Acoustic Fluid Pump with Offset Actuator Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pumping systems have moving parts that experience wear and tear, are complex, and require precise tolerances, leading to inefficiencies and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pump design that utilizes a fluid chamber with two arrays of actuators, where the actuators are offset and controlled to move perpendicular to the fluid chamber's longitudinal direction, reducing the need for complex moving parts and minimizing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical pumping systems are used, then fluid pumping capability is achieved, but wear and tear increases due to moving parts and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pumping mechanisms with an acoustic field-based system. Acoustic waves generated by actuators create standing wave patterns that produce acoustic radiation pressure to drive fluid flow, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts that cause wear and tear.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic acoustic wave generation at specific frequencies to create standing waves within the fluid chamber. The actuators are driven at resonant frequencies to establish stable standing wave patterns that continuously generate acoustic radiation pressure for fluid pumping.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical pumping systems are used, then fluid pumping capability is achieved, but system complexity increases due to precision components and tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pumping mechanisms with acoustic field-based actuation. Instead of precision mechanical components with strict tolerance requirements, the system uses acoustic waves and standing wave patterns to achieve fluid pumping, significantly reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls fluid pumping by adjusting acoustic parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and phase of the actuators rather than mechanical parameters. This allows for flexible control of flow rate and direction through electrical signal modulation instead of mechanical adjustment.
3Productivity
If actuators are arranged in arrays offset along the longitudinal direction, then fluid displacement efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of actuators in offset arrays along the longitudinal direction of the fluid chamber. This asymmetric configuration creates specific standing wave patterns with nodes and antinodes positioned to optimize acoustic radiation pressure for unidirectional fluid flow, improving pumping efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from simple linear actuator arrangements to two-dimensional offset arrays. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions creates complex standing wave patterns that enhance acoustic radiation pressure and improve fluid displacement efficiency compared to single-row configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves reduced wear and tear, increased efficiency, and improved reliability by minimizing the number of moving parts and friction, while maintaining effective fluid displacement and direction.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid pump that implements acoustic principles and makes use of acoustic mechanisms to pump a fluid in a desired direction
Implementation Method 2
The acoustic pumping elements are configured to form an acoustic wave focused within the channel
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid pump (10) for pumping fluids is described. The fluid pump uses actuators like loudspeakers or piezoelectric elements that are arranged in a fluid chamber side by side to each other to generate a fluid flow by driving the actuators with phase shifted signals, so that fluid is sucked into an inlet end of the fluid chamber and pushed out of an outlet end of the fluid chamber.