Microfluidic Pump Variable Flow Control via Dual Oscillator Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microfluidic pumps require complex and costly control systems to manage variable flow rates, which is not optimal for all applications, especially those needing minimal inputs for precise fluid delivery.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic pump design that includes a firing mechanism, power circuit, and logic circuit, utilizing both fixed and variable frequency signals to control the firing sequence, allowing for variable flow rates based on a single variable analog input, simplifying the control process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple digital inputs and heaters are used to control ink flow rate, then the flow rate control precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex multiple heater control system from the inkjet printing device. Instead of using multiple digital inputs controlling individual heaters, the invention uses a single variable analog input to control the entire firing sequence timing, thereby removing unnecessary complexity while preserving flow rate control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single variable analog input serves multiple functions: it controls both the firing rate and the wait step duration, replacing what previously required multiple separate control inputs. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of control elements needed while maintaining comprehensive flow rate control
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple digital inputs are updated for each firing cycle, then the flow rate adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow rate control through a single variable analog input that can be adjusted in real-time. The variable frequency signal dynamically modifies the wait step duration between firing sequences, allowing the system to adapt to different flow rate requirements without requiring multiple static control inputs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from multiple digital inputs to a single variable analog input. By varying the frequency of the variable frequency signal, the system achieves continuous flow rate adjustment, simplifying the user interface while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
A microfluidic pump (100) having a firing mechanism (110) for ejecting fluid out of a firing chamber (106) during a firing sequence, which includes a firing step followed by a wait step. A power circuit (112) activates and deactivates the firing mechanism (110) in response to a control signal, which controls the timing of each step and is provided by a logic circuit (114). The control signal controls the firing step and is dependent on a predetermined fixed frequency signal provided by a first oscillator (116). The control signal controls the wait step and is dependent on a variable frequency signal provided by a second oscillator (118). A first input provides a variable input signal to the second oscillator (118). The second oscillator (118) varies the variable frequency signal according to the variable input signal. The logic circuit (114) also varies the control signal based on the variable frequency signal to vary the length of the wait step.