Micro Pump Array for Respiratory Device Downsizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiratory assistance devices face challenges in downsizing due to the large size of their pump units, which also complicates the control of pressure and flow rate during inspiratory and expiratory operations.
Innovation Solution
A pump unit comprising a body with an inlet and outlet, featuring a group of micro pumps arranged in a plane with aligned discharge and suction ports, allowing fluid flow through a flow passage forming mechanism that can switch between serial and parallel configurations, enabling precise control of pressure and flow rate, and incorporating a control system for managing micro pump failures and power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional blower or cylinder pump is used to create positive pressure in the air passage, then the required pressure and flow rate control for inspiratory and expiratory operations can be achieved, but the pump unit becomes large in size and difficult to downsize
Solution Approach 1:
The pump unit is segmented into multiple micro pumps (e.g., 2x2=4 micro pumps) arranged in a matrix pattern. Each micro pump handles a portion of the total flow rate requirement, allowing the system to achieve the necessary power output while keeping individual pump units small and compact.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple micro pumps are merged into a single integrated pump unit with common inlet and outlet packages. The micro pumps work together in parallel or series configurations to collectively deliver the required pressure and flow rate, combining their individual capabilities into a unified system that meets the respiratory assistance requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a large blower is employed to enable fine control of pressure and flow rate during inspiration and expiration, then the desired control precision is achieved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented to independently control each micro pump's operation. By individually adjusting the rotation speeds or operational states of each micro pump, the system achieves fine-grained control over pressure and flow rate without requiring a single large complex pump, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump unit incorporates dynamic control capabilities where the operational parameters of micro pumps can be adjusted in real-time based on respiratory phase requirements. During inspiration, micro pumps operate to deliver positive pressure with controlled flow rates, and during expiration, their operation is modulated to allow pressure release, enabling adaptive fine control throughout the respiratory cycle.
3Stress or pressure
If multiple micro pumps are arranged in serial connection to increase pressure output, then the pressure capability is improved, but the flow rate capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the connection topology of micro pumps between serial and parallel arrangements based on operational requirements. A switching mechanism allows the micro pumps to transition from serial connection (for high pressure during inspiration) to parallel connection (for high flow rate during expiration or high flow demand), enabling the pump unit to adapt its performance characteristics to match the varying demands of the respiratory cycle.
4Volume of moving object
If micro pumps are arranged with non-aligned discharge ports, then the housing space may be reduced, but the fluid flow path becomes complex and control precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining aligned discharge ports for precision, the design employs asymmetric arrangement of micro pumps within the housing or asymmetric internal flow passage routing to optimize space utilization. The aligned discharge ports ensure uniform fluid collection and precise control, while the asymmetric layout of individual pumps or flow channels maximizes the packing efficiency within the housing boundaries.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pump unit 10 comprising: a body 10 provided with an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 for a fluid; and a pump group composed of a plurality of micro pumps 15 arranged in the body 10 on a plane so that discharge ports and suction ports of the micro pumps 15 are aligned in a same direction, for allowing a fluid entering through the inlet 11 to exit from the outlet 12 by discharging the fluid from the suction ports to the discharge ports in one direction, wherein the body 10 includes an inlet package 13A having the inlet and an outlet package 13B having the outlet to hold the plurality of arranged micro pumps 15 between them, the inlet package 13A collectively holds the plurality of micro pumps 15 from a side of the suction ports and has a structure that allows the suction ports of the micro pumps 15 and the inlet 11 of the body 10 to be communicated with or closed off from each other, and the outlet package 13B collectively holds the plurality of micro pumps 15 from a side of the discharge ports and has a structure that allows the discharge ports of the micro pumps 15 and the outlet 12 of the body 10 to be communicated with or closed off from each other.