Microvalve Pump Diaphragm With Elastic Seat to Limit Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micropumps have complex designs, are prone to defects, and suffer from fluid backflow and reduced pumping performance due to parasitic flows and the need for intricate electronic drivers.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pump design incorporating a hysteretic deformable valve mechanism with a flexible valve seat that modulates the gap width during valve opening and closing, utilizing an elastic body and gasket to enhance fluid flow control and reduce backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional micropump designs with separated pump diaphragms and valve units are used, then the pump can achieve fluid displacement function, but the design becomes complex and prone to defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump diaphragm and valve units into a single integrated structure. The diaphragm itself forms part of the valve mechanism, eliminating the need for separate valve components. This merging reduces the number of parts, simplifies the design, and improves reliability by reducing potential failure points from multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the pumping element for fluid displacement and as part of the valve mechanism for flow control. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the pump design while maintaining both pumping and valving capabilities.
2Productivity
If conventional valve mechanisms are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but fluid backflow and parasitic flows occur reducing pumping performance
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism uses a flexible diaphragm that dynamically responds to pressure differences. The diaphragm automatically adjusts its position based on real-time pressure conditions, opening or closing flow paths without mechanical linkages or external control. This dynamic response prevents backflow by quickly closing against pressure reversals and eliminates parasitic flows through smooth, natural transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is self-regulating through the diaphragm's elastic properties. The diaphragm automatically opens and closes based on pressure differential without external actuation, eliminating the need for complex electronic drivers or additional control components. This self-service mechanism prevents backflow and parasitic flows through inherent pressure-responsive behavior.
3Ease of operation
If complex electronic drivers are used for valve actuation, then precise valve control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve actuation is entirely passive and self-regulating through the diaphragm's elastic deformation in response to pressure differences. No electronic drivers, sensors, or external control systems are needed. The diaphragm naturally opens when upstream pressure exceeds downstream pressure and closes when the reverse occurs, providing precise control through physical principles alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic actuation systems with a purely mechanical/elastic mechanism. The diaphragm's elastic properties provide the actuation force needed for valve operation, eliminating the need for electronic drivers, motors, or control circuits while maintaining precise flow control through pressure-responsive deformation.
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 a simple structural configuration with low backflow and high stability against outlet pressure, ensuring efficient fluid pumping with reduced complexity and improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
the valve seat (15) comprises an elastic body (16) and a gasket (17) with a sealing surface (18). The pump diaphragm (11) can keep the gasket (17) and the sealing surface (18) attached while moving away from the valve (15) during the opening phase. Therefore, the elastic body (16) of the valve seat (15) is elongated
Implementation Method 2
A fluid pump design utilizing a hysteretic deformable valve mechanism with a flexible valve seat that modulates the gap width during valve opening and closing, featuring a deflectable diaphragm and an elastic valve seat to enhance pumping efficiency and stability
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3e
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fluid pump for pumping a fluid from an inlet towards an outlet, to a method of operating such a fluid pump, and to a microvalve. The fluid pump comprises a pump body (10) having at least a first opening (13) and a second opening (14), a deflectable pump diaphragm (11) which is attached to the pump body (10) in such a way that a pump chamber (12) is formed between the pump body (10) and the diaphragm (11), and that said pump chamber (12) is fluid-connected to an inlet via said first opening (13) and to an outlet via said second opening (14), and a valve seat (15) which is arranged inside the pump chamber (12) around the second opening (14) and protrudes with an undeformed height from the second opening (14) into the pump chamber (12) towards the pump diaphragm (11), so that the deflectable diaphragm (11) is operable to close and open the outlet's fluidic pathway, respectively, by coming in contact with the valve seat (15) and getting away from it. The valve seat (15) comprises an elastic body (16) and a gasket (17) with a sealing surface.