Micropump Actuator Deflection for Precise Fluid Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micropumps face limitations in delivering precise fluid dosing due to mechanical valve inertia, noise emissions, and manufacturing tolerances, which restrict their operating frequency and delivery accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A micropump design with a disk-shaped actuator and two pump chambers, where the actuator's deflection creates a valve function without additional components, allowing for adjustable delivery rates and reduced noise by decoupling natural frequency from pump frequency, and using a stop to define actuator positions for consistent delivery volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical valves are used in micropumps, then valve function is achieved, but valve inertia limits pumping frequency and generates noise emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical valve component entirely from the micropump system. Instead of using traditional mechanical valves with moving parts, the invention employs passive fluid dynamic effects and pressure differential mechanisms to achieve valve-like flow control functions, thereby eliminating valve inertia and associated noise emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical valve system with a non-mechanical flow control mechanism based on fluid dynamic effects. The system uses pressure differentials and fluid inertia to control flow direction and timing, substituting mechanical moving parts with fluid-based control mechanisms that operate without physical contact.
2Ease of operation
If additional valve components are added to achieve valve function, then flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the valve control function directly into the pump chamber structure and fluid dynamic system. The housing geometry, pressure differential mechanisms, and flow paths are designed to work together as a unified system, eliminating the need for separate valve components while maintaining effective flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the pump housing and chamber structures to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The housing provides both structural support and flow control functions, while pressure differential mechanisms serve both pumping and valve-like control purposes, reducing the need for dedicated separate components.
3Quantity of substance
If actuator deflection is increased to improve delivery volume, then pumping capacity increases, but manufacturing tolerances cause variability in delivery accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the actual delivery volume and adjust actuator operation accordingly. This closed-loop control compensates for variations caused by manufacturing tolerances, ensuring consistent delivery accuracy regardless of component dimensional variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs variable operating parameters including adjustable actuator frequency, amplitude, and phase relationships to optimize delivery volume while maintaining accuracy. By dynamically adjusting operational parameters rather than relying solely on fixed mechanical dimensions, the system compensates for manufacturing tolerances.
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 design achieves precise fluid delivery over a wide range with reduced noise and manufacturing tolerance effects, enabling adjustable delivery rates and improved dosing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator, which is designed in a disk shape, can be a piezo actuator
Implementation Method 2
Fluid-filled chambers are located on both sides of the diaphragm. The flow conditions during pump operation result in varying degrees of fluid resistance in the corresponding chamber, depending on the direction of oscillation of the diaphragm. This ensures that the fluid is pumped in the desired direction.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
Figure 9~10
AI summary
The micropump according to the invention comprises a pump chamber (21), which can be filled with or emptied of fluid by means of a through opening (4) and by means of an inlet (51), wherein the pump chamber (21) is covered by a disk-shaped actuator (11; 11'), so that the volume of the pump chamber (21) can be changed by a deflection of the actuator (11; 11'), wherein the through opening (4) is arranged in a side (61) of the pump chamber (21) opposite the actuator (11; 11'), and the inlet (51) has a flow resistance that is lower than or similar to that of the through opening (4). An entrance (31) to the through opening (4) can be closed by means of the deflected actuator (11), so that a valve which is open in the basic state is formed, or is closed by means of the non-deflected actuator (11'), so that a valve which is closed in the basic state is formed. According to the invention, the micropump has a second pump chamber (22) with actuator (12; 12') and inlet (52), the through opening (4) of which is connected to the through opening of the first pump chamber (21).