Stacked Micro Pump Valve Assembly with Sealing Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro pumps face issues with fluid leakage and low net flow rate due to the need for costly actuators and complex assembly processes, which hinder efficient fluid transportation in miniaturized systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transportation device comprising a valve body, valve membrane, valve chamber seat, and actuator, assembled within an outer sleeve without fastening elements, utilizing sealing rings and a piezoelectric actuator to control fluid flow and prevent leakage, allowing for efficient fluid transfer without backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional micro pump design is used, then fluid can be transported, but fluid leakage occurs and net flow rate is low
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber is divided into multiple sealed regions using sealing rings at different locations (inlet opening, outlet opening, pressure chamber). This segmentation prevents fluid leakage between different functional zones, ensuring reliable fluid transport while maintaining pressure differentials needed for high net flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing rings are introduced as intermediary elements between moving and stationary components (e.g., between valve plates and pump chamber walls). These sealing rings prevent direct fluid leakage paths while allowing mechanical movement, thus improving reliability without sacrificing productivity.
2Productivity
If compression ratio is increased to enhance net flow rate, then sufficient chamber pressure is achieved, but costly micro actuator is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is segmented into valve body, valve membrane, and actuator components that can be manufactured separately using different processes. This allows optimization of each component independently, reducing overall manufacturing cost while achieving required compression ratios for high net flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows adjustment of geometric parameters (valve plate areas, chamber volumes, sealing ring positions) to optimize compression ratio without requiring expensive actuator modifications. This enables cost-effective achievement of sufficient chamber pressure for enhanced productivity.
3Reliability
If fastening elements are used to assemble components, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into integrated sealing ring structures that simultaneously provide both sealing and mechanical retention. This eliminates the need for separate fastening elements, maintaining reliable component connection while simplifying the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing rings are designed to automatically retain components in place through their own structural features (e.g., interference fits, elastic retention). The components self-assemble without requiring external fastening elements, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring reliable connections.
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 device achieves high-efficiency fluid transfer by selectively opening and closing valve plates, preventing fluid return and eliminating the need for costly actuators, while enabling easy assembly without screws or bolts, thus enhancing the performance and reliability of fluid transportation in miniaturized systems.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing sealing rings and a piezoelectric actuator to control fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transportation device includes a valve body, a valve membrane, a valve chamber seat, an actuator and an outer sleeve. The valve body includes an inlet passage and an outlet passage. The valve chamber seat includes an inlet valve channel, an outlet valve channel and a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is in communication with the inlet valve channel and the outlet valve channel. The valve membrane is arranged between the valve body and the valve chamber seat. The valve membrane includes two valve plates. The inlet valve channel and the outlet valve channel are closed by the two valve plates. The pressure chamber is covered by the actuator. The outer sleeve has an accommodation space. A ring-shaped protrusion structure is formed on the inner wall of the outer sleeve. Moreover, plural engaging structures are discretely arranged on a periphery of the outer sleeve.