Piezoelectric Membrane Gas Actuator for Compact Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas detection equipment is bulky, non-portable, prone to damage from moisture and dust, and lacks waterproof and dustproof features, making it difficult to obtain real-time air quality information in various environments.
Innovation Solution
An actuating and sensing module with a piezoelectric membrane-driven gas flow system, integrated sensors, and protective films to ensure waterproof and dustproof functionality, enabling compact, portable, and silent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional gas transportation devices are used, then gas can be transported, but the apparatus has large volume and is difficult to thin
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional layers including a piezoelectric membrane layer, a flow channel layer, and a sensor layer. Each layer performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve compact integration while maintaining effective gas transportation through the segmented flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional three-dimensional gas pumping mechanisms to a two-dimensional membrane-based flow control system. The piezoelectric membrane operates in a planar configuration, generating pressure differences through its deformation rather than through traditional volumetric displacement, thereby reducing overall device volume.
2Productivity
If conventional gas transportation devices are used, then gas can be transported, but the operation produces loud noises
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric membrane utilizes high-frequency mechanical vibration to generate the pressure gradients needed for gas transport. This vibrational mechanism operates silently compared to conventional mechanical pumps, eliminating noise while maintaining transportation efficiency through the flow channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pumping systems with a piezoelectric actuation system. Instead of using rotating components, pistons, or diaphragms that generate noise, the system uses electrically-driven piezoelectric material deformation to create pressure differences, substituting noisy mechanical action with silent electro-mechanical actuation.
3Reliability
If protective films are added to prevent moisture and dust damage, then component protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective film is integrated directly into the flow channel structure, merging the protection function with the gas transport pathway. The film serves dual purposes: it protects internal components from moisture and dust while simultaneously defining the flow channel geometry, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite enhanced protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective film performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a barrier against moisture and dust, serves as a structural component of the flow channel, and maintains the pressure differential needed for gas transport. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, keeping the device structure simple.
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 module allows for real-time gas quality monitoring anywhere, preventing component damage from moisture and dust, and enhancing gas transportation efficiency while maintaining a compact and silent design.
Implementation Method 1
While the gas fluctuation is generated by the high frequency operation of the piezoelectric membrane, a pressure gradient is generated in the designed flow channel and the gas flows at a high speed.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating and sensing module includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an actuating device and a sensor. A gas flow channel is formed by stacking the first substrate and the second substrate. The gas inlet, the gas flow channel and the gas outlet are in communication with each other to define a gas flow loop. The actuating device is disposed in the gas inlet of the second substrate and electrically connected to a control circuit to obtain a driving power. The sensor is disposed in the gas flow loop and electrically connected to a control circuit of the first substrate to transmit sensed data. While the actuating device drives outside gas from the outside, the gas is transported into the gas flow loop and sensed by the sensor.