Piezo Expiratory Valve Resisting Pressure With Monomorph Cantilever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diaphragm valves in respiratory assistance devices face challenges in achieving sufficient rigidity to resist pressure while maintaining cost-effectiveness and downsizing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A piezo element with a monomorph structure is used, where a piezoelectric element is layered on a metal plate, forming a cantilever structure that deforms to open and close the expiratory valve, providing the necessary rigidity and allowing for easy manufacturing and downsizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the size of the valve element is increased to enhance rigidity, then the rigidity is improved, but the downsizing of the diaphragm valve becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is constructed as a composite structure consisting of a flexible substrate and a rigid support frame. The support frame includes first and second support portions extending in different directions, creating a geometric reinforcement pattern that provides high rigidity while maintaining a compact overall size. This composite approach allows the valve element to resist deformation under pressure without requiring increased valve dimensions.
2Strength
If the forming material or shape of the valve element is changed to enhance rigidity, then the rigidity is improved, but the procurement cost or processing cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is divided into functionally distinct segments: a flexible substrate portion and a rigid support frame portion. The support frame is further segmented into first and second support portions that extend in different directions from a central region. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured using appropriate materials and processes for its specific function, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the required rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
Rigidity is localized to specific regions where it is most needed - the support frame structure provides rigid support at the boundaries and central regions of the valve element, while the central flexible substrate area remains compliant for effective valve operation. This localized reinforcement approach minimizes material usage and manufacturing cost while achieving sufficient overall rigidity.
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 achieves the required rigidity to resist pressure, is cost-effective, and allows for easy adjustment of the opening percentage of the valve, ensuring stable gas pressure and prolonged durability.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element is layered on a metal plate, forming a cantilever structure that deforms to open and close the expiratory valve
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 2D~3
AI summary
A respiratory assistance device 10 includes: a mask 13 having an expiratory hole 13a; an expiratory valve 15 provided in the mask 13, for opening and closing the expiratory hole 13a; and a control unit 17 for performing overall control on the entire device. The mask 13 and the expiratory valve 15 together form an opening and closing device. The expiratory valve 15 is deformable by deformation of a piezo element 15a. The expiratory valve 15 is disposed on an inner surface 13f so that a deformation direction thereof, i.e., a thickness direction thereof, extends along the inner surface 13f of the mask 13 and a side surface 15m slides along the inner surface 13f by the deformation thereof.