Passive Sliding Inlet Valve for Low-Energy MEMS Fluid Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabricated using conventional methods face challenges in efficiently controlling fluid entry into compartments due to complex operation mechanisms and high energy consumption, particularly in micro-pump systems where active driving is required for valve operation.

Innovation Solution

The development of a micro-pump system using roll-to-roll processing that incorporates a compartmentalized pump chamber with passive sliding valves, where membranes are driven by electrostatic forces and operate with reduced travel distance, minimizing energy consumption and extending component lifespan, and the integration of modularized layers with passive valves that open or close based on pressure differentials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If passive sliding valves are used instead of active driving mechanisms, then energy consumption is reduced, but valve control precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidvalve control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The valve member operates passively by utilizing pressure differentials between the compartment and external environment to automatically open and close the inlet passage, eliminating the need for external actuation mechanisms and reducing energy consumption while maintaining functional control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces active mechanical driving mechanisms with a passive pressure-driven system where the valve member responds automatically to pressure differentials, substituting complex mechanical actuation with simpler pressure-based operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Duration of action of moving object

If membrane travel distance is minimized, then component lifespan is extended, but pumping efficiency may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent lifespanVSAvoidpumping efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is designed to travel only the minimum necessary distance to achieve effective valve operation and fluid transport, avoiding excessive movement that would reduce component lifespan while maintaining sufficient pumping efficiency through optimized chamber geometry and pressure differentials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If passive valves operated by pressure differentials are used, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid flow control precision may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidfluid flow control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts complex control mechanisms from the system and replaces them with a simple pressure-driven valve member that responds automatically to pressure differentials, reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate fluid flow control for microfluidic applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This approach enhances the efficiency and reliability of fluid handling in MEMS, reducing energy consumption and extending the lifespan of components by utilizing passive valves that operate based on pressure differentials, allowing for more efficient fluid transport with lower power requirements.

Implementation Method 1

membranes are driven by electrostatic forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic forces: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

passive valves that open or close based on pressure differentials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differentials: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11359619B2Valve having a first and second obstruction confining the valve from leaving a confining region

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 ENCITE LLC

AI summary

Disclosed are techniques such as roll to roll processing to produce inlet valves for controlling entry of fluid into a compartment of a device. The valve includes a body having a compartment and an inlet into the compartment, with the inlet being bifurcated by a pair of spaced wall portions of the body that form a confining region and which pair of spaced wall portions together with wall portions of the body provide a pair of spaced inlet portions into the compartment and a valve member having a first portion that is position-able within a portion of the compartment, an intermediate portion, and a second portion coupled to the first portion by the intermediate portion, with the second portion position-able within the confining region and with the second portion having an obstruction portion.