Electromagnetic Pump with Dual Opposing Magnetic Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic pumps face limitations in efficiency, power, volume, flow rate, pressure, cost, and reliability, particularly in micropump applications for microfluidics, where they often require complex components and have low reliability.
Innovation Solution
The use of dual magnetic field generating units with components in opposite directions within the pump conduit, driven under alternating power cycles to create a greater magnetic flux and oscillating piston movement, along with a simpler valve arrangement and magnetic biasing means, enhances efficiency and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electromagnetic coil is used to drive the piston, then the device complexity is reduced, but the magnetic flux and pumping efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single electromagnetic coil is segmented into two separate magnetic field generating units (first coil and second coil), each positioned at opposite ends of the conduit. This segmentation allows each coil to independently generate magnetic flux that acts on the piston, thereby increasing the overall magnetic flux and pumping efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
2Device complexity
If the magnetic field direction is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power cycle utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generating units operate with periodic reversal of polarity synchronized to the alternating power cycle. During the positive half-cycle, the first coil generates magnetic flux in one direction; during the negative half-cycle, the second coil generates magnetic flux in the opposite direction. This periodic action ensures that both halves of the AC power cycle are productively utilized, doubling the effective power utilization compared to fixed-direction systems.
3Productivity
If complex valve arrangements are used to control fluid flow, then the flow control precision is improved, but the reliability and component complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical valve arrangement is extracted and replaced with a magnetic field-based flow control mechanism. The alternating magnetic fields naturally direct fluid flow through the piston during different half-cycles, eliminating the need for separate mechanical valves. This reduces component complexity and potential failure points while maintaining precise flow control through electromagnetic actuation of the piston.
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 configuration allows for more efficient use of the full power cycle, increased magnetic flux, and reduced component complexity, resulting in improved pumping efficiency, reliability, and suitability for micropump applications with higher flow rates and pressures at lower power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic field generating unit for generating a first magnetic field having a first component with a first direction in the conduit; a second magnetic field generating unit for generating a second magnetic field having a second component with a second direction in the conduit, the second direction being substantially opposite to the first direction
Implementation Method 2
an alternating voltage is applied to the coil. During the positive voltage half of a driving cycle, the coil is energized which drives the piston towards the inlet end of the conduit
Implementation Method 3
the piston member being movable within the conduit under the influence of the first and/or second magnetic fields to pump fluid received from the inlet of the conduit to the outlet of the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic pump (100). The electromagnetic pump (100) comprises a conduit (101) comprising an inlet (103) and an outlet (105). A first magnetic field generating unit (109) is provided for generating a first magnetic field having a first component with a first direction in the conduit. A second magnetic field generating unit (111) is provided for generating a second magnetic field having a second component with a second direction in the conduit (101), the second direction being substantially opposite to the first direction. A piston member (113) is disposed within the conduit, the piston member (113) being moveable within the conduit (101) under the influence of the first and/or second magnetic fields to pump fluid received from the inlet (103) of the conduit (101) to the outlet (105) of the conduit (101).