Electroosmotic pump comprising flexible electrode, and fluid transfer pump device comprising same

Abstract

A fluid transfer pump device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an electroosmotic pump which alternately generates positive pressure and negative pressure and a transfer chamber part which is coupled to one side of the electroosmotic pump and in which fluid that is to be transferred is introduced and discharged, the electroosmotic pump comprising: a membrane that allows the movement of the fluid; a first flexible electrode that is disposed on one side of the membrane and is flexible; and a second flexible electrode that is disposed on the other side of the membrane and is flexible, wherein when the electroosmotic pump is running, the fluid to be transferred is introduced into the transfer chamber part or discharged from the transfer chamber part depending on whether the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode move backward or forward.

Description

Electroosmotic pump including flexible electrode and fluid transfer pump device including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an electroosmotic pump including a flexible electrode and a fluid transfer pump device including the same.

[0002] An electroosmotic pump is a pump that uses the electroosmotic phenomenon that occurs when voltage is applied using electrodes at both ends of a porous membrane to move fluid.

[0003] Figure 1 is a drawing showing an electrode used in a conventional electroosmotic pump.

[0004] As illustrated, materials such as silica and glass are generally used as materials for the porous membrane (11), and when these are immersed in an aqueous solution, their surfaces become negatively charged. When voltage is applied in this state, fluid movement occurs from the (+) electrode section to the (-) electrode section (upper figure in Fig. 1). The porous membrane has multiple paths through which the fluid can pass, and when one of these is enlarged, the surface of the fluid passage (the surface of the porous membrane material) becomes negatively charged, so that mobile ions with a (+) charge that can move in the fluid in contact move to balance the charge (lower figure in Fig. 1). When voltage is applied at this time, the positive ions move along the surface from the (+) electrode part (13) toward the (-) electrode part (15), and the entire fluid connected by the hydrogen bond network flows as if sliding. This phenomenon is called electroosmosis, and a pump that uses this principle is an electroosmotic pump.

[0005] As illustrated, the electrodes (13, 15) used in the electroosmotic pump are generally porous electrodes such as platinum mesh, porous carbon paper or carbon cloth, or various electrodes coated on a porous structure to facilitate the movement of fluid. In addition, it has been reported that it is possible to configure an electrode by utilizing an electrode material coated on a nonporous substrate. When a voltage is applied from a power supply unit (17) with a porous membrane (11) made of silica or the like interposed between these electrodes, the movement of fluid occurs accordingly.

[0006] Meanwhile, conventional electroosmotic pumps have used a separate separator, such as a diaphragm, to separate the pumping solution inside the pump from the fluid to be transported. However, this method has the problem of complicating the structure of the electroosmotic pump. To solve this problem, the inventor of the present application has proposed a new method (Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0129488, title: Electroosmotic pump including flexible electrode and method for manufacturing flexible electrode). That is, the flexible electrode is designed to also function as a separator.

[0007] In the present invention, a configuration is proposed that can further improve mass productivity in the process of actually commercializing the structure of the invention.

[0008] To solve these problems, one embodiment of the present invention proposes a novel electroosmotic pump having an improved structure and a fluid transport pump using the same, which improves the performance of the electroosmotic pump using a flexible electrode.

[0009] However, the technical tasks that this embodiment seeks to accomplish are not limited to the technical tasks described above, and other technical tasks may exist.

[0010] As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical task, a fluid transfer pump device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an electro-osmotic pump that alternately generates positive pressure and negative pressure; and a transfer chamber unit coupled to one side of the electro-osmotic pump, into which a fluid to be transferred is introduced and discharged, wherein the electro-osmotic pump includes: a membrane that allows movement of the fluid; a first flexible electrode disposed on one side of the membrane and having flexibility; and a second flexible electrode disposed on the other side of the membrane and having flexibility, wherein when the electro-osmotic pump is driven, the fluid to be transferred is introduced into the transfer chamber unit or discharged from the transfer chamber unit as the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode are retracted or advanced.

[0011] According to the above-described problem-solving means of the present invention, the configuration of an electroosmotic pump that combines flexible electrodes by a first contact and a second contact can be configured very simply, thereby improving the mass productivity of the electroosmotic pump.

[0012] Figure 1 is a drawing showing an electrode used in a conventional electroosmotic pump.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the configuration of an electroosmotic pump according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating the first contact and the second contact illustrated in Figure 2.

[0015] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the configuration of an electroosmotic pump according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figures 5 and 6 are exemplary diagrams for explaining the operation of an electroosmotic pump.

[0017] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a fluid transfer pump device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figures 8 and 9 are exemplary diagrams for explaining the operation of a fluid transfer pump device.

[0019] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, irrelevant parts have been omitted for clarity of description, and similar reference numerals have been used throughout the specification to indicate similar elements.

[0020] Throughout the present specification, when a part is said to be “connected” to another part, this includes not only cases where it is “directly connected” but also cases where it is “electrically connected” with another element in between.

[0021] Throughout the present specification, when it is said that a member is located “on” another member, this includes not only cases where the member is in contact with the other member, but also cases where another member exists between the two members.

[0022] Throughout the present invention, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, unless specifically stated otherwise, this does not mean that other components can be included, but rather that other components can be included. The terms "about," "substantially," etc. used throughout the present invention are used in a meaning close to or at the numerical value when manufacturing and material tolerances inherent to the referred meaning are presented, and are used to prevent unscrupulous infringers from unfairly exploiting the disclosure, which contains exact or absolute numerical values ​​to aid understanding of the present invention. The terms "step of doing ~" or "step of ~" used throughout the present invention do not mean "step for ~."

[0023] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the configuration of an electroosmotic pump according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The electroosmotic pump (100) illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a membrane (110) that allows movement of fluid, a first flexible electrode (120) arranged on one side of the membrane (110), and a second flexible electrode (130) arranged on the other side of the membrane (110).

[0025] Next, each component of the electroosmotic pump (100) will be described in detail.

[0026] The membrane (110) allows the movement of a fluid, such as a pumping solution, and is installed to allow the movement of fluid or ions, etc., while maintaining a constant gap between the first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130). In addition, the membrane (110) may be, for example, a disk membrane manufactured using silica composed of granular materials having a size of several tens of nm to several μm. In addition, the membrane (110) may be made of a porous material or structure as another example, and these are exemplary and not necessarily limited thereto, and may be manufactured in various shapes using various materials. The membrane (110) may form an MEA (membrane electrode assembly) structure together with the first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130).

[0027] The first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130) seal one side and the other side of the membrane (110), respectively. The first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130) may have a diaphragm shape in which the peripheral portion is fixed and the central portion is curved to advance and retreat.

[0028] The first flexible electrode (120) is arranged on one side of the membrane (110) and can perform a function of preventing the fluid to be transported and the pumping solution from mixing by sealing one side of the membrane (110). Similarly, the second flexible electrode (130) is arranged on the other side of the membrane (110) and can perform a function of preventing the fluid to be transported and the pumping solution from mixing by sealing the other side of the membrane (110). More specifically, the circumference of the first flexible electrode (120) is fixed to the circumference of the membrane (110), and the circumference of the second flexible electrode (130) is fixed to the circumference of the membrane (110), so that the airtightness can be secured.

[0029] The first flexible electrode (120) may include a first flexible film (124) and a first electrode layer (122). The first flexible film (124) and the first electrode layer (122) are combined in a surface contact state, and may be formed by laminating the first flexible film (124) on the first electrode layer (122) or laminating the first electrode layer (122) on the first flexible film (124). For example, the first electrode layer (122) may be formed by coating an electrode material on the first flexible film (124).

[0030] In addition, the second flexible electrode (130) may include a second flexible film (134) and a second electrode layer (132). The second flexible film (134) and the second electrode layer (132) are combined in a surface contact state, and may be formed by laminating the second flexible film (134) on the second electrode layer (132) or laminating the second electrode layer (132) on the second flexible film (134). For example, the second electrode layer (132) may be formed by coating an electrode material on the second flexible film (134).

[0031] Meanwhile, the first electrode layer (122) or the second electrode layer (132) may be formed by laminating multiple layers. For example, it may be formed by coating the same electrode material multiple times or by laminating different electrode materials.

[0032] In addition, the first electrode layer (122) and the second electrode layer (132) are arranged to face one side and the other side of the membrane (110), respectively, so as to be in direct contact with the pumping solution. Accordingly, each flexible film (124, 134) is arranged to face the opposite side of the membrane (110), so as to be in contact with the fluid to be transported, etc.

[0033] Meanwhile, each flexible film (124, 134) can be applied without limitation to any material that is flexible or processed to have flexibility, and can be composed of, for example, a polymer, a metal, a metallized polymer, a carbonaceous material, or a composite thereof.

[0034] At this time, the polymer may include one or more selected from polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polypropylene (PP), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), nylon, polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and cellulose.

[0035] Additionally, the metal may include one or more selected from gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), and stainless steel.

[0036] In addition, a metallized polymer specifically means a polymer on which a metal is deposited, which means a film in which the metal material is coated on a flexible film made of the above-described polymer material. For example, the polymer material on which the metal material is deposited may include at least one selected from an aluminum film coated on polyethylene (PE / Al), an aluminum film coated on polycarbonate (PC / Al), an aluminum film coated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET / Al), a titanium film coated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET / Ti), and a stainless steel film coated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET / stainless steel).

[0037] Additionally, the carbonaceous material may include one or more selected from graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), activated carbon, fullerene, graphite, and carbon fiber.

[0038] In addition, the flexible film is not limited to the types of the above-described polymers, metals, metallized polymers, or carbonaceous materials, and any material made of a flexible material can be utilized.

[0039] Additionally, each electrode layer (122, 132) may be composed of a metal, a metal oxide, a conducting polymer, a metal hexacyanoferrate, a carbon nanostructure, or a composite thereof.

[0040] At this time, the metal may include one or more selected from gold, silver, zinc, lead, manganese, copper, tin, ruthenium, and iridium. In addition, the metal oxide may include one or more selected from vanadium oxide, molybdenum oxide (MoO₃), tungsten oxide (WO₃), ruthenium oxide, iridium oxide, manganese oxide, cerium oxide (CeO₂), polyoxometalate, and ruthenium oxide (RuOx). At this time, RuOx may be hydrous.

[0041] Additionally, the conductive polymer may include one or more selected from polyaniline, a derivative of polyaniline, a polythiophene, a derivative of polythiophene, a polypyrrole, a derivative of polypyrrole, a quinone polymer, a derivative of a quinone polymer, and polythionine.

[0042] Additionally, the metal hexacyanoferrate may include one or more selected from prussian blue, iron hexacyanoferrate (FeHCF), copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF), and cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoHCF) and nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF).

[0043] Additionally, the carbon nanostructure may include one selected from carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, carbon nanoparticles, fullerenes, graphite, and activated carbon. In an electrode in which a composite of electrode materials including carbon nanotubes among carbon nanostructures is electrodeposited, a redox reaction can occur more stably and at a faster rate. Additionally, the electrode material may be a variety of polymers that are electrically conductive or negatively charged.

[0044] Additionally, the electroosmotic pump (100) may further include a first contact (150) and a second contact (160) that transmit a driving voltage to the first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130). Each end of the first contact (150) and the second contact (160) extends to the outside of the housing (170), and is electrically connected to a power supply (not shown).

[0045] The first contact (150) is placed between the first electrode layer (122) and the other side of the membrane (110), and transmits the driving voltage to the first electrode layer (122). The first contact (150) and the first electrode layer (122) are joined at a predetermined area at the edge, and the remaining area except for the area where the first electrode layer (122) is joined in the first contact (150) is formed as a through hole.

[0046] The second contact (160) is arranged between the second electrode layer (132) and the membrane (100), and transmits the driving voltage to the second electrode layer (132). The second contact (160) and the second electrode layer (132) are joined at a predetermined area at the edge portion, and the remaining area of ​​the second contact (160) excluding the area where the second electrode layer (132) is joined is formed as a through hole. As shown in Fig. 3, the first contact (150) and the second contact (160) can be formed as through holes, with a first hole (151) and a second hole (161).

[0047] In addition, the first contact (150) and the second contact (160) may be formed to have a predetermined thickness. The thickness of the first contact (150) and the second contact (160) may be formed to correspond to the distance by which at least a portion of the first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130) advances or retreats. At this time, each contact (150, 160) may have flexibility like each electrode layer (122, 132). Alternatively, according to an embodiment, each contact (150, 160) may be formed of a rigid conductor. Each contact (150, 160) may be formed of the same material as each electrode layer (122, 132). Alternatively, each contact (150, 160) may be formed of a material having a different flexibility or material than each electrode layer (122, 132).

[0048] The electroosmotic pump (100) may be coupled with a power supply unit (not shown) that alternately applies positive and negative driving voltages to the first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130), and this may be electrically connected to the first contact (150) and the second contact (160). In the electroosmotic pump (100), the direction of movement of the pumping solution (140) within the membrane (110) alternates between forward and reverse directions according to the application of the driving voltage by the power supply unit (not shown), and the first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130) advance or retreat according to the movement of the pumping solution (140). More specifically, depending on the applied voltage, the first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130) move backward in the opposite direction of the transfer chamber (200), or the first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130) move forward in the direction of the transfer chamber (200).

[0049] Meanwhile, a housing (170) that houses a membrane (110), a first flexible electrode (120), and a second flexible electrode (130) may be provided. In addition, the housing (170) may provide a first space (172) formed on one side of the first flexible electrode (120) on the opposite side of the membrane (110) and a second space (174) formed on the other side of the second flexible electrode (130) on the opposite side of the membrane (110). The heights of the first space (172) and the second space (174) may be designed to correspond to the distance at which the first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130) become maximally convex or concave. According to this configuration, when the electroosmotic pump (100) is driven, when the first flexible electrode (120) relaxes toward the membrane (110), the second flexible electrode (130) can relax toward the second space (174). In addition, when the second flexible electrode (130) relaxes toward the membrane (110), the first flexible electrode (120) can relax toward the first space (172).

[0050] In addition, an opening (176) through which a fluid to be transported flows in or out may be formed on one side of the housing (170). When negative pressure is generated through a power supply unit (not shown), the pumping solution (140) moves toward the second groove (161) of the second contact (160), and at the same time, the first flexible electrode (120) relaxes toward the first contact (150), and the second flexible electrode (130) relaxes toward the second space (174). At this time, the fluid to be transported may flow into the first space (172) through the opening (176).

[0051] Conversely, when positive pressure is generated through a power supply (not shown), the pumping solution (140) moves toward the first groove (151) of the first contact (150), and at the same time, the first flexible electrode (120) relaxes toward the first space (172), and the second flexible electrode (130) relaxes toward the second groove (161) of the second contact (160). At this time, the fluid to be transported can be discharged through the opening (176).

[0052] According to this configuration, the present invention integrates the electrode and flexible film into one, thereby providing an electroosmotic pump with a much simpler structure than conventional devices. Furthermore, the flexible electrode forms a closed system within the pump, preventing the pumping solution filled within the pump and the fluid to be transported from mixing. Furthermore, by forming a space through which the flexible electrode can flow through the first and second contacts, an electroosmotic pump with a simpler structure can be provided.

[0053] Additionally, the surface of the electrode material of the first electrode layer (122) or the second electrode layer (132) can be smoothly processed by a heat-compression bonding or decal transfer method.

[0054] Such an electroosmotic pump (100) can generate pumping power by repeatedly causing electrochemical reactions in forward and reverse directions by supplying voltage with alternating polarities to each of the first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130), thereby causing repeated reciprocating movement of the fluid. In addition, by the repeated electrochemical reactions in the forward and reverse directions, each of the first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130) can be repeatedly consumed and regenerated.

[0055] Meanwhile, the method for configuring the flexible electrode and experimental data refer to the contents of Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0129488 (Title of invention: Electroosmotic pump including flexible electrode and method for manufacturing flexible electrode) published by the applicant of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the configuration of an electroosmotic pump according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 2, the shape of the first space (172) is characterized by being formed in a concave curved shape corresponding to the changing shape of the first flexible electrode (120). That is, when the first flexible electrode (120) is relaxed toward the first space (172), the first space (172) can be formed in a form in which the corner space of the first space (172) is filled in advance so that the first flexible electrode (120) can be in maximum contact with the first space (172). This can also be applied to the second space (174). Through this configuration, a drug such as insulin that has entered the first space (172) through the opening (176) can minimize the time that it stays in the first space (172) and can be discharged immediately through the opening (176).

[0058] Figures 5 and 6 are exemplary diagrams for explaining the operation of an electroosmotic pump. The operation of an electroosmotic pump will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0059] The electroosmotic pump (100) is connected to a first contact (150) and a second contact (160) by a power supply unit (not shown) that alternately applies positive and negative driving voltages, and the direction of movement of the pumping solution (140) within the membrane (110) alternates between forward and reverse directions according to the application of the driving voltage by the power supply unit (not shown), and the first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130) move forward (moving in the ① direction) or backward (moving in the ② direction) according to the movement of the pumping solution (140).

[0060] More specifically, the electroosmotic pump (100) can move forward (moving in the ① direction) toward the first space (172) as shown in Fig. 5, depending on the applied voltage, with the first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130). In this case, the pumping solution (140) placed in the second hole (161) of the second contact (160) can move toward the first hole (151) of the first contact (150), and at the same time, the second flexible electrode (130) can move toward the second hole (161) and the first flexible electrode (120) can move toward the first space (172).

[0061] Conversely, as shown in FIG. 6, the first flexible electrode (120) and the second flexible electrode (130) can retreat (move in the ② direction) toward the second space (174). In this case, the pumping solution (140) placed in the first hole (151) of the first contact (150) can move toward the second hole (161) of the second contact (160), and at the same time, the second flexible electrode (130) can move toward the second space (174), and the first flexible electrode (120) can move toward the first hole (151) of the first contact (150).

[0062] Additionally, the housing (170) of the electroosmotic pump (100) illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 may be formed so as not to include the first space (172), and a separate configuration may be combined to form a space corresponding to the first space (172).

[0063] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a fluid transfer pump device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5, the fluid transfer pump device (1000) includes an electro-osmotic pump (200) and a transfer chamber unit (300). The electro-osmotic pump (200) generates positive and negative pressures alternately, and the transfer chamber unit (300) is coupled to one side of the electro-osmotic pump (200) so that the fluid to be transferred flows in and out. When the electro-osmotic pump (200) is driven, the fluid to be transferred flows into the transfer chamber unit (300) or is discharged from the transfer chamber unit (300) as the first flexible electrode (220) and the second flexible electrode (230) move backward or forward.

[0065] An electroosmotic pump (200) includes a membrane (210) that allows movement of a fluid, a first flexible electrode (220) arranged on one side of the membrane (210), and a second flexible electrode (230) arranged on the other side of the membrane (210). The first flexible electrode (220) may include a first flexible film (224) and a first electrode layer (222), and the second flexible electrode (230) may include a second flexible film (234) and a second electrode layer (232).

[0066] In addition, the electroosmotic pump (200) includes a first contact (250) and a second contact (260) that transmit a driving voltage to a first flexible electrode (220) and a second flexible electrode (230), and each end of the first contact (250) and the second contact (260) extends to the outside of the housing (270) and is electrically connected to a power supply (not shown). The first contact (150) is arranged between the first electrode layer (122) and the other side of the membrane (110) and transmits the driving voltage to the first electrode layer (122). The first contact (150) and the first electrode layer (122) are joined at a predetermined area at the edge portion, and the remaining area except for the area where the first electrode layer (122) is joined in the first contact (150) is formed as a through hole.

[0067] Additionally, a housing (270) that accommodates the membrane (210), the first flexible electrode (220), and the second flexible electrode (230) may be provided. In addition, the housing (270) may be formed on the other side of the second flexible electrode (230) to provide a moving space (272) that accommodates the second flexible electrode (230) that relaxes.

[0068] Here, the electroosmotic pump (200) has the same configuration as the electroosmotic pump (100) described through FIGS. 2 and 4 except for the first space (172).

[0069] The transport chamber (300) is formed with a chamber (310) that receives the fluid to be transported that has been introduced into it. The chamber (310) is formed in a concave, curved shape corresponding to the changing shape of the first flexible electrode (220). That is, when the first flexible electrode (220) is relaxed toward the chamber (310), it can be formed in a shape that fills the corner space in advance so that the first flexible electrode (220) can be in maximum contact with the chamber (310). Through this configuration, the retention time of a drug, such as insulin, introduced into the chamber (310) can be minimized so that it can be discharged. Here, the chamber (310) may be a space corresponding to the first space (172) of the electroosmotic pump (100) illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4.

[0070] In addition, the fluid transfer pump device (1000) may further include a port connector (400) coupled to the transfer chamber unit (300) on the opposite side of the electroosmotic pump (200). The port connector (400) may provide a drug inlet channel (410) for introducing a drug into the transfer chamber unit (300) and a drug discharge channel (420) for discharging the drug from the transfer chamber unit (300). The drug inlet channel (410) may be provided with an inlet check valve (430) that only allows the drug to be supplied to the transfer chamber unit (300), and the drug discharge channel (420) may be provided with a discharge check valve (440) that only allows the drug to be discharged from the transfer chamber unit (300). In addition, the drug inlet channel (410) may be connected to a drug storage unit (500) to supply the drug, and the drug discharge channel (420) may be connected to a needle (600) to deliver the drug to the subject.

[0071] Fig. 8 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the operation of a fluid transfer pump device for sucking in a fluid to be transferred, and Fig. 9 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the operation of a fluid transfer pump device for discharging a fluid to be transferred.

[0072] First, referring to FIG. 8, the operation of the fluid transfer pump device (1000) sucking in the fluid to be transferred will be described. When power is supplied to the first contact (250) and the second contact (260) of the electroosmotic pump (200) to generate negative pressure, the pumping solution (240) inside the membrane (210) can move toward the second hole (261) of the second contact (260). At the same time, the second flexible electrode (230) relaxes toward the movement space (272), and the first flexible electrode (220) relaxes toward the first hole (251). Then, the fluid to be transferred stored in the drug storage unit (500) can be introduced into the chamber (310) through the drug inflow path (410). At this time, the inlet check valve (430) is opened and the discharge check valve (440) is closed, so that the fluid to be transported is not allowed to be discharged through the drug discharge path (420).

[0073] Next, referring to FIG. 9, the operation of the fluid transfer pump device (1000) for discharging the fluid to be transferred will be described. When a positive pressure is generated by supplying power through the first contact (250) and the second contact (260) of the electroosmotic pump (200), the pumping solution (240) inside the membrane (210) moves toward the first hole (251) of the first contact (250). At the same time, the second flexible electrode (230) relaxes toward the second hole (261) of the second contact (260), and the first flexible electrode (220) relaxes toward the chamber (310) of the transfer chamber unit (300). Then, the fluid to be transferred stored in the chamber (310) can be discharged to the needle (600) through the drug discharge path (420). At this time, the discharge check valve (440) is opened and the inlet check valve (430) is closed, so that the fluid to be transported is not allowed to move through the drug inlet path (410).

[0074] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single entity may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0075] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below rather than the detailed description above, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In a fluid transfer pump device, An electroosmotic pump that generates positive and negative pressure alternately; and A transport chamber unit coupled to one side of the above-mentioned electroosmotic pump, into which a fluid to be transported is introduced and discharged; The above electroosmotic pump A membrane that allows the movement of fluid; A first flexible electrode disposed on one side of the membrane and having flexibility; A second flexible electrode is disposed on the other side of the membrane and has flexibility; When the above electric osmotic pump is operated, A fluid transfer pump device in which the fluid to be transferred is introduced into the transfer chamber or discharged from the transfer chamber as the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode move backward or forward.

2. In paragraph 1, A fluid transfer pump device, wherein the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode seal one side and the other side of the membrane, respectively.

3. In paragraph 1, The first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode are, A fluid transfer pump device having a diaphragm shape that advances and retreats by having a fixed peripheral portion and a curved central portion.

4. In paragraph 1, A fluid transfer pump device, wherein a movement space capable of accommodating shape changes according to advancement and retreat of the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode is formed between the first flexible electrode and the membrane and between the second flexible electrode and the membrane.

5. In paragraph 4, The above movement space is, A fluid transfer pump device provided by extending a predetermined length from the one side and the other side of the membrane.

6. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a power supply unit that alternately applies positive and negative driving voltages to the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode, A fluid transfer pump device, wherein the direction of movement of the working fluid within the membrane alternately changes between forward and reverse directions according to the application of the driving voltage, and the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode move backward in the opposite direction of the transfer chamber and the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode move forward in the direction of the transfer chamber according to the movement of the working fluid.

7. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a port connector coupled to the transfer chamber section on the opposite side of the above electroosmotic pump, The above port connector is, A drug introduction path for introducing a drug into the above transfer chamber; and A fluid transport pump device providing a drug discharge path for discharging a drug from the above-mentioned transport chamber.

8. In paragraph 7, In the above drug inflow path, An inlet check valve is provided that only allows the drug to be supplied to the above transfer chamber section, In the above drug discharge path, A fluid transfer pump device having a discharge check valve that only allows the drug to be discharged from the above transfer chamber.

9. In paragraph 7, The above drug inflow path is, A fluid transfer pump device that is connected to a drug storage bag and supplies drugs.

10. In paragraph 7, The above drug discharge route is, A fluid transfer pump device connected to a needle to deliver a drug to a subject.

11. In paragraph 1, A fluid transfer pump device, wherein the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode are made of a flexible film and an electrode material coated thereon.

12. In paragraph 11, The first flexible electrode comprises a first flexible film and a first electrode layer laminated on one surface of the first flexible film, A fluid transfer pump device, wherein the second flexible electrode comprises a second flexible film and a second electrode layer laminated on one surface of the second flexible film.

13. In paragraph 12, The first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode are, A fluid transfer pump device, wherein the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are arranged so as to face the membrane.

14. In paragraph 12, The first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode are, A fluid transfer pump device, wherein the first flexible film and the second flexible film are arranged so as to face opposite sides of the membrane.

15. In paragraph 12, A first contact disposed between the first electrode layer and one side of the membrane, and transmitting a driving voltage to the first electrode layer; Further comprising a second contact disposed between the second electrode layer and the other side of the membrane and transmitting a driving voltage to the second electrode layer, The first contact and the first electrode layer, The edge portion is combined to a predetermined area, and the remaining area except the area where the first electrode layer is combined in the first contact is formed as a through hole. The second contact and the second electrode layer, The edge portion is combined to a predetermined area, and the remaining area except the area where the second electrode layer is combined in the second contact is formed as a through hole. A fluid transfer pump device, wherein the first contact and the second contact have a predetermined thickness.

16. In paragraph 15, The thickness of the first and second contacts is A fluid transfer pump device, wherein at least a portion of the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode is set to correspond to a distance in which the first flexible electrode and the second flexible electrode advance or retreat.

17. In paragraph 12, The first flexible film or the second flexible film, A fluid transfer pump device comprising a polymer, a metal, a metallized polymer, a carbonaceous material, or a composite thereof.

18. In paragraph 17, The above polymer is, A fluid transfer pump device comprising at least one of polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polypropylene (PP), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), nylon, polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and cellulose.

19. In paragraph 17, The above metal is, A fluid transfer pump device comprising at least one of gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), and stainless steel.

20. In paragraph 17, The above metallized polymer is, A fluid transport pump device comprising at least one of an aluminum film coated on polyethylene (PE / Al), an aluminum film coated on polycarbonate (PC / Al), an aluminum film coated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET / Al), a titanium film coated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET / Ti), and a stainless steel film coated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET / stainless steel).

21. In paragraph 17, The above carbonaceous material is, A fluid transport pump device comprising at least one of graphene, carbon nanotube (CNT), activated carbon, fullerene, graphite, and carbon fiber.

22. In paragraph 12, The first electrode layer or the second electrode layer, A fluid transport pump device comprising a metal, a metal oxide, a conducting polymer, a metal hexacyanoferrate, a carbon nanostructure, or a composite thereof.

23. In paragraph 22, The above metal is, A fluid transfer pump device comprising at least one of gold, silver, zinc, lead, manganese, copper, tin, ruthenium and iridium.

24. In paragraph 22, The above metal oxide is, A fluid transfer pump device comprising at least one of vanadium oxide, molybdenum oxide (MoO₃), tungsten oxide (WO₃), ruthenium oxide, iridium oxide, manganese oxide, cerium oxide (CeO₂), and polyoxometalate.

25. In paragraph 22, The above conductive polymer is, A fluid transfer pump device comprising at least one of polyaniline, a derivative of polyaniline, polythiophene, a derivative of polythiophene, polypyrrole, a derivative of polypyrrole, a quinone polymer, a derivative of quinone polymer, and polythionine.

26. In paragraph 22, The above metal hexacyanoferrate is, A fluid transfer pump device comprising at least one of Prussian blue, FeHCF (iron hexacyanoferrate), CuHCF (copper hexacyanoferrate), CoHCF (cobalt hexacyanoferrate), and NiHCF (nickel hexacyanoferrate).

27. In paragraph 22, The above carbon nanostructure is, A fluid transport pump device comprising at least one of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, carbon nanoparticles, fullerenes, graphite, and activated carbon.

28. In paragraph 22, A fluid transfer pump device, wherein the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer is formed by laminating the electrode material in multiple layers.

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