Electromagnetic Fluidic Pump-Valve Design for Portable Low-Power Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a gap in fluidic technologies for consumer devices that require high efficiency, low power consumption, and portability, as existing systems are either microfluidic or macrofluidic, lacking solutions for the intermediate scale with high power-to-size ratio, low cost, and limited moving parts.
Innovation Solution
The development of electromagnetically driven fluidic devices with a pump and valve system featuring a piston, bobbin, electromagnetic coils, and compliant gaskets, along with magnetic shields, to achieve efficient fluid control and movement in a compact, portable form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If microfluidic devices are used, then fluidic control is achieved, but device size becomes too small and power consumption is not optimized for portable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pumps and valves with an electromagnetic actuation system. An electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic field that directly actuates a flexible diaphragm, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, motors, or moving parts typically found in fluidic control systems. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining portability and optimizing power consumption for intermediate-scale devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible diaphragm as the core actuation element. The diaphragm is a thin, elastic membrane that deforms in response to electromagnetic actuation, thereby controlling fluid flow through pressure changes. This flexible film approach enables compact design with minimal moving parts, achieving both small size and low power consumption suitable for portable consumer devices.
2Ease of operation
If macrofluidic devices are used, then fluidic control is achieved, but device size becomes too large and portability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pump and valve functions into a single integrated electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnetic coil, flexible diaphragm, and fluidic channels are combined into one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate macro-scale pump and valve assemblies. This integration dramatically reduces device size while maintaining adequate fluidic control for portable applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a fluid-filled chamber where electromagnetic actuation of the diaphragm creates pressure changes to control fluid flow. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach allows for compact actuation mechanisms, as the fluid itself transmits the force generated by the small electromagnetic diaphragm assembly, enabling portable device sizes while maintaining effective fluidic control.
3Reliability
If traditional pumps and valves are used, then fluidic control is achieved, but device complexity increases with multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates all traditional mechanical moving parts from the fluidic control system. Instead of using pumps with rotating components, valves with moving seats, or linkages, the design relies on electromagnetic field actuation of a flexible diaphragm. This extraction of mechanical complexity leaves only the electromagnetic coil and diaphragm as active components, significantly reducing the number of moving parts and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible diaphragm serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the actuation surface for electromagnetic force, the sealing element for fluid control, and the pressure transmission medium. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable fluidic control with minimal moving parts.
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 enables the creation of fluidic devices that provide efficient fluid control and movement, addressing the need for high efficiency, low power consumption, and compact design suitable for consumer applications, while meeting user expectations for functionality and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electromagnetic coils disposed around the bobbin for driving the electromagnetically driven valve
Implementation Method 2
when the piston is disposed adjacent the first compliant gasket the first valve is closed and open when the piston is not disposed adjacent the first compliant gasket
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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.