Piezo-Pneumatic Valve Driving Dispensing Pump for Viscous Liquid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispensing pumps for viscous liquids in semiconductor and medical applications face challenges in achieving precise and efficient dispensing, particularly in terms of speed and reliability, due to complex structures and limited control over air pressure.
Innovation Solution
A piezo-pneumatic valve driving type dispensing pump is developed, utilizing a valve body with a piston and air chamber, and first and second piezoelectric valves to control air pressure, allowing for precise and high-speed dispensing of viscous liquids by alternatingly opening and closing air channels with voltage signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional dispensing pumps are used for viscous liquids, then dispensing function is provided, but dispensing speed is slow and structure is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical valve driving mechanisms with a piezoelectric actuator that directly responds to voltage signals. The piezoelectric actuator expands and contracts to open and close the air channel, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, springs, and mechanical valves, thereby simplifying the overall structure while increasing dispensing speed through rapid electrical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure control through piezoelectric actuators to drive the piston and control the dispensing process. By applying voltage signals to the piezoelectric actuators, air pressure is selectively applied to the air chamber to move the piston, which in turn moves the valve rod to control liquid dispensing. This pneumatic approach replaces complex mechanical drive systems and enables high-speed operation.
2Reliability
If conventional valve driving methods are used, then valve control is achieved, but reliability is reduced due to breakdown risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical valve control mechanisms with piezoelectric actuators that have no moving parts requiring mechanical wear. The piezoelectric actuators directly expand and contract in response to voltage signals to open and close air channels, eliminating mechanical linkages, bearings, and seals that are prone to breakdown. This solid-state actuation significantly improves reliability while simplifying the valve control mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If simple air pressure control is used, then structure is simplified, but precise control over liquid dispensing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control through the piezoelectric actuators' direct response to voltage signals. The actuators' expansion and contraction can be precisely controlled by adjusting the voltage signal magnitude and duration, enabling precise control over air pressure application to the piston. This allows for accurate control of valve rod position and liquid dispensing volume, achieving high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls liquid dispensing precision by changing the electrical parameters (voltage signal magnitude, duration, and timing) applied to the piezoelectric actuators. By precisely controlling the voltage signals that drive the piezoelectric actuators, the system achieves accurate control over air pressure application, piston movement, and consequently, liquid dispensing volume and timing.
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 pump achieves increased dispensing speed and a simplified structure, enabling precise control over the dispensing of viscous liquids with improved reliability and reduced breakdown risk.
Implementation Method 1
a first piezoelectric valve comprising a first piezoelectric actuator configured to expand and shrink in accordance with a first voltage signal applied thereto, thereby causing to open and close the first air channel
Implementation Method 2
positive air pressure is applied to the air chamber via the first air channel to move the piston in a first direction, which to cause the tip of the valve rod to move along the axis toward or away from the nozzle for controlling liquid dispensing
Data Source
AI summary
A piezo-pneumatic valve driving type dispensing pump having an improved dispensing speed and a simplified structure, and a method of dispensing a viscous liquid by using the pump. Accordingly, a viscous liquid may be easily dispensed by reciprocating a valve rod inserted into a reservoir storing the viscous liquid, by using an air pressure. In particular, the air pressure may be precisely controlled by opening or closing a flow passage allowing the air to enter or exit, by using a piezoelectric element-based piezoelectric valve. Thus, the valve rod may be operated precisely at a high speed so that an exact amount of the viscous liquid is dispensed at a high speed.