Electrostatic Peristaltic Pump for Compact Gas Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumps for gas flow in applications like CPAP therapy are bulky and noisy due to high rotational speeds and turbulence, making them inefficient and undesirable for maintaining constant velocity and optimal pressure and flow rate requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method using a flexible membrane actuated by electrostatic forces to create a peristaltic motion within a passage, allowing for efficient gas flow by selectively attracting the membrane towards upper or lower portions of the passage using electrodes, thereby producing a wave-like motion that maintains fluid velocity and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If radial blowers are used to achieve high flow rates and pressure requirements, then the flow rate and pressure requirements are met, but the device becomes bulky and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical radial blower system with an electrostatic peristaltic pump that uses electrostatic forces to actuate a flexible membrane. This substitution eliminates the need for high-speed rotating mechanical components, thereby reducing device size and noise while maintaining the ability to deliver required flow rates and pressure levels through wave-like membrane motion
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters from high rotational speeds in radial blowers to controlled electrostatic actuation frequencies in the peristaltic pump. By operating at lower frequencies with wave-like membrane motion, the system achieves the same productivity without the bulk and noise associated with high-speed mechanical rotation
2Stress or pressure
If radial blowers operate at high rotational speeds to meet pressure requirements, then pressure is achieved, but noise and turbulence increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-speed mechanical rotation with electrostatic field actuation. The flexible membrane is actuated by electrostatic forces applied to conductive regions, creating smooth wave-like motion that pressurizes gas without the turbulence and noise generated by traditional high-speed mechanical blowers
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible conductive membrane that can be dynamically deformed by electrostatic forces. This flexible structure allows for smooth, controlled pressure changes through wave-like motion, eliminating the turbulence and noise associated with rigid high-speed mechanical components
3Productivity
If conventional pumps are used to maintain constant velocity, then pressure and flow rate can be controlled, but turbulence occurs due to significant velocity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic electrostatic actuation of the flexible membrane in a wave-like sequence along the passage. This periodic action creates smooth, progressive gas movement through the pump chambers, maintaining relatively constant velocity and minimizing turbulence-related energy losses while still achieving the required flow rate control
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 approach results in a more efficient and compact gas flow system that minimizes turbulence and noise, achieving optimal pressure and flow rate while utilizing the pump volume effectively, thus addressing the inefficiencies of conventional radial blowers.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane may comprises a conductive material and selectively actuating the flexible membrane may comprise attracting portions of the membrane toward one of an upper portion of the passage or toward a lower portion of the passage via an electrostatic force
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing a flow of a fluid through a passage (24) defined in a rigid frame (22) comprises selectively actuating a flexible membrane (38) disposed across a midpoint of the passage (24) with an actuating system in a manner which produces a wave-like motion in the membrane (38) thereby causing a peristaltic movement of the fluid through the passage (24).