Modular Fluid Control Device with Asymmetric Coupling for Flow Rate Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control devices, such as those described in Patent Document 1, have limited flow rate adjustment capabilities due to the fixed number of micropumps installed.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control device configuration that includes a pump and a housing with specific coupling portions and openings, allowing multiple housings to be easily coupled and the number of pumps to be adjusted, thereby facilitating easy adjustment of the flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple micropumps are installed in a fixed housing, then the pump unit can provide a certain flow rate, but the flow rate cannot be easily adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first housing and a second housing that can be physically coupled together. Each housing can independently contain pump units, and the modular structure allows the number of pumps to be adjusted by adding or removing housing units, thereby enabling flow rate adjustment without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The first coupling portion and second coupling portion are designed with matching outer shapes that enable the first housing to be coupled to another housing, creating a universal interface. This universal coupling mechanism allows the same housing design to be used in various configurations (single housing, two housings, multiple housings) to achieve different flow rates.
2Productivity
If the number of pumps is increased to achieve higher flow rate, then the flow rate increases, but the device becomes more complex and harder to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pump system into modular housing units, each containing one or more pumps, the system enables easy adjustment of the number of pumps. Users can simply add or remove housing units to increase or decrease the flow rate, making the system highly operable without complex reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portions are designed to allow dynamic reconfiguration of the system. The first coupling portion and second coupling portion enable housings to be easily connected and disconnected, allowing the system to adapt its pump configuration dynamically based on the required flow rate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple housings are coupled together to adjust the number of pumps, then the flow rate can be adjusted, but the coupling mechanism must be reliable and simple
Solution Approach 1:
The first coupling portion and second coupling portion are designed with asymmetric matching shapes where the first coupling portion of one housing fits to the second coupling portion of another housing. This asymmetric design ensures reliable and unique coupling orientation, preventing misalignment while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control device includes piezoelectric pumps and a substrate. The substrate includes dielectric base members. Each of the dielectric base members has a recess and a through-hole. Each of the dielectric base members is laminated such that the recesses of the dielectric base members partially overlap and communicate with each other. A portion of the recesses not overlapping with the dielectric base member serve as a first opening and a second opening, respectively, to the outside. The first opening and the second opening open in opposite directions in the lamination direction. The first opening and the second opening have shapes that may be fit to each other. The piezoelectric pump is on the dielectric base member to communicate with the through-hole, and the piezoelectric pump is on the dielectric base member to communicate with the through-hole.