Peristaltic Pump Module with Deflectable Membrane for Low-Noise Vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump modules face challenges in initiating a precise delivery movement while maintaining a simple structure, often resulting in increased component complexity, friction losses, and vibrations, especially at low pressures, due to the need for pressure-controlled valves and piezo actuator designs that are less flexible and precise.
Innovation Solution
A pump module with a disk-shaped or plate-shaped pumping device that uses individually controllable actuators, such as magnetic coils or electrodes, to deflect an elastic membrane within a flow channel, eliminating the need for valves by encapsulating the medium between sections of the membrane and the flow channel, allowing for precise control of the pumping movement and chamber size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure-controlled valves are used to prevent medium flowback, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases and low pressure performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the pressure-controlled valves from the system entirely. Instead of using valves to prevent medium flowback, the design relies on the peristaltic action of the deflectable pump device and the one-way flow channel geometry to ensure unidirectional flow, thereby reducing component complexity while maintaining sealing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The pump device itself performs the sealing function through its deflectable structure and peristaltic movement. The elastic pump device creates temporary encapsulation chambers that naturally prevent backflow through the sequential activation and geometric constraints, eliminating the need for separate valve components
2Ease of operation
If pressure-controlled valves are used to control inlet and outlet, then flow control is improved, but low pressure performance deteriorates due to insufficient contact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical valve system with a peristaltic pumping mechanism. The flow control is achieved through the sequential deflection of the elastic pump device sections, which create moving encapsulation chambers that propel the medium through the flow channel without requiring mechanical valves that depend on pressure-driven contact forces
3Productivity
If conventional pump designs are used, then basic pumping function is achieved, but friction losses and vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a deflectable elastic pump device that acts as a flexible membrane to create and move encapsulation chambers. This flexible structure reduces friction losses by eliminating the need for tight mechanical clearances and traditional rotating components, while also minimizing vibrations through the compliant nature of the elastic material
Solution Approach 2:
The pump device operates through periodic sequential activation of its sections, creating a wave-like peristaltic motion. This periodic action efficiently moves the medium through the flow channel while maintaining low friction and vibration levels compared to continuous mechanical rotation or reciprocation
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 design achieves a simple, reliable, and low-noise pumping mechanism with reduced component complexity, enabling precise control over the pumping sequence and chamber volume, suitable for various applications with low production costs and extended service life.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic membrane (18), which can be deflected in sections by individual segments being displaced orthogonally to the longitudinal extension of the pumping device under the influence of the actuators
Implementation Method 2
the actuators are formed by magnetic coils (M1.1 to M6.2)
Implementation Method 3
In terms of the invention, this medium is in particular a fluid, ie a gas or gas mixture or a liquid or liquid mixture. The at least one pumping space between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet of the pump module, which is thus limited, is then moved by sequential activation of the actuators, so that the enclosed medium to be pumped is also pumped between the inlet and outlet. This conveying movement is similar to a peristaltic movement of the pumping device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The module (4) has a flow channel (17) connecting an inlet (7) with an outlet (10). A delivery chamber is moved in course of a delivery movement between the inlet and the outlet. Actuators are accommodated by a housing (14). The actuators lying opposite to each other on both sides of the flow channel form actuation stages (A1-A6). The actuation stages are arranged one after another in a flow direction. An elastic membrane (18) abuts a respective circumferential section of the flow channel upon activation of the actuators of the respective actuation stages. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a positive displacement pump (2) a method for producing low or high vacuum in a recipient.