Micro Valve Device Independent Control Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro valve devices based on MEMS technology rely on external mechanisms for standard reference pressure, which can lead to aging and failure, resulting in deviations and failures in fluid control, particularly in controlling the opening and closing or flow rates of main valves.
Innovation Solution
A micro valve device with at least two control ports and movable members that independently control fluid communication between these ports and a source port, utilizing a piezoelectric actuator to manage fluid flow rates and pressures, allowing for accurate control of fluid flow through a main valve by switching between conducting and blocking states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external mechanisms (such as springs) are used to provide standard reference pressure, then the micro valve device can control fluid flow, but the mechanism may cause aging and failure, resulting in deviation and failure of the standard reference pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external reference pressure generation mechanism (such as springs) from the system. Instead of using an external mechanism to provide standard reference pressure, the invention integrates the reference pressure generation directly into the micro valve device through the movable member's interaction with the chamber, eliminating the problematic external component that causes aging and failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the reference pressure generation function with the micro valve device itself. The movable member, when moved between positions, creates a sealed chamber that generates reference pressure internally, merging what were previously separate functions (external pressure generation and valve control) into a single integrated device.
2Manufacturing precision
If only one fluid port is connected with a main valve, then the device structure is simple, but accurate control of opening degree and flow rate cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control function into multiple independent control ports (first control port and second control port), each capable of independently controlling different aspects of fluid flow. This segmentation allows precise control of opening degree and flow rate separately, enabling accurate overall control despite increased structural complexity.
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 micro valve device achieves precise control over fluid flow rates and pressures, ensuring reliable operation and reducing the risk of failure associated with external pressure mechanisms, enabling accurate control of main valve opening and closing.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a piezoelectric actuator to manage fluid flow rates and pressures
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a micro valve device and a valve body assembly. The micro valve device comprises at least two control ports (402, 404) and at least two movable members (302), wherein the at least two movable members (302) respectively control each of the at least two control ports (402, 404) to realize that opening and closing of the control ports (402, 404) are independently controlled, so that the at least two control ports (402, 404) can output fluids with the same or different flow rate(s) or pressure(s). The valve body assembly comprises the micro valve device.