Disc Pump Isolator with RFID Tag for High-Frequency Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Disc pumps operating at high frequencies for portable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining efficiency due to dampening of pressure oscillations at the interface between the driven end wall and the side wall, and conventional valves are not capable of operating at the required high frequencies for inaudible and discrete operation.

Innovation Solution

A disc pump system with a cylindrical cavity and an actuator-driven end wall, featuring an isolator made of flexible material to reduce dampening and an RFID tag for tracking and performance measurement, along with high-frequency capable valves to manage fluid flow effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional valves are used in disc pumps, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the valve cannot operate at high frequencies required for portable electronic devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating frequencyVSAvoidvalve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is segmented into multiple functional layers including a flexible membrane with apertures, a rigid support structure with additional apertures, and sealing elements. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions independently, enabling the valve to operate at high frequencies while maintaining manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The valve incorporates a flexible membrane that dynamically responds to pressure oscillations by deforming and opening/closing apertures in response to alternating positive and negative pressure cycles. This dynamic behavior enables high-frequency operation adapted to the oscillating pressure environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stress or pressure

If the interface between the driven end wall and side wall is rigid, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but dampening occurs that reduces pressure oscillation amplitude

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure oscillation amplitudeVSAvoidinterface structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible membrane is positioned at the interface between the driven end wall and side wall. This flexible element allows controlled movement and deformation in response to pressure oscillations, reducing dampening effects while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible membrane stretches and contracts dynamically during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The interface structure incorporates dynamic elements that adapt to pressure oscillations, allowing the system to maintain high pressure oscillation amplitudes while managing the complexity of the interface design through functional flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If high frequency operation is implemented for inaudible pumping, then productivity increases and portability is improved, but conventional valves cannot keep up with the required frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepumping efficiencyVSAvoidvalve operational capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is designed to operate in periodic cycles synchronized with the pressure oscillations, opening during positive pressure phases and closing during negative pressure phases. This periodic action enables the valve to reliably handle high-frequency oscillations required for productive pumping while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The valve design incorporates parameters such as membrane flexibility, aperture size, and material properties that are optimized for high-frequency operation. By changing these parameters, the valve achieves both the productivity needed for portable devices and the reliability to operate at required frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system enhances the amplitude of pressure oscillations, maintains efficiency by minimizing dampening, and enables operation at high frequencies, ensuring inaudible and efficient fluid pumping for portable devices.

Implementation Method 1

an isolator (30) inserted between the peripheral portion of the driven end wall and the side wall to reduce dampening of the displacement oscillations, the isolator comprising a flexible material that stretches and contracts in response to the oscillatory motion of the driven end wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Acoustic resonance to achieve fluid pumping from defined inlets and outlets. This can be achieved using a cylindrical cavity with an acoustic driver at one end, which drives an acoustic standing wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

An RFID tag is operatively associated with the flexible material of the isolator to store and transmit identification data associated with the isolator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID:

Data Source

PatentEP2812577B1Systems and methods for monitoring a disc pump system using RFID
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 KCI LICENSING INC
  • EP2812577B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1A
  • EP2812577B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP2812577B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A disc pump system includes a pump body (11) having a substantially cylindrical shape defining a cavity (16) for containing a fluid, the cavity (16) being formed by a side wall (18) closed at both ends by substantially circular end walls (20,22), at least one of the end walls being a driven end wall (22). The system includes an actuator (40) operatively associated with the driven end wall (22) to cause an oscillatory motion of the driven end wall (22) and an isolator (30) operatively associated with the peripheral portion of the driven end wall (22) to reduce damping of the displacement oscillations. The isolator (30) comprises a flexible material, which includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (51) to store and transmit identification data associated with the isolator.