Fluid Disc Pump Isolator and High-Frequency Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps with disc-shaped cavities face inefficiencies due to dampening of pressure oscillations at the interface between the driven end wall and the side wall, and conventional valves are unable to operate at high frequencies required for portable electronic devices, such as medical devices, which need high-frequency fluid flow control.
Innovation Solution
The pump design incorporates an actuator causing axial oscillations of the driven end wall with a peripheral isolator to reduce dampening and a high-frequency valve with a flap mechanism that responds to differential pressure changes to control fluid flow, ensuring efficient pressure oscillations and high-frequency operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the driven end wall is directly connected to the side wall to maintain structural integrity, then the structural strength is improved, but the displacement oscillations are dampened reducing pump efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
An isolator is introduced as an intermediary component between the driven end wall and the side wall. This isolator allows the driven end wall to oscillate with minimal dampening while still providing structural support and maintaining the integrity of the pump cavity. The isolator mediates between the need for structural strength and the need to preserve oscillation amplitude for efficient pumping.
2Device complexity
If conventional valves are used for fluid flow control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operating frequency is limited below 500 Hz which is insufficient for portable electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed to operate at high frequencies (20 kHz and higher) by utilizing the acoustic vibrations already present in the pump cavity. The valve structure is optimized to respond to these high-frequency pressure oscillations, enabling it to open and close rapidly for efficient fluid flow control at frequencies suitable for portable electronic devices without requiring complex mechanical actuation systems.
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 solution enhances pump efficiency by minimizing dampening effects and enables operation at high frequencies, providing efficient fluid flow control suitable for portable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
It is known to use acoustic resonance to achieve fluid pumping from defined inlets and outlets. This can be achieved using a cylindrical cavity with an acoustic driver at one end, which drives an acoustic standing wave.
Implementation Method 2
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
Implementation Method 3
the valve must be responsive to a high frequency oscillating pressure that can be rectified to create a net flow of fluid through the pump
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. The pump further comprises a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve. The valve has first and second plates with offsetting apertures and a sidewall disposed between the plates around the perimeter of the plates to form a cavity in fluid communication with the apertures. The valve further comprises a flap disposed and moveable between the first and second plates and having apertures substantially offset from the apertures of one plate and substantially aligned with the apertures of the other plate. The flap is motivated between the two plates in response to a change in direction of the differential pressure of fluid across the valve.