Micromembrane Pump Closed-Loop Dosing via Membrane Deformation Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micromembrane pumping devices face challenges in achieving precise fluid dosing and volume control due to external disturbances and mechanical tolerances, leading to inconsistencies in fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A micromembrane pumping device with a closed-loop control system using a plate-shaped actuator insulated by an electrically insulating glue layer, coupled with a deformation sensor, to regulate the volume change and duration of the pump chamber, allowing for precise fluid flow control by indirectly measuring volume changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a plate-shaped actuator is mounted directly to the membrane body, then mechanical coupling and force transmission are improved, but electrical insulation between the actuator and membrane body deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An electrically insulating adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the plate-shaped actuator and the membrane body. This adhesive layer serves dual functions: it provides mechanical coupling for force transmission while simultaneously ensuring electrical insulation between the actuator and the membrane body, thus resolving the contradiction between force transmission and electrical insulation.
2Ease of manufacture
If external disturbances and mechanical tolerances are present, then manufacturing and operation become easier, but dosing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A closed-loop control system with a deformation sensor is implemented to provide real-time feedback on the actual deformation of the membrane body. This feedback enables continuous adjustment of the actuator's operation to compensate for external disturbances and mechanical tolerances, thereby maintaining high dosing precision despite variations in manufacturing quality.
3Device complexity
If the pump chamber volume change ratio and operating cycle duration are not regulated, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid flow control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop control system continuously monitors the deformation sensor output and adjusts the actuator operation in real-time to maintain the desired relationship between pump chamber volume change ratio and operating cycle duration. This feedback mechanism ensures precise fluid flow control while managing the necessary control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the actuator's operation parameters based on real-time feedback from the deformation sensor. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain precise fluid flow control, transforming a static system into a responsive, self-regulating system.
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 system provides highly precise fluid dosing and volume control, effectively managing external disturbances and mechanical tolerances, enhancing dosing precision, especially in applications like pharmaceutical mixing.
Implementation Method 1
the plate-shaped actuator is mounted to the plate-shaped membrane body by means of an electrically insulating glue layer such that the plate-shaped actuator is electrically insulated from the membrane body
Implementation Method 2
at least one embedded portion of a support body at which or in which a deformation sensor for detecting a deformation of the membrane device is arranged
Implementation Method 3
the membrane device having a plate-shaped actuator for deforming the membrane device
Implementation Method 4
the membrane device comprises an elastically deformable membrane body which limits the pump chamber
Implementation Method 5
the influencing means, the plate-shaped actuator and the deformation sensor form a closed loop control loop for regulating a ratio between a change in volume of the pump chamber during an operating cycle
Data Source
AI summary
What is suggested is a micromembrane pumping device for pumping a fluid, having: a pump chamber to which an inlet valve, an outlet valve, and a membrane device for varying a volume of the pump chamber are associated, wherein the membrane device has a plate-shaped actuator for deforming the membrane device; and influencing means for influencing the plate-shaped actuator and the volume of the pump chamber; wherein the membrane device has a plate-shaped membrane body limiting the pump chamber; wherein the plate-shaped actuator is arranged on a side of the plate-shaped membrane body facing away from the pump chamber; wherein the plate-shaped actuator is mounted to and electrically insulated from the plate-shaped membrane body by an electrically insulating glue layer; wherein at least one embedded portion of a support body at or in which a deformation sensor for detecting a deformation of the membrane device is arranged, is arranged within the glue layer to detect the volume of the pump chamber; wherein the influencing means, the plate-shaped actuator and the deformation sensor form a closed-loop control circuit for regulating a volume flow.