Low Profile Piezoelectric Pump with Integral Membrane Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral care implements, such as toothbrushes, face challenges in delivering active agents efficiently and compactly, with a need for a smaller and more integrated fluid delivery system that minimizes size and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile piezoelectric pump with integral inlet and outlet valves formed as part of a flexible membrane is integrated into the toothbrush, allowing for compact design and efficient fluid delivery directly to the bristle field, reducing the overall size and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional pump system is used in oral care implements, then fluid delivery function is achieved, but the size and complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pump components (membrane, inlet valve, outlet valve) into a single integrated unit. The flexible membrane serves as both the pumping element and the valve mechanism, eliminating the need for separate valve components. This merging of functions directly reduces pump size and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining effective fluid delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the pumping element that moves fluid, serves as the inlet valve through its deformation, and functions as the outlet valve mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed, thereby decreasing pump volume and system complexity while achieving complete fluid delivery control.
2Ease of manufacture
If pump components are integrated into a single unit, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a flexible membrane as the core component that integrates pumping and valve functions. This thin film structure can be manufactured using cost-effective processes such as molding or laminating, avoiding complex assembly of multiple rigid parts. The flexibility of the membrane allows it to perform multiple functions through controlled deformation, reducing manufacturing precision requirements compared to rigid integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane can be manufactured as a disposable or replaceable component using low-cost materials and processes. This approach allows for simpler manufacturing techniques that do not require high precision, as the membrane can be replaced rather than repaired. The integral formation of valves in the membrane is achieved through simple cutting or stamping operations rather than complex machining.
3Length of stationary object
If the pump is designed with low profile, then it fits in compact toothbrush head, but the pumping stroke volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic flexible membrane that changes shape during operation to compensate for the low profile constraint. The membrane deforms dynamically between flat and curved states during pumping cycles, creating sufficient volume change to deliver adequate fluid quantities despite the compressed vertical space. This dynamic behavior allows the pump to achieve effective pumping action within a reduced height envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane utilizes lateral and radial dimensions to compensate for reduced vertical space. By expanding and contracting in the horizontal plane and utilizing the full surface area of the membrane, the pump achieves sufficient displacement volume despite the low profile height constraint. This dimensional redistribution allows adequate fluid delivery volume within a compact vertical footprint.
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 enables a compact and cost-effective fluid delivery system that maintains the comfort of the toothbrush while efficiently dispensing oral care fluids directly to the bristle field, enhancing the delivery of active agents during brushing.
Implementation Method 1
In one preferred embodiment, the pump is a piezoelectric pump and the actuator is a piezoelectric actuator
Implementation Method 2
The membrane is movable between alternating intake and discharge positions
Implementation Method 3
The inlet and outlet flap valves are formed as an integral part of the flexible membrane and may function as check valves allowing flow of the oral care fluid through the pump in a single direction
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispensing oral care implement having a low profile pump includes a head, a reservoir for storing an oral care fluid, at least one liquid outlet in the head, and a pump. The pump includes a flexible membrane movable between alternating pump intake and discharge motions. The pump includes inlet and outlet flap valves, which may be formed integrally from portions of the membrane. In one embodiment, the valves are integrally formed in the membrane as flexible cantilevered tabs movable between open and closed positions. In some embodiments, the pump may be mounted in the toothbrush head or forms the head. In some embodiments, the pump may be disposed in a neck or a handle portion of the toothbrush.