Resonant Acoustic Pump Actuator With Integrated Fluid Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resonant acoustic pumps face challenges in efficiently connecting two separate pumping chambers due to the complexity and size increase caused by external pneumatic paths, and forming holes through the actuator for direct fluid connection is costly and prone to defects.
Innovation Solution
A method of forming through-holes in the ceramic material of the piezoelectric layer and other layers of the actuator before assembly, aligning them to create a passageway for fluid flow, and locating the connection apertures away from pressure nodes to minimize disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external pneumatic paths are used to connect two pumping chambers, then fluid connection between cavities is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuator and isolator into a single integrated assembly, eliminating the need for separate external pneumatic paths. The through-hole is formed directly in the actuator assembly, combining multiple functions (actuation, isolation, and fluid connection) into one component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable fluid connection between cavities.
2Reliability
If through-hole is formed in assembled actuator, then direct fluid connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and defects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The through-hole is formed in the actuator ceramic material before assembly with other layers. This preliminary action allows the hole to be created when the ceramic is more accessible and easier to process, avoiding the need to drill through already-assembled multi-layer structures. This approach reduces manufacturing cost, improves ease of manufacture, and minimizes the risk of defects while achieving direct fluid connection.
3Loss of energy
If aperture is located at pressure node, then disruption to pressure oscillations is minimized, but aperture must be formed through actuator itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the aperture formation with the actuator structure itself by forming the through-hole directly in the actuator ceramic at the pressure node location. This integration eliminates the need for separate aperture components or complex routing, allowing the aperture to be precisely positioned at the pressure node while maintaining simple device structure. The through-hole provides direct fluid connection with minimal disruption to pressure oscillations.
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
This approach avoids material defects and manufacturing complexities, maintaining pump efficiency by reducing damping and enhancing the direct fluid connection between cavities.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator forms a portion of the driven end wall... the piezoelectric layer... configured to convert an applied voltage to a mechanical displacement
Implementation Method 2
High amplitude acoustic resonance has been employed within disc-shaped cavities in which radial pressure oscillations are excited
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making an actuator for a resonant acoustic pump comprises: forming a through-hole in a ceramic material of a piezoelectric layer of the actuator, prior to assembly of the piezoelectric layer with other layers of the actuator; forming a through-hole in a flexible circuit layer of the actuator; forming a through-hole in an end plate layer of the actuator; and disposing each of the piezoelectric layer and the end plate layer on a respective one of opposite sides of the flexible circuit layer, so that the through-holes align to provide a passageway for a fluid to pass through the actuator.