Electrostatic Actuator With Segmented Electrodes For Low Power Fluid Pumping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrostatically actuated devices for fluid displacement, such as those using piezoelectric actuators, are inefficient in power consumption and complex in structure, making them unsuitable for reversible pumping of limited liquid volumes with low power consumption.

Innovation Solution

An electrostatically actuated device with a deformable electrode and lateral electrodes, where the electrode chamber is partitioned into distinct compartments to facilitate fluid movement and simplify the structure, allowing for efficient fluid displacement with reduced power consumption and manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If piezoelectric actuators are used for fluid displacement, then continuous operation is achieved, but power efficiency deteriorates (less than 0.1)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidpower efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic actuation of the deformable electrode to achieve reversible pumping of limited liquid volumes. The electrode is alternately actuated between first and second positions, creating periodic fluid displacement that achieves both continuous operation capability and high power efficiency by avoiding continuous energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If a deformable electrode with dedicated actuation electrode structure is used, then limited volume fluid pumping with low power consumption is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidactuation electrode structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the actuation electrode and fluid channel functions into a single integrated component. The actuation electrode serves dual purposes: it acts as the actuation element for the deformable electrode and simultaneously forms part of the fluid passage structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining low power consumption for limited volume pumping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation electrode is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the electrostatic actuation element that deforms the deformable electrode, and simultaneously acts as a structural component defining the fluid passage. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the actuation function and fluidic path function are borne by the same component, then manufacturing cost increases, but structure integration is achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure integrationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: the deformable electrode module, the actuation electrode module with integrated fluid channels, and the electrode chamber. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured separately using optimized processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost despite the integrated functionality of the actuation electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 achieves efficient fluid displacement with stronger pumping pressure and reduced response time, suitable for micrometric applications like wearable devices and medical devices, while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the deformable electrode is configured to cooperate with the at least one lateral electrode such as to be actuated between at least a first position and a second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic actuation: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS20240384714A1Electrostatically actuated device

Publication Date: 2024.11.21 LACLAREE

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an electrostatically actuated device comprising at least one electrode chamber extending along a direction of extension between a first electrode chamber end including at least one first fluid channel, and a second electrode chamber end including at least one second fluid channel. The at least one electrode chamber includes at least one lateral electrode extending laterally along the direction of extension, and is adapted to receive a deformable electrode configured to cooperate with the at least one lateral electrode such as to be actuated between at least a first position and a second position, to push reversely a volume of fluid through at least one channel chosen between the at least one first fluid channel, and the at least one second fluid channel. The invention present disclosure also relates to spectacles comprising such electrostatically actuated device