Fluid Disc Pump Axial Oscillation Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disc-shaped cavities in pumps have not effectively utilized high amplitude acoustic resonance for fluid pumping due to inefficiencies in radial pressure oscillations, leading to reduced pump efficiency when the interface between the driven end wall and side wall dampens motion.
Innovation Solution
The pump design incorporates an actuator causing axial oscillations of the driven end wall, with an isolator at the peripheral portion to reduce dampening, generating radial pressure oscillations approximating a Bessel function, thereby maintaining efficiency by minimizing energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the interface between the driven end wall and side wall is structured to maintain efficiency, then pump efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible membrane as an isolator between the driven end wall and the side wall. This flexible shell allows the end wall to oscillate axially while isolating it from radial constraints imposed by the side wall. The membrane provides the necessary flexibility to maintain the oscillatory motion without requiring complex structural modifications to the interface, thus improving pump efficiency while avoiding excessive device complexity.
2Productivity
If the driven end wall oscillates axially to generate radial pressure oscillations, then fluid pumping performance is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane acts as an intermediary element between the driven end wall and the side wall. It transmits the axial oscillations of the end wall to generate radial pressure oscillations in the fluid while simultaneously isolating the system from energy loss pathways. The membrane mediates the energy transfer efficiently, converting axial motion to radial pressure variations without significant energy dissipation, thus improving pumping performance while minimizing energy loss.
3Productivity
If high amplitude pressure oscillations are generated in the cavity, then pumping effect is improved, but non-linear mechanisms with energy dissipation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibration of the driven end wall in the axial direction to generate high amplitude radial pressure oscillations in the fluid. The oscillatory motion of the end wall creates standing wave patterns in the fluid cavity, achieving high amplitude pressure variations that enhance the pumping effect. By carefully controlling the vibration frequency and amplitude, the system achieves effective pumping while minimizing the activation of non-linear energy dissipation mechanisms.
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 design enhances pump efficiency by maintaining the amplitude of pressure oscillations within the cavity, ensuring effective fluid flow through strategically placed apertures, providing either positive or negative pressure as needed.
Implementation Method 1
The generation of high amplitude pressure oscillations in closed cavities has received significant attention in the fields of thermo-acoustics and pump type compressors. Recent developments in non-linear acoustics have allowed the generation of pressure waves with higher amplitudes than previously thought possible.
Implementation Method 2
This can be achieved using a cylindrical cavity with an acoustic driver at one end, which drives an acoustic standing wave.
Implementation Method 3
The axial oscillations of the driven end wall generate substantially proportional pressure oscillations of fluid within the cavity creating a radial pressure distribution approximating that of a Bessel function of the first kind
Implementation Method 4
A portion of the driven end wall between the actuator and the side wall provides an interface with the side wall of the pump that decreases dampening of the displacement oscillations to mitigate any reduction of the pressure oscillations within the cavity
Implementation Method 5
The displacement oscillations generate radial oscillations of fluid pressure within the cavity of said pump body causing fluid flow through said apertures
Data Source
AI summary
A pump having a substantially cylindrical shape and defining a cavity formed by a side wall closed at both ends by end walls wherein the cavity contains a fluid is disclosed. The pump further comprises an actuator operatively associated with at least one of the end walls to cause an oscillatory motion of the driven end wall to generate displacement oscillations of the driven end wall within the cavity. The pump further comprises an isolator operatively associated with a peripheral portion of the driven end wall to reduce dampening of the displacement oscillations.