Disk Piezoelectric Pump Radial Segmentation Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezoelectric pumps have bulky and complex structures due to the arrangement of multiple piezoelectric elements, making it difficult to implement a miniature fluid conveyance device with efficient sealing and high ejection pressure.
Innovation Solution
A disk-shaped piezoelectric element with concentric segment electrodes is used, where voltages are applied in phases to create a wavy ring deformation, allowing a ring pocket to move radially between the element and substrate, conveying fluid between the outer and central portions without the need for check valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple piezoelectric elements are arranged in a plane to convey fluid, then fluid conveyance function is achieved, but the structure becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element is divided into multiple segment electrodes (first, second, third, and fourth segment electrodes) arranged in the radial direction. By applying voltages with different phases to these segmented electrodes, the element bends in a wave pattern to convey fluid, eliminating the need for multiple separate piezoelectric elements while maintaining the fluid conveyance function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar arrangement of multiple piezoelectric elements to a radial segmentation of a single disk-shaped element. The segment electrodes are arranged radially and apply bending in a wave pattern, converting the conveyance mechanism from linear/planar to radial/circular motion, thereby achieving compact three-dimensional fluid conveyance.
2Productivity
If multiple piezoelectric elements are arranged in a tube-pump mode, then fluid conveyance is achieved, but sealing of joints and elastic deformation connection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element is segmented into multiple electrode regions (first, second, third, and fourth segment electrodes) along the radial direction. This segmentation enables controlled wave-shaped bending when voltages with different phases are applied, creating elastic deformation that naturally seals fluid passages without requiring additional joint sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element dynamically deforms into a wave pattern during operation, with the bending shape changing continuously as voltages are applied to different segment electrodes in sequence. This dynamic elastic deformation creates moving seals that follow the fluid passage, eliminating the need for static joint sealing structures.
3Productivity
If multiple piezoelectric elements are used to convey fluid, then pump function is achieved, but the structure becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple piezoelectric elements are merged into a single disk-shaped piezoelectric element with multiple segment electrodes. The first, second, third, and fourth segment electrodes are integrated into one element, allowing wave-shaped bending that conveys fluid through a compact circular path, significantly reducing the device volume compared to using multiple separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid conveyance path is reorganized from a linear arrangement of multiple elements to a circular/radial path within a single disk element. The wave-shaped bending creates a rotating pocket that moves fluid in a circular trajectory, achieving pump function in a compact two-dimensional footprint rather than requiring three-dimensional stacking of multiple elements.
4Shape
If segment electrodes are arranged in the longitudinal direction of a rectangular piezoelectric element, then bending is achieved, but the bending shape follows tube-pump mode requiring multiple electrodes in motion direction
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element uses a symmetric disk shape with radial segmentation rather than a rectangular shape with longitudinal segmentation. The segment electrodes are arranged radially from the center outward, creating asymmetric voltage application patterns that generate wave-shaped bending in a circular path, eliminating the need for multiple electrodes arranged in the direction of fluid motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a disk-shaped piezoelectric element with radial segment electrodes instead of a rectangular element with longitudinal electrodes. This circular geometry enables wave-shaped bending that propagates radially outward and inward, creating a rotating pocket motion that conveys fluid in a circular path, reducing the number of electrodes needed in the direction of motion.
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 results in a simple, compact, and efficient fluid conveyance device with high ejection pressure and minimized leakage, suitable for applications like cooling systems and fuel cells.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element that bends into a shape thereof in response to voltage application
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid conveyance device includes a substrate, and a disk-shaped piezoelectric element arranged in a bendable manner on the substrate. A plurality of substantially circular concentric segment electrodes are provided on the piezoelectric element, and are provided with voltages with phases that are shifted. A wavy ring deformation is thus produced on the piezoelectric element. A pocket produced between the piezoelectric element and the substrate is moved in a radial direction so as to convey a fluid from an outer substantially circular portion to a central portion and to discharge the fluid from the central portion.