second housing are detachably connected. The valve body is installed in the mounting cavity defined by the first housing and the second housing. The first housing has a first connecting member extending outward at one end away from the second housing, and the second housing has a second connecting member extending outward at one end away from the first housing. Both the first connecting member and the second connecting member are hollow inside and communicate with the mounting cavity.

[0014] The first connector is used to insert into the first part of the pipe assembly, and the second connector is used to insert into the second part of the pipe assembly. Both the first connector and the second connector include a radially protruding portion, and the radial dimension of the protrusion gradually decreases in the length direction away from the valve body.

[0015] In one embodiment, the valve body includes a fixing part and an opening and closing part, the fixing part being snapped between the first housing and the second housing, the opening and closing part being elastic, and at least a portion of the opening and closing part being rotatable relative to the fixing part;

[0016] In its natural state, the opening and closing part seals the mounting cavity; when the pressure on the inflow side increases to a preset level, the opening and closing part rotates relative to the fixing part to open the mounting cavity.

[0017] In one embodiment, the valve body includes at least two of the opening and closing portions; in its natural state, the ends of the plurality of opening and closing portions away from the fixed portion abut against each other to block the mounting cavity; when the pressure on the inflow side increases to a preset level, the ends of the plurality of opening and closing portions away from the fixed portion rotate radially outward to separate.

[0018] In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the second portion of the pipe assembly is greater than the inner diameters of the first portion and the third portion of the pipe assembly.

[0019] In the aforementioned fluid-driven device, a first valve is installed between the first and second parts of the pipe assembly, and a second valve is installed between the second and third parts of the pipe assembly. In the first state, the second part of the pipe assembly can be elastically deformed by external force, at which point the second valve opens and the first valve closes. Fluid previously accumulated in the second part of the pipe assembly can flow from the second part to the third part and then out through the outlet. Simultaneously, fluid flowing in from the inlet is blocked by the first valve and continuously accumulates in the first part of the pipe assembly. In the second state, the second part of the pipe assembly can move in the opposite direction when the external force disappears. At this point, the first valve opens and the second valve closes, allowing fluid previously accumulated in the first part of the pipe assembly to flow into the second part. As the first and second states continuously switch, fluid can intermittently flow out through the outlet. In this fluid-driven device, the valve assembly and the pipe assembly are two independent components. The valve assembly only needs to be fixedly connected to the pipe assembly, eliminating the need for a specially shaped pump chamber as in conventional methods. Therefore, the overall structure is simpler, and the manufacturing difficulty and cost are lower.

[0020] The present invention also proposes a fluid driving method based on the above-mentioned fluid driving device, comprising the following steps:

[0021] S10 introduces fluid from the inlet into the first part of the pipe assembly;

[0022] S20 Press the second part of the pipe assembly to close the first valve and open the second valve;

[0023] S30 stops pressing the second part of the pipe assembly to open the first valve and close the second valve;

[0024] S40 cycles through S20 and S30.

[0025] The aforementioned fluid drive method, by using the aforementioned fluid drive device, reduces the manufacturing difficulty and cost of implementing the fluid drive method. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a fluid drive device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the fluid drive device in its first state.

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the fluid drive device in its second state;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the fluid drive device returning to its first state;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a fluid drive device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a fluid drive device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fluid drive device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a fluid drive device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a fluid drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0036] Figure label:

[0037] Pipe assembly first part 100, inlet 110;

[0038] Piping assembly, part two, 200;

[0039] Pipe assembly, part 300, outlet 310;

[0040] First valve 400, first housing 410, first connector 411, protrusion 4111, second housing 420, second connector 421, mounting cavity 430, valve body 440, fixing part 441, opening and closing part 442;

[0041] Second valve 500. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0044] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0045] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0047] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0048] See Figure 1 and Figure 9 An embodiment of the present invention provides a fluid driving device including a pipe assembly and a valve assembly. The pipe assembly is hollow and includes a first part 100, a second part 200, and a third part 300 arranged sequentially along its length. The outer end of the first part 100 is provided with an inlet 110 for fluid to flow into the pipe assembly, and the outer end of the third part 300 is provided with an outlet 310 for fluid to flow out of the pipe assembly. The valve assembly includes a first valve 400 and a second valve 500, both of which are fixedly connected to the pipe assembly. The first valve 400 is installed between the first part 100 and the second part 200, and the second valve 500 is installed between the second part 200 and the third part 300. (See reference...) Figures 1 to 4 In the first state, the second part 200 of the pipe assembly can be squeezed by external force and undergo elastic deformation, increasing the pressure on the inflow side of the second valve 500 and the pressure on the outflow side of the first valve 400, so that the second valve 500 opens and the first valve 400 closes. In the second state, the second part 200 of the pipe assembly can move in the opposite direction when the external force disappears, decreasing the pressure on the outflow side of the first valve 400 and the pressure on the inflow side of the second valve 500, so that the first valve 400 opens and the second valve 500 closes. The first state and the second state alternate.

[0049] See Figure 2In the first state, the second part 200 of the pipe assembly can be elastically deformed by external force, reducing its volume and increasing its pressure. Specifically, the pressure on the inflow side of the second valve 500 and the pressure on the outflow side of the first valve 400 both increase, causing the second valve 500 to open and the first valve 400 to close. Fluid previously accumulated in the second part 200 of the pipe assembly can then flow from the second part 200 into the third part 300 of the pipe assembly, and then out through the outlet 310. Simultaneously, fluid flowing in from the inlet 110 is blocked by the first valve 400 and continuously accumulates within the first part 100 of the pipe assembly. In the second state, the second part 200 of the pipe assembly can move in the opposite direction when the external force disappears. The volume inside the second part 200 of the pipe assembly increases to its original state, and the pressure decreases compared to the first state. That is, the pressure on the inflow side of the second valve 500 and the pressure on the outflow side of the first valve 400 both decrease. At this time, the first valve 400 opens and the second valve 500 closes, allowing the fluid previously accumulated in the first part 100 of the pipe assembly to flow into the second part 200 of the pipe assembly. By intermittently squeezing the second part 200 of the pipe assembly, the first and second states are continuously switched, and the fluid can intermittently flow out from the outlet 310. In this fluid drive device, the valve assembly and the pipe assembly are two independent components. It is only necessary to manufacture the valve assembly and the pipe assembly separately and fix them together. Unlike conventional methods, there is no need to specially design a pump chamber of a specific shape. Therefore, the overall structure is simpler, and the manufacturing difficulty and cost are also lower.

[0050] Specifically, the external force applied to the second part 200 of the pipe assembly can be achieved through various means such as vibration motor, linear motor, electromagnetic drive, electrostatic drive, pneumatic drive, shape memory alloy drive, or it can be directly pressed manually.

[0051] See Figures 1 to 4In some embodiments, the first part 100, the second part 200, and the third part 300 of the pipe assembly are integrated. The first valve 400 and the second valve 500 are both installed inside the pipe assembly. The first valve 400 is located at the connection between the first part 100 and the second part 200, and the second valve 500 is located at the connection between the second part 200 and the third part 300. Specifically, a single conduit is directly selected as the pipe assembly. The first part 100, the second part 200, and the third part 300 are three regions sequentially distributed along the length of the conduit. In the first state, an external force acts on the region where the second part 200 of the pipe assembly is located, causing it to deform elastically inward in a radial direction. In the second state, the external force applied to the region where the second part 200 of the pipe assembly is located disappears, and the region where the second part 200 of the pipe assembly rebounds in the opposite direction. In this embodiment, the entire pipeline assembly uses only one conduit. Therefore, only a standard-sized conduit, a first valve 400, and a second valve 500 are needed, and these two valves are installed inside the conduit. Compared to designing and manufacturing a pump chamber with a specific shape, the number of structural components in this embodiment is small, and their shapes are simple, resulting in lower manufacturing difficulty and cost. Specifically, the first valve 400 and the second valve 500 can be interference-fitted with the conduit, or they can be snapped onto the conduit, or they can be bonded or welded to the conduit. Of course, other similar fixing methods are also possible besides those mentioned above.

[0052] Preferably, in some embodiments, the pipe assembly is selected as a flexible hose, and the pipe assembly is in the form of... Figures 5 to 7 The diagram shows extensions of similar shapes such as "U," "S," "O," "W," or "M." Specifically, the pipe assembly can be made of materials such as silicone or rubber, ensuring a certain degree of elasticity while allowing for free bending to achieve different shapes. When using a flexible hose as the pipe assembly, the fluid drive device is easier to install in confined spaces and easier to store. For example, to install the fluid drive device in some narrow spaces, simply bend the hose and insert it into the space.

[0053] See Figures 9 to 10In some embodiments, the first part 100, the second part 200, and the third part 300 of the pipe assembly are spaced apart along their length. The first part 100 and the second part 200 are connected by a first valve 400, and the second part 200 and the third part 300 are connected by a second valve 500. That is, the first part 100 and the second part 200 are respectively connected to the two ends of the first valve 400, and the second part 200 and the third part 300 are respectively connected to the two ends of the second valve 500. In this embodiment, the first part 100, the second part 200, and the third part 300 are three independent pipes, and the first valve 400 and the second valve 500 are external to the pipe assembly. Therefore, it is only necessary to manufacture three pipes and two valves separately, and connect adjacent pipes with corresponding valves. Since the valves are external to the pipe assembly, assembling the valves to the pipes is less difficult.

[0054] Preferably, in some embodiments, the first part 100 and the second part 200 of the pipe assembly are detachably connected to both ends of the first valve 400, and the second part 200 and the third part 300 of the pipe assembly are detachably connected to both ends of the second valve 500. When a detachable connection is used, if any component is damaged, only that component needs to be removed and replaced, without replacing the entire fluid drive device, which can reduce waste and lower operating costs. Furthermore, the second part 200 of the pipe assembly with different inner diameters can be replaced according to usage needs to obtain different driving forces. The replacement of the second part 200 of the pipe assembly with different inner diameters will be described in detail in subsequent embodiments.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first portion 100 and the second portion 200 of the pipe assembly are snap-fitted to both ends of the first valve 400, and the second portion 200 and the third portion 300 of the pipe assembly are snap-fitted to both ends of the second valve 500. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first portion 100 and the second portion 200 of the pipe assembly are interference-fitted to both ends of the first valve 400, and the second portion 200 and the third portion 300 of the pipe assembly are interference-fitted to both ends of the second valve 500. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first portion 100 and the second portion 200 of the pipe assembly are threaded to both ends of the first valve 400, and the second portion 200 and the third portion 300 of the pipe assembly are threaded to both ends of the second valve 500. Of course, in addition to the methods listed above, other conventional detachable connection methods are also possible.

[0056] In some embodiments, both the first valve 400 and the second valve 500 include a first housing 410, a second housing 420, and a valve body 440. The first housing 410 and the second housing 420 are detachably connected. The valve body 440 is installed within a mounting cavity 430 defined by the first housing 410 and the second housing 420. A first connecting member 411 protruding outward is provided at one end of the first housing 410 away from the second housing 420, and a second connecting member 421 protruding outward is provided at one end of the second housing 420 away from the first housing 410. Both the first connecting member 411 and the second connecting member 421 are hollow internally and communicate with the mounting cavity 430. Because the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 are detachably connected, and the valve body 440 is installed within the mounting cavity 430, if the valve body 440 malfunctions or fails, it can be easily replaced simply by disassembling the housing, without requiring the entire valve to be replaced. In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the first valve 400 and the second valve 500 have the same structure. Therefore, in the following embodiments, the specific structure will be described using the first valve 400 as an example. However, it should be noted that the identical structure of the first valve 400 and the second valve 500 is only one implementation method and not the only option.

[0057] Specifically, the first housing 410 is hollow inside, and its end near the second housing 420 is open. The second housing 420 is also hollow inside, and its end near the first housing 410 is open. After the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 are connected, their hollow interiors communicate to form a mounting cavity 430. The first housing 410 and the second housing 420 can be fixedly connected by threaded fasteners, or by snap-fit, or by other conventional detachable connection structures. The first connector 411 extending from the first housing 410 can be connected to the first part 100 of the pipe assembly, and the second connector 421 extending from the second housing 420 can be connected to the second part 200 of the pipe assembly. Since both the first connector 411 and the second connector 421 are hollow inside and communicate with the mounting cavity 430, when the first valve 400 is opened, the fluid in the first part 100 of the pipe assembly can flow into the mounting cavity 430 through the first connector 411, then flow out of the mounting cavity 430 through the second connector 421, and flow into the second part 200 of the pipe assembly.

[0058] In some embodiments, a first connector 411 is inserted into a first portion 100 of a pipe assembly, and a second connector 421 is inserted into a second portion 200 of the pipe assembly. Both the first connector 411 and the second connector 421 include a radially projecting protrusion 4111, the radial dimension of which gradually decreases in the length direction away from the valve body 440. Specifically, the first connector 411 can be inserted into the first portion 100 of the pipe assembly and is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the first portion 100 of the pipe assembly, and the second connector 421 can be inserted into the second portion 200 of the pipe assembly and is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the second portion 200 of the pipe assembly. Taking the protrusion 4111 on the first connector 411 as an example, specifically, the radial dimension of the outer end of the protrusion 4111 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first part 100 of the pipe assembly. Therefore, the outer end of the protrusion 4111 can be easily inserted into the first part 100 of the pipe assembly. As the protrusion 4111 continues to extend into the first part 100 of the pipe assembly, the area with a larger radial dimension on the protrusion 4111 gradually expands the first part 100 of the pipe assembly, forming an interference fit. In this embodiment, since the radial dimension of the protrusion 4111 gradually decreases in the length direction away from the valve body 440, the protrusion 4111 at the outer end of the first connector 411 is more easily inserted into the first part 100 of the pipe assembly during assembly, making the assembly easier. The process of inserting the second connector 421 into the second part 200 of the pipe assembly is similar to the above process, and will not be described again here.

[0059] In some embodiments, the valve body 440 includes a fixing portion 441 and an opening / closing portion 442. The fixing portion 441 is engaged between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420. The opening / closing portion 442 is elastic, and at least a portion of the opening / closing portion 442 is rotatable relative to the fixing portion 441. In its natural state, the opening / closing portion 442 blocks the mounting cavity 430. When the pressure on the inflow side of the valve body 440 increases to a preset level, the opening / closing portion 442 rotates relative to the fixing portion 441 to open the mounting cavity 430. The aforementioned natural state refers to the state when no fluid is introduced into the pipe assembly. Specifically, in the natural state, the opening / closing portion 442 blocks the mounting cavity 430. Fluid continuously accumulates in the first part 100 of the pipe assembly, and the pressure on the inflow side of the valve body 440 gradually increases. When the pressure increases to a preset level, it overcomes the elastic force of the opening / closing portion 442, opening the opening / closing portion 442 and causing it to rotate relative to the fixing portion 441. The opening / closing portion 442 no longer blocks the mounting cavity 430. If the opening / closing part 442 is currently in a state of being opened against the elastic force, when the pressure on the outlet side of the valve body 440 increases to a certain extent, the opening / closing part 442 will gradually rotate in the opposite direction and seal the mounting cavity 430 again. If the fluid stops flowing into the first part 100 of the pipeline assembly, the opening / closing part 442 will also rotate in the opposite direction under its own rebound force and seal the mounting cavity 430 again.

[0060] In some embodiments, the valve body 440 includes at least two opening and closing portions 442; in its natural state, the ends of the plurality of opening and closing portions 442 away from the fixed portion 441 abut against each other to seal the mounting cavity 430; when the pressure on the inflow side of the valve body 440 increases to a preset level, the ends of the plurality of opening and closing portions 442 away from the fixed portion 441 all rotate radially outward to separate. Specifically, in Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 440 includes two axially symmetrically distributed opening and closing portions 442 about the first valve 400, and two axially symmetrically distributed fixing portions 441 about the first valve 400. The opening and closing portions 442 located on the same side of the axis of the first valve 400 are integrated with the fixing portions 441. Both fixing portions 441 are engaged between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 to achieve installation of the two opening and closing portions 442. A gap exists between the two fixing portions 441 to form an opening communicating with the inner cavity of the first connector 411, allowing fluid within the first part 100 of the pipe assembly to flow between the two fixing portions 441 via the first connector 411. The opening and closing portions 442 are inclined relative to the axial direction of the first valve 400, and the distance between the two opening and closing portions 442 gradually decreases along the fluid flow direction until their free ends abut against each other. In its natural state, the free ends of the two opening and closing parts 442 abut against each other. When fluid is introduced, the fluid flowing between the two fixed parts 441 abuts against the inner walls of the two opening and closing parts 442. As the fluid gradually accumulates in the first part 100 of the pipe assembly, the pressure gradually increases and overcomes the elastic force of the opening and closing parts 442, opening the two opening and closing parts 442 from the inside out, causing both opening and closing parts 442 to rotate outwards. The two opening and closing parts 442 no longer abut against each other, thus no longer blocking the mounting cavity 430. The accumulated fluid will flow from between the two opening and closing parts 442 to the inner cavity of the second connector 421, and then flow into the second part 200 of the pipe assembly. If the current opening and closing parts 442 are in a state of being opened by overcoming the elastic force, when the pressure on the outlet side of the valve body 440 increases to a certain extent, this pressure will work together with the rebound force of the two opening and closing parts 442 themselves, causing the two opening and closing parts 442 to rotate in opposite directions and abut against each other again to block the mounting cavity 430. It should be noted that when the two opening and closing parts 442 rotate outward, only the part away from the fixed part 441 can rotate outward, or the entire opening and closing part 442 can rotate outward.

[0061] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the number of opening / closing portions 442 and fixing portions 441 can be increased in pairs, for example, five opening / closing portions 442 and fixing portions 441 correspondingly connected to each opening / closing portion 442. In the natural state, the free ends of the five opening / closing portions 442 abut against each other to seal the mounting cavity 430. Alternatively, in other embodiments, multiple opening / closing portions 442 can be integrated to form an opening / closing mechanism, and multiple fixing portions 441 can be integrated to form a fixing mechanism. For example, multiple fixing mechanisms are generally ring-shaped, and multiple opening / closing mechanisms are generally hollow cone-shaped, with the tip region having an opening communicating with the hollow cavity. The opening / closing mechanism is connected to the fixing mechanism. In the natural state, the opening at the tip of the opening / closing mechanism is closed to seal the mounting cavity 430. When fluid gradually accumulates in the first part 100 of the pipe assembly, it pushes the opening / closing mechanism outward, the opening at the tip is opened, and the fluid can flow into the mounting cavity 430. Alternatively, in some embodiments, only one opening / closing part 442 may be provided. In its natural state, one end of the opening / closing part 442 is connected to the fixing part 441, and the other end abuts against the cavity wall of the mounting cavity 430 to seal the mounting cavity 430. As fluid gradually accumulates in the first part 100 of the pipe assembly, it pushes the opening / closing part 442 to rotate, thereby separating it from the cavity wall it previously abutted against, allowing the fluid to flow into the mounting cavity 430. Of course, in addition to the aforementioned embodiments, the valve can also have other structures, such as a duckbill valve, fish-mouth valve, regulating valve, throttle valve, solenoid valve, air valve, check valve, diaphragm, or other valves that restrict the unidirectional flow of fluid.

[0062] As mentioned above, the first part 100 and the second part 200 of the pipe assembly are detachably connected to both ends of the first valve 400, and the second part 200 and the third part 300 of the pipe assembly are detachably connected to both ends of the second valve 500. Therefore, the second part 200 of the pipe assembly with different inner diameters can be replaced according to usage needs to obtain different driving forces. For example, in some embodiments, the inner diameter of the second part 200 of the pipe assembly is larger than the inner diameters of the first part 100 and the third part 300. With this configuration, when an external force is applied to the second part 200 of the pipe assembly, the volume within the second part 200 increases over a larger range, resulting in a larger pressure variation range and a stronger driving force. Of course, if a larger driving force is not required, the inner diameter of the second part 200 of the pipe assembly can also be smaller than the inner diameters of the first part 100 and the third part 300. Alternatively, the inner diameters of the first part 100, the second part 200, and the third part 300 of the pipe assembly can all be different.

[0063] See Figure 8 When the pipe assembly is Figure 1In the structure shown, in some embodiments, the inlet end of the second part 200 of the pipe assembly is provided with at least two first parts 100 of the pipe assembly, and / or the outlet end of the second part 200 of the pipe assembly is provided with at least two third parts 300 of the pipe assembly.

[0064] Specifically, in some embodiments, the pipe assembly may include two first pipe assembly parts 100, with the outlet ends of both first pipe assembly parts 100 connected to the inlet end of a second pipe assembly part 200. A first valve 400 is provided at the connection point between each of the two first pipe assembly parts 100 and the second pipe assembly part 200, forming a "Y" shape. The external force required to deform the opening and closing portions 442 of the first valves 400 corresponding to the two first pipe assembly parts 100 is different. Therefore, when the second pipe assembly part 200 is pressed, the degree of deformation of the opening and closing portions 442 of the first valves 400 corresponding to the two first pipe assembly parts 100 is different, resulting in different degrees of opening of the two first valves 400. The above-mentioned pipeline assembly can be used to prepare different reagents. For example, water and alcohol are respectively introduced into the first part 100 of the two pipeline assemblies. The degree of deformation of the opening and closing part 442 of the first valve 400 corresponding to the first part 100 of the two pipeline assemblies is set according to the required mixing ratio of water and alcohol, so as to ensure that when the second part 200 of the pipeline assembly is pressed, water and alcohol flow into the second part 200 of the pipeline assembly in the preset ratio for mixing.

[0065] Alternatively, in some embodiments, two third sections 300 of the pipe assembly are provided, with the inlet ends of both third sections 300 connected to the outlet end of the second section 200 of the pipe assembly. A second valve 500 is provided at the connection point between each third section 300 and the second section 200, forming a "Y" shape. Using the pipe assembly in this embodiment, fluid can be diverted in a preset proportion. Alternatively, in some embodiments, two first pipe assemblies 100 and two third pipe assemblies 300 are provided. The outlet ends of both first pipe assemblies 100 are connected to the inlet ends of the second pipe assemblies 200, and the inlet ends of both third pipe assemblies 300 are connected to the outlet ends of the second pipe assemblies 200. A first valve 400 is provided at the connection between the first pipe assemblies 100 and the second pipe assemblies 200, and a second valve 500 is provided at the connection between the third pipe assemblies 300 and the second pipe assemblies 200. That is, the first pipe assemblies 100 and 200 form a "Y" shape, and the third pipe assemblies 300 and 200 form a "Y" shape. When using the pipe assemblies in this embodiment, not only can reagents be mixed, but the mixed solution can also be split.

[0066] exist Figure 1 The valve used in the illustrated embodiment is... Figure 9 The specific structure of the valve body in the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail.

[0067] In some embodiments, the fluid driving method using the aforementioned fluid driving device includes the following steps:

[0068] S10 introduces fluid from inlet 110 into the first part 100 of the pipe assembly;

[0069] S20 presses the second part 200 of the pipeline assembly to close the first valve 400 and open the second valve 500;

[0070] S30 stops pressing the second part 200 of the pipe assembly to open the first valve 400 and close the second valve 500;

[0071] S40 cycles through S20 and S30.

[0072] The following is based on Figure 9 The following description will be based on the example shown:

[0073] Specifically, in the initial state, there is no fluid in the pipe assembly, and the opening and closing portion 442 of the valve body 440 in the first valve 400 is in its natural state, with the two opening and closing portions 442 abutting against each other to seal the mounting cavity 430. The second valve 500 is in a similar state to the first valve 400. When fluid is introduced into the first part 100 of the pipe assembly from the inlet 110, the fluid gradually flows from the inlet 110 into the inner cavity of the first connector 411 and into the space between the two fixed portions 441. At this time, by pressing the second part 200 of the pipe assembly with external force, it undergoes elastic deformation, increasing the pressure inside the second part 200 of the pipe assembly and applying it to the outer walls of the two opening and closing portions 442 of the first valve 400. This ensures that the two opening and closing portions 442 abut more tightly and will not be easily pushed open by the fluid accumulated on the inflow side of the opening and closing portions 442, allowing more fluid to accumulate and greater force to be stored. Simultaneously, the pressure within the second part 200 of the pipe assembly is applied to the inner walls of the two opening and closing portions of the second valve 500. The two opening and closing portions overcome their own elastic force and rotate outwards, gradually separating and no longer blocking the mounting cavity of the second valve 500. Then, the external force is stopped pressing on the second part 200 of the pipe assembly, and the second part 200 moves in the opposite direction driven by its own rebound force. As the pressure within the second part 200 of the pipe assembly gradually decreases, it becomes insufficient to resist its elastic force and gradually rotates in the opposite direction, resisting again, i.e., the second valve 500 gradually closes. The pressure applied to the outer walls of the two opening / closing portions 442 of the first valve 400 within the second part 200 of the pipe assembly gradually decreases. Since sufficient fluid has accumulated on the inflow side of the opening / closing portions 442, and the pressure is already large enough, it is very easy to overcome the elastic force of the two opening / closing portions 442 and the relatively small pressure within the second part 200 of the pipe assembly. This pushes the inner walls of the two opening / closing portions 442 outwards, causing the free ends of the two opening / closing portions 442 to separate and no longer block the mounting cavity 430. Because the pressure has been sufficiently large, a larger amount of fluid will flow rapidly through the mounting cavity 430 at a higher speed and flow into the second part 200 of the pipe assembly through the inner cavity of the second connector 421. As the fluid flows within the second part 200 of the pipe assembly, the flow velocity gradually decreases due to the flow resistance, such as friction between the fluid and the second part 200 of the pipe assembly, and the flow momentum gradually weakens. Meanwhile, since the second valve 500 has gradually closed, when the fluid flows into the space between the two fixed parts inside the second valve 500, it will be blocked again by the mutually abutting opening and closing parts. At this time, it is necessary to squeeze the second part 200 of the pipeline assembly again by external force. After squeezing, the two opening and closing parts of the second valve 500 will overcome their own elastic force and rotate outward again. The two opening and closing parts will gradually separate, so that the fluid blocked by the two opening and closing parts will flow into the mounting cavity of the second valve 500, then into the third part 300 of the pipeline assembly, and finally out from the outlet 310.Simultaneously, this compression will close the first valve 400 again, causing the flow on the inflow side of the opening / closing portion 442 of the first valve 400 to accumulate force. By continuously repeating the aforementioned process, intermittent driving of the fluid can be achieved.

[0074] It should be further explained that if the second part 200 of the pipe assembly is not squeezed, when the fluid accumulates to a certain extent in the first part 100 of the pipe assembly, it will push the inner walls of the two opening and closing parts 442 of the first valve 400 outward, separating the free ends of the two opening and closing parts 442 and no longer blocking the mounting cavity 430. By squeezing the second part 200 of the pipe assembly with external force, enough fluid can accumulate on the inflow side of the first valve 400, accumulating sufficient force, so that when the first valve 400 is opened, a large amount of fluid flows into the second part 200 of the pipe assembly at a relatively fast flow rate, i.e., it has a sufficiently large driving force. Therefore, if this fluid drive device is applied in certain fields, it will not affect the original normal flow of fluid. When it is necessary to increase the driving force of fluid flow, or when blockage occurs and the flow is slow, it can be pressed. Alternatively, in another embodiment, when the second part 200 of the pipe assembly is not compressed, the inner walls of the two opening and closing portions 442 of the first valve 400 are not in contact, and there is a small gap between them to allow fluid to flow through. The second valve 500 is similar to the first valve 400. In this way, when not pressed, fluid can flow normally through the gap between the opening and closing portions 442. When the pipe is blocked and the flow is slow, pressing can increase the flow force.

[0075] In some embodiments, the materials of the aforementioned pipe assembly and valve body can be flexibly adjusted, and polymers such as rubber, silicone, and plastic can be selected, or even ceramics and metals can be used. The internal cross-sectional shape of the pipe assembly can be circular, elliptical, square, rhomboid, star-shaped, polygonal, etc.

[0076] In some embodiments, the aforementioned fluid drive device can be used for micro-fluid drive, applying external force through a micro-motor, micro-motor, vibratory motor, or flat motor. Utilizing the characteristic of the vibratory motor's circumferential vibration, it is installed in a customized housing in conjunction with a pipe assembly and valves. The housing restricts the remaining vibration directions of the motor, causing the motor to regularly compress the second part of the pipe assembly, and the fluid flow rate can be controlled by changing the motor's amplitude and frequency.

[0077] In some embodiments, the aforementioned fluid-driven device can be used for the drainage of tissue fluid in animals. For example, the device can be implanted into an animal using a tubing assembly made of biocompatible materials and valves of appropriate size and material, such as in the human eye. The human eyeball is filled with aqueous humor, which circulates continuously within the eye. When related diseases occur, the circulation of aqueous humor is blocked, and when the aqueous humor cannot drain in time, the intraocular pressure continuously increases, causing great damage to the eyeball. By connecting the inlet of the device to the anterior chamber of the eyeball and the outlet to a vein, the tubing assembly can be implanted subcutaneously or fixed externally. The device drives the aqueous humor to flow out, thereby reducing intraocular pressure.

[0078] In some embodiments, the aforementioned fluid-driven device can be used to help block blood flow within blood vessels. This device can be constructed using common, small-sized, biocompatible tubing assemblies, along with valves of appropriate size and material, and implanted into an animal. The device is implanted and correctly connected to a blood vessel in the leg, aligning with the direction of blood flow. When blood flow is slow or conditions such as thrombosis occur, pressing the device can help accelerate blood flow.

[0079] In some embodiments, the aforementioned fluid-driven device can be used as an insulin delivery pump. The outlet of the device's tubing assembly is connected to the site where the patient needs to inject insulin via a medical catheter. When insulin injection is required, the device delivers the insulin to the injection site. Alternatively, the aforementioned fluid-driven device can also be used as an analgesic pump, with a similar configuration to the embodiments described above, except that insulin is replaced with analgesics such as anesthetics or tranquilizers. Furthermore, in addition to the applications described above, this device can also be used in fields such as microdevice cooling, microfluidic chip integration, chip cooling, and biochemical analysis.

[0080] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0081] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fluid drive device, characterized in that, include: A pipe assembly, the interior of which is hollow, the pipe assembly includes a first part, a second part and a third part of the pipe assembly distributed sequentially along the length direction, and the outer end of the first part of the pipe assembly is provided with an inlet and the outer end of the third part of the pipe assembly is provided with an outlet. A valve assembly includes a first valve and a second valve, both of which are fixedly connected to a pipeline assembly. The first valve is installed between a first part and a second part of the pipeline assembly, and the second valve is installed between a second part and a third part of the pipeline assembly. Both the first and second valves include a first housing and a second housing, which are detachably connected. A valve body is installed within an installation cavity defined by the first and second housings. A first connecting member extends outward from one end of the first housing away from the second housing, and a second connecting member extends outward from one end of the second housing away from the first housing. Both the first and second connecting members are hollow internally and communicate with the installation cavity. The first connecting member is used to insert into the first part of the pipeline assembly, and the second connecting member is used to insert into the second part of the pipeline assembly. Both the first and second connecting members include radially protruding portions, the radial dimension of which gradually decreases along the length direction away from the valve body. The valve body includes a fixed part and an opening and closing part. The fixed part is engaged between the first housing and the second housing. The opening and closing part is elastic, and at least a portion of the opening and closing part can rotate relative to the fixed part. In its natural state, the opening and closing part blocks the mounting cavity. When the pressure on the inflow side increases to a preset level, the opening and closing part rotates relative to the fixed part to open the mounting cavity. Vibration motor; as well as The housing, the pipe assembly, the valve assembly and the vibration motor are all installed inside the housing, and the housing is used to limit the vibration direction of the vibration motor so that it can regularly squeeze the second part of the pipe assembly; In the first state, the second part of the pipe assembly can be squeezed by an external force and undergo elastic deformation, increasing the pressure on the inflow side of the second valve and the pressure on the outflow side of the first valve, so that the second valve opens and the first valve closes. In the second state, the second part of the pipeline assembly can move in the opposite direction when the external force disappears, and the pressure on the outflow side of the first valve and the pressure on the inflow side of the second valve decrease, so that the first valve opens and the second valve closes, and the first state and the second state alternate. The inlet end of the second part of the pipe assembly is provided with at least two first parts of the pipe assembly, and each of the two first parts of the pipe assembly is provided with a first valve at the connection between it and the second part of the pipe assembly. The external force required for the deformation of the opening and closing parts of the first valves corresponding to the two second parts of the pipe assembly is different; and / or, the outlet end of the second part of the pipe assembly is provided with at least two third parts of the pipe assembly, and each of the two third parts of the pipe assembly is provided with a second valve at the connection between it and the second part of the pipe assembly.

2. The fluid drive device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first part, the second part, and the third part of the pipe assembly are connected as one unit. The first valve and the second valve are both installed inside the pipe assembly. The first valve is located at the connection between the first part and the second part of the pipe assembly, and the second valve is located at the connection between the second part and the third part of the pipe assembly.

3. The fluid drive device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first part, the second part, and the third part of the pipe assembly are distributed at intervals along the length direction. The first part and the second part of the pipe assembly are connected by the first valve, and the second part and the third part of the pipe assembly are connected by the second valve.

4. The fluid drive device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first part and the second part of the pipe assembly are detachably connected to both ends of the first valve, and the second part and the third part of the pipe assembly are detachably connected to both ends of the second valve.

5. The fluid drive device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve body includes at least two opening and closing portions; in its natural state, the ends of the multiple opening and closing portions that are away from the fixed portion abut against each other to block the mounting cavity; when the pressure on the inflow side increases to a preset level, the ends of the multiple opening and closing portions that are away from the fixed portion rotate radially outward to separate.

6. The fluid drive device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the second part of the pipe assembly is larger than the inner diameters of the first part and the third part of the pipe assembly.

7. A fluid driving method based on the fluid driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S10 The fluid is introduced from the inlet into the first part of the pipe assembly; S20 Press the second part of the pipe assembly to close the first valve and open the second valve; S30 Stop pressing the second part of the pipe assembly to open the first valve and close the second valve; S40 repeats S20 and S30 in a loop.

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