Micromembrane Pumping With Deformation Feedback for Precise Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micromembrane pumping devices face challenges in precisely controlling fluid flow due to external disturbances and mechanical tolerances, leading to inaccuracies in dosing and mixing applications, particularly in the medical field.
Innovation Solution
A micromembrane pumping device with a closed-loop control circuit using a plate-shaped actuator insulated by an electrically insulating glue layer, combined with a deformation sensor, to regulate the volume change ratio and duration of the pump chamber, allowing precise fluid flow control by indirectly measuring volume changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a micromembrane pumping device is used for pumping fluids, then fluid transport is achieved, but precise control of fluid flow is difficult due to external disturbances and mechanical tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop control system where a deformation sensor detects the actual deformation of the micromembrane and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit compares the measured deformation with the desired deformation and adjusts the actuator's drive signals accordingly, enabling precise compensation for disturbances and achieving accurate fluid flow control despite mechanical tolerances and external influences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement and control mechanisms with an electrical sensing and control system. Instead of relying on mechanical linkages and direct contact measurement, the system uses a deformation sensor that converts mechanical deformation into electrical signals, which are then processed by a control unit to adjust the actuator, thereby achieving more precise and reliable control.
2Force
If the plate-shaped actuator is mounted directly to the membrane body, then force transmission is efficient, but electrical insulation between actuator and membrane body cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrically insulating adhesive layer as an intermediary between the plate-shaped actuator and the membrane body. This adhesive layer serves dual functions: it maintains the mechanical force transmission from the actuator to the membrane while simultaneously providing the necessary electrical insulation to prevent short circuits and enable independent electrical potential of the actuator.
3Measurement precision
If the deformation sensor is placed on the membrane body surface, then volume detection is direct, but electrical interference with the actuator cannot be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the deformation sensor on the outer surface of the insulating adhesive layer, using the adhesive layer itself as an intermediary that electrically isolates the sensor from the actuator. This arrangement allows the sensor to detect membrane deformation accurately while the insulating adhesive layer prevents electrical interference and signal noise from the actuator's electrical fields.
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 highly precise fluid dosing and mixing by effectively adjusting for disturbances such as pressure, temperature, and fluid characteristics, enhancing dosing precision and reducing mechanical tolerances.
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 has a plate-shaped actuator for deforming the membrane device such that the volume of the pump chamber changes
Implementation Method 4
a membrane device for varying a volume of the pump chamber... when the volume increases, the fluid is sucked into the pump chamber and, when the volume decreases, the fluid is ejected from the pump chamber
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.