Diaphragm Compressor Actuator Cooling via Fluid Path Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diaphragm-type compressors face temperature rise issues due to repeated reciprocation of the actuator, which affects the efficiency and performance of the compressor.
Innovation Solution
The diaphragm-type compressor design includes a substrate, actuator, diaphragm, and case with an inflow port for fluid, where the actuator is part of the fluid's moving path, allowing direct cooling of the actuator with the fluid, and optionally incorporates a metal wall for indirect cooling and a diffusing member to enhance cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the actuator is driven to reciprocate the diaphragm for fluid compression, then the compression function is achieved, but the actuator temperature rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the fluid being compressed as a cooling medium for the actuator. The fluid, which would normally just be compressed and discharged, is instead routed through cooling channels in the actuator housing to absorb heat from the actuator. This converts the potentially harmful heat generation into a beneficial cooling effect, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid serving dual purposes: it is both the working fluid being compressed for the compression function and simultaneously serves as a cooling medium for the actuator. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity and improves overall efficiency by having the compressed fluid perform both its primary compression role and a secondary cooling role.
2Temperature
If cooling channels are added to the actuator housing, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are integrated directly into the actuator housing structure rather than being separate components. The housing serves both as the structural enclosure for the actuator and as the cooling channel network. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator housing performs multiple functions: it provides structural support for the actuator, contains the cooling channels, and serves as part of the fluid pathway. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate cooling system components.
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 design effectively suppresses the temperature rise of the actuator, improving the compressor's performance and enabling efficient fluid compression while allowing for adjustable compression ratios using a piezoelectric element.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is a member configuring a moving path of the fluid from the inflow port to the suction port
Data Source
AI summary
A diaphragm-type compressor includes a substrate, an actuator, a diaphragm provided between the substrate and the actuator, and a case in which the diaphragm, the actuator, and the substrate are provided. A recessed section formed at the actuator side of the substrate and the actuator overlap in a plan view. The case has an inflow port of fluid further on the actuator side than the substrate based on the position of the diaphragm. The substrate includes a suction port for causing the recessed section to suck the fluid.