Piezoelectric Fluid Control Apparatus with Segmented Rectification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control apparatuses using piezoelectric elements face challenges in achieving high flow rates due to complex fluid paths, which lead to reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control apparatus design featuring a first major plate, a second major plate, a peripheral plate, and a pump chamber, with a piezoelectric device causing the central portion of the first major plate to vibrate, and rectification base and rectifying members controlling fluid flow to minimize path complexity and enhance flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fluid path is configured with multiple bends in the valve chamber to achieve rectification function, then the fluid flow direction control is improved, but the flow rate is reduced due to increased path complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bending the fluid path multiple times within the valve chamber, the invention inverts the approach by providing separate first and second openings that create more direct fluid pathways. The rectification is achieved through the selective opening/closing of these separate paths rather than through multiple bends in a single path.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid path is segmented into separate first and second openings, allowing independent control of different fluid flow paths. This segmentation enables rectification function while maintaining shorter, more efficient individual pathways compared to a single bent path configuration.
2Productivity
If the fluid path is simplified to reduce bends, then the flow rate is improved, but the rectification function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs dynamic control of the first and second openings through the piezoelectric element, allowing the system to adaptively open or close specific pathways based on flow direction requirements. This dynamic control maintains rectification function while enabling simpler, more direct fluid paths that improve flow rate.
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 apparatus achieves a high flow rate by simplifying the fluid path and reducing flow losses, ensuring reliable and efficient fluid transport.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric device provided on the central portion and that vibrates the central portion
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control apparatus (10) includes a first major plate (20), a piezoelectric device (30), a second major plate (40), a peripheral plate (50), a first film (61), and a second film (62). A space enclosed by the first major plate (20), the second major plate (40), and the peripheral plate (50) serves as a pump chamber (100) of the fluid control apparatus (10). A rectification base member (80) is provided between the first major plate (20) and the second major plate (40). The first film (61) is provided on the first major plate (20) and includes a movable portion positioned closer to the peripheral plate (50) than a fixed end thereof. The second film (62) is provided on a major surface (802) of the rectification base member (80) and includes a movable portion positioned across the fixed end thereof from the peripheral plate (50).