Piezoelectric Pressure Control With Flow Restriction and On-Off Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure sources for fluidic systems are bulky, consume high power, generate noise and vibrations, and have difficulty in accurately controlling pressure near full closure, leading to inefficiencies and high gas consumption.

Innovation Solution

A compact apparatus with a piezoelectric pump, passive flow restriction, and an on/off valve, controlled by an electronic driver system, allows precise pressure and flow control with minimal gas consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standard regulated pressure sources with external pressure sources are used, then pressure control capability is provided, but device size becomes bulky and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure control capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the pump, flow restriction, and valve components into a single compact apparatus that can be directly connected to the fluidic system, eliminating the need for separate external pressure sources and reducing overall device size while maintaining pressure control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed to provide multiple functions including pressure control, flow control, and portability in a single integrated unit, replacing multiple separate components (external pressure source, pump, control valves) with one multi-functional device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If high power pumps are used to drive standard pressure sources, then sufficient pumping power is provided, but power consumption increases above 10 W

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping powerVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic control of the valve aperture that can be adjusted based on system requirements, allowing the pump to operate at optimal power levels rather than continuously at high power, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining sufficient pumping capability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flow restriction parameter is optimized to work efficiently with the pump, allowing the system to achieve required pressure and flow rates with lower pump power consumption compared to standard systems that lack such optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If proportional valves are operated near full closure for accurate control, then pressure control precision improves, but response time decreases and stability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure control precisionVSAvoidresponse time and stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control function into two parts: a flow restriction that provides stable baseline flow limitation and a valve that provides dynamic control capability. This segmentation allows the valve to operate in its optimal range while the flow restriction ensures stability, resolving the trade-off between precision and response time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow restriction acts as an intermediary element between the pump and the valve, pre-conditioning the flow to allow the valve to operate more effectively. This intermediary component enables the valve to achieve accurate control without sacrificing response time or stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If continuous operation of pressure sources is maintained, then stable pressure delivery is ensured, but gas consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestable pressure deliveryVSAvoidgas consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables periodic or on-demand operation of the pump rather than continuous operation. The valve control system can maintain stable pressure delivery during active periods while allowing the pump to remain inactive during idle periods, significantly reducing gas consumption while ensuring stable pressure when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 provides fast response times, stable pressure control, and reduced gas consumption, suitable for portable applications.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric pump, controlled by an electronic driver system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4019774B1Apparatus for controlling pressure or flow in a fluidic system

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 FLUIGENT

Figure 1~3A
Figure 3B~4A
Figure 4B~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus (2) for controlling pressure or flow in a fluidic system (3), the apparatus (2) comprising: - a first connection device (301) comprising a pumping device (304) and a main outlet (310); - a second connection device (302) comprising a flow restriction (305); - a third connection device (303) comprising a valve with a modifiable aperture (306); wherein the second connection device (302) and the third connection device (303) are connected to the first connection device (301) at a position between the pumping device (304) and the main outlet (310).