Electrostatic Self-Healing Microvalve With Soft Hydraulic Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control valves require external energy input to open and close, limiting their ability to return to an original state without further energy, which is inefficient and not energy-efficient for fluid flow control.
Innovation Solution
A self-healing microvalve design that includes a soft hydraulic subassembly with a fluid-impermeable membrane and a valve gate assembly, which uses electrostatic attraction to control fluid flow, allowing the valve to open with minimal energy input and return to a sealed state without additional energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional solenoid operated valves are used to control fluid flow, then the valve can open and close with external energy input, but the valve requires continuous energy input to maintain its state and cannot return to original state without external energy
Solution Approach 1:
The valve gate assembly serves itself by using the fluid pressure differential across the valve barrier to automatically return to the sealed position. The elastic portion stores mechanical energy during opening and releases it during closing, making the system self-regulating without continuous external energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve gate assembly transitions from a static sealed position to a dynamic opened state and back, using the elastic portion as a mechanical energy storage element that dynamically converts between potential and kinetic energy to enable automatic state transitions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a valve gate assembly with elastic portion is used, then the valve can return to original state without external energy, but the sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The valve gate assembly merges three functions into one integrated structure: the gate conducting surface provides electrostatic actuation, the elastic portion provides mechanical energy storage and restoring force, and the valve gate body provides the sealing interface with the valve barrier, ensuring both energy independence and sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve gate assembly uses composite construction combining conductive materials for electrostatic actuation, elastic materials for energy storage, and sealing materials for reliable closure, creating a multi-functional component that satisfies both energy independence and sealing requirements.
3Power
If electrostatic attraction is used to open the valve, then minimal energy input is required, but the electrostatic components may be complex
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts only the essential electrostatic actuation function needed to overcome the sealed position, using simple conductive surfaces on the valve gate assembly and valve barrier that generate sufficient electrostatic force without requiring complex electrode structures or high voltage power supplies.
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
Enables efficient and energy-efficient control of fluid flow by allowing the microvalve to open with a small electrical input and recover its initial position quickly, reducing energy consumption and enhancing fluid flow management.
Implementation Method 1
a gate conducting surface configured to create an electrostatic attraction to the recess conducting surface in the presence of an electrical input
Implementation Method 2
The subassembly compartment can include a dielectric fluid
Implementation Method 3
an elastic portion connecting the valve gate to the rigid support
Data Source
AI summary
Self-healing microvalves are described herein. The self-healing microvalve can move from a first position to a second position using an electrical input and use a soft hydraulic assembly to return from the second position to the first position. The electrical input can create an electrostatic attraction, causing the compression of the soft hydraulic assembly and movement of the valve gate to seal the microvalve. The elasticity of the soft hydraulic assembly can then return the self-healing microvalve to the original state, once the electrical input is removed.