Electroactive Orifice Laminate for Precise Low-Flow Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small dose control and fluid delivery systems are complex and fail to provide accurate control of small doses and low flow rates, particularly in miniaturized devices for medical and non-medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device with a laminate structure of an electroactive material layer and a non-actuatable layer, featuring an array of orifices that open and close under actuation, driven by solid-state electrodes and controlled by a controller, allowing for precise control of fluid flow and miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow control devices are used for small dose delivery, then they can deliver fluid, but they are complex and cannot provide accurate control of small doses and low flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the flow control function into an array of individual orifices that can be independently controlled by the electroactive material layer. Each orifice acts as a separate flow path that can be opened or closed individually, enabling precise control of small fluid doses through selective activation of specific orifices rather than controlling a single large flow path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical valve mechanisms with an electroactive material layer that uses electrical stimulation to change shape and control orifice opening. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical moving parts, springs, and actuating mechanisms, significantly reducing device complexity while improving control accuracy for small doses
2Volume of moving object
If miniaturized devices are developed for POC applications, then they can be used in diagnosis and treatment, but they face difficulties in controlling low flow rates and accurate dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by creating an array of orifices with specific local characteristics - each orifice can be independently controlled to open or close based on local electrical stimulation of the electroactive material layer. This local control capability allows precise dosing in miniaturized devices by activating only the specific orifices needed for the required dose, rather than controlling the entire device uniformly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from controlling flow in a single dimension to controlling flow across multiple dimensions by using an array of orifices arranged in two-dimensional space. The electroactive material layer can be selectively actuated at different locations and times, enabling precise control of fluid delivery in miniaturized POC devices through spatial and temporal patterns of orifice activation
3Productivity
If periodic sampling is performed in miniaturized devices, then fluid can be sampled, but sensors may become saturated
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements periodic sampling by selectively activating orifices in alternating patterns - one array of orifices is activated while another remains closed, then they switch roles. This periodic action allows continuous sampling at high productivity while preventing sensor saturation by interrupting the flow periodically, as the closed orifices prevent continuous fluid exposure to the sensor
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 device enables accurate control of small fluid amounts at low power and low cost, with silent operation, and can be miniaturized for various applications, including medicine delivery, fluid mixing, and sampling, while maintaining a simple design.
Implementation Method 1
a laminate structure of an electroactive material layer having a rest state and an actuated state... an electrode arrangement comprising two solid state electrodes in contact with the electroactive material layer on the parallel surfaces for driving the electroactive material layer between the rest state and the actuated state
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device comprises a laminate structure of an electroactive material layer and a non-actuatable layer. An array of orifices is formed in one of the layers wherein the orifices are open in one of the rest state and actuated state and the orifices are closed in the other of the rest state and actuated state. Actuation of the electroactive material layer causes orifices to open and close so that flow control function may be implemented.