Miniaturized Gas Transportation Device Using Piezoelectric Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas transportation devices face challenges in miniaturization, dimensional accuracy control, and insufficient flow rate, making them difficult to integrate into small-sized applications and flexible arrangements, and they often have protruding components that complicate assembly and lead to obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized gas transportation device is produced as a single piece using a micro-electromechanical process, featuring a first and second flow guiding unit with a gas-collection chamber, utilizing piezoelectric components to generate a pressure gradient for efficient gas transport and adjustable flow rates, and includes a discharging opening for flexible assembly and increased flow capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional gas transportation devices are miniaturized by stacking mechanism components, then the device size is reduced, but the dimensional accuracy and assembly accuracy become difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple mechanism components into a single monolithic structure manufactured by micro-electromechanical process. The flow guiding unit, gas-collection chamber, and supporting components are merged into one piece, eliminating assembly operations and ensuring consistent dimensional accuracy throughout the miniaturized device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical assembly of multiple components with a micro-electromechanical manufacturing process that produces the entire device as one piece. This substitution of manufacturing methodology enables miniaturization while maintaining precision.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional gas transportation devices use leading pins for power connection, then power transmission is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases and assembling accuracy becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power connection function directly into the monolithic device structure, eliminating separate leading pins and external supply lines. The power transmission paths are incorporated within the single-piece structure, simplifying assembly and improving accuracy.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional gas transportation devices are assembled in parallel to increase gas transportation amount, then the flow rate increases, but the assembly difficulty increases due to protruding leading pins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a compact monolithic structure that can be easily assembled in parallel configurations. The integrated design without protruding leading pins allows multiple devices to be arranged closely and connected efficiently, increasing gas transportation capacity while simplifying assembly.
4Volume of moving object
If conventional gas transportation devices are miniaturized, then the device thickness is reduced, but the gas transportation amount becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently within the miniaturized structure. The gas-collection chamber is positioned between the first and second flow guiding units, creating vertical stacking of functional elements. This dimensional arrangement maximizes gas transportation capacity within a thin profile by utilizing the space between stacked components.
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 solution enables high-speed gas transport with improved dimensional accuracy and flexibility, allowing for increased flow rates and reduced noise, while simplifying assembly and enhancing the device's applicability in various miniaturized applications.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing piezoelectric components to generate a pressure gradient for efficient gas transport
Data Source
AI summary
A gas transportation device is provided and includes a first flow guiding unit and a second flow guiding unit, each of which includes an inlet and an outlet. While the first flow guiding unit and the second flow guiding unit are actuated, gas is inhaled through the respective inlets and discharged out through the respective outlets. A gas-collection chamber is disposed between the first flow guiding unit and the second flow guiding unit and includes a discharging opening. The gas is inhaled through the inlets of the first flow guiding unit and the second flow guiding unit, and transported to the gas-collection chamber through the outlets thereof. The gas in the gas-collection chamber is discharged out through the outlets of the first flow guiding unit and the second flow guiding unit, to achieve an adjustment of gas transportation amount.