Micromembrane Pump Closed-Loop Flow Control With Embedded Deformation Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microdiaphragm pump devices lack precise control over fluid flow rates due to external disturbances and mechanical tolerances, leading to inaccuracies in fluid dosing, particularly in applications requiring high precision like medical dosing of medications.
Innovation Solution
A microdiaphragm pump device with a closed control loop system, featuring a plate-shaped actuator insulated by an electrically insulating adhesive layer and embedded deformation sensor, allowing for precise feedback and control of fluid flow rates by regulating the volume change and duration of the pump chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electrically conductive actuator is used to deform the diaphragm, then the actuator can be directly controlled to change pump chamber volume, but electrical interference and short circuits may occur between the actuator and diaphragm
Solution Approach 1:
An electrically insulating adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the actuator and diaphragm. This adhesive layer serves dual functions: mechanically coupling the actuator to the diaphragm to transmit deformation forces, while electrically isolating the two components to prevent electrical interference and short circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external disturbances and mechanical tolerances are present in the system, then the pump can operate under varying conditions, but precise control of fluid flow rates becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A deformation sensor is embedded in the adhesive layer to detect the actual deformation of the diaphragm and provide feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the control unit to adjust the actuator command signals in real-time, compensating for external disturbances and mechanical tolerances to maintain precise fluid flow rate control.
3Measurement precision
If a deformation sensor is embedded in the adhesive layer, then precise detection of diaphragm deformation is achieved, but the adhesive layer must accommodate additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation sensor is embedded directly within the adhesive layer, merging the sensing function with the existing adhesive structure. This integration allows the adhesive layer to serve multiple purposes: providing electrical insulation, mechanically coupling components, and housing the deformation sensor, thereby minimizing additional 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 closed-loop system enables significantly more accurate control of fluid flow rates, compensating for disturbances and mechanical tolerances, ensuring precise fluid dosing and improved accuracy in applications such as medical fluid mixing.
Implementation Method 1
The plate-shaped actuator is attached to the plate-shaped diaphragm body by means of an electrically insulating adhesive layer, so that the plate-shaped actuator is electrically insulated from the diaphragm body
Implementation Method 2
at least one embedded section of a carrier body is arranged within the electrically insulating adhesive layer, on or in which a deformation sensor is arranged for detecting a deformation of the membrane device in order to detect the volume of the pump chamber
Implementation Method 3
a diaphragm device for varying the volume of the pump chamber, the diaphragm device comprising a plate-shaped actuator for deforming the diaphragm device
Data Source
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AI summary
A microdiaphragm pump device for pumping a fluid is proposed. The microdiaphragm pump device comprises: a pump chamber, to which an inlet valve for admitting the fluid into the pump chamber, an outlet valve for discharging the fluid from the pump chamber, and a diaphragm device for varying the volume of the pump chamber, wherein the diaphragm device includes a plate-shaped actuator for deforming the diaphragm device; and an influence device for influencing the plate-shaped actuator in order to influence the volume of the pump chamber; wherein the diaphragm device includes a plate-shaped diaphragm body that delimits the pump chamber; wherein the plate-shaped actuator is arranged on a side of the plate-shaped diaphragm body facing away from the pump chamber.wherein the plate-shaped actuator is attached to the plate-shaped membrane body by means of an electrically insulating adhesive layer, such that the plate-shaped actuator is electrically insulated from the membrane body; wherein at least one embedded section of a carrier body is arranged within the electrically insulating adhesive layer, on or in which a deformation sensor is arranged for detecting a deformation of the membrane device in order to detect the volume of the pump chamber; wherein the control device, the plate-shaped actuator and the deformation sensor form a closed control loop for controlling a volume flow of the micromembrane pump device.