Electromagnetic Fluidic Actuators for Portable Low-Power Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a gap in the development of fluidic systems that efficiently operate at a scale between microfluidic and macrofluidic devices, requiring high efficiency, low power consumption, and portability, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fluidic motor system with electromagnetically driven pumps and valves, coupled with a scaffold and casing structure that includes fluidic actuators and a reservoir, allowing for efficient fluid management and leakage prevention, enabling the creation of portable and efficient fluidic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If microfluidic devices exploit capillary action for fluidic flow, then fluid manipulation is achieved, but device dimensions are limited to micrometer sized channels and lack portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pumps and valves with an electromagnetic actuator that generates fluidic flow through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for complex mechanical moving parts while achieving portable device dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters by using electromagnetic fields instead of mechanical forces to drive fluid flow, enabling the device to operate at millimeter to centimeter scales with low power consumption and high portability
2Volume of moving object
If macrofluidic devices use pumps for hydraulic systems, then fluid flow is achieved, but device dimensions range from centimeter upwards and require mains power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional mains-powered mechanical pumps with a compact electromagnetic actuator that generates fluidic pressure through electromagnetic fields, enabling portable operation with battery power while maintaining macrofluidic flow capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator serves multiple functions including pumping, valve operation, and fluidic control, replacing multiple separate components and enabling the device to operate autonomously on battery power with reduced complexity
3Volume of moving object
If conventional fluidic systems are designed for portability, then device size is reduced, but efficiency and power to size ratio deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inefficient mechanical transmission components with direct electromagnetic actuation of fluidic elements, eliminating energy losses from mechanical friction and moving parts while maintaining compact dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical moving parts from the fluidic system, retaining only the essential electromagnetic actuator and fluidic channels, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining portability
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 solution provides a high-efficiency, portable fluidic system that meets the needs of consumer devices by optimizing power usage and design for fluidic control in both vibratory and non-vibratory functions, enhancing functionality, variability, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic pump comprising: a tube for coupling fluid from an input port to an output port; a piston within the tube; a bobbin around which a first electromagnetic coil is disposed; a first magnetic element disposed at a first end of the piston; a second magnetic element disposed at a second end of the piston
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic valve comprising: a first valve body portion and a second valve body portion; a piston within the first valve body portion; a bobbin around which a second electromagnetic coil is disposed; a first magnetic element disposed at a first end of the piston; a second magnetic element disposed at a second end of the piston
Data Source
AI summary
The application of fluidic systems to a variety of consumer devices would typically exploit fluidic structures of a few millimeters to a centimeter or so that are between the common fluidic realms of microfluidics and macrofluidics. For these devices power consumption, portability, batter operation etc. are significant factors in the design and implementation of these fluidic systems. However, the necessary range of fluidic device structures for electromagnetically driven high efficiency pumps, valves, switches, capacitors etc. require development to provide both the required functionality as well as to meet the user expectations for functionality, variability, cost, etc. but also lifetime, reliability, manufacturability etc. of the consumer devices exploiting these fluidic systems.