Piezo Pump Diaphragm Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piezo pumps in pressurized circuits face challenges with seal integrity due to vibrations and pressurized fluid, leading to potential leakages between the diaphragm and the pump chamber wall, and existing solutions do not adequately address the risk of hydraulic short circuits in series connections.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pressure chamber connected to a pressure source, either through a feeding or discharge line, to equalize pressure across the piezo pump diaphragm, reducing the risk of leakages and hydraulic short circuits by minimizing pressure differences and requiring fewer connections, and the configuration of piezo pumps in series or parallel to manage pressure fluctuations and increase delivery capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the piezo pump operates in a pressurized circuit, then the pump can effectively move fluid under pressure, but the seal between the piezo pump diaphragm and the pump chamber wall becomes compromised due to vibrations and pressure, leading to potential leakages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compensation chamber that applies a counter-pressure force to the piezo pump diaphragm from the opposite side. This counterweight effect balances the pressure differential across the diaphragm, reducing the net force that causes leakage while maintaining the diaphragm's pumping function. The compensation chamber is connected to a compensation line that provides the necessary counter-pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation chamber acts as an intermediary element between the pressure source and the piezo pump diaphragm. It mediates the pressure forces by distributing the counter-pressure uniformly across the diaphragm's active area, thereby protecting the seal interface without interfering with the pumping action.
2Reliability
If a pressure chamber is connected to a separate pressure source, then the pressure difference over the piezo pump diaphragm is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional connections and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compensation chamber with the pump chamber structure, using the same housing and diaphragm assembly. The compensation line is integrated into the existing fluid circuitry, eliminating the need for separate pressure sources and reducing the overall number of external connections required.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation chamber serves multiple functions: it provides counter-pressure to prevent leakage, maintains structural integrity of the diaphragm assembly, and can be integrated with the existing pump housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Stress or pressure
If multiple piezo pumps are connected in series to achieve increased pressure difference, then the pressure difference is amplified, but the risk of hydraulic short circuit increases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation chamber provides a protective buffer that prevents pressure differential-induced failures before they can lead to hydraulic short circuits. By maintaining balanced pressure across each diaphragm, the system reduces the stress that could cause seal failures or component breakdown, thereby cushioning against potential short circuit scenarios.
4Productivity
If the piezo pump diaphragm vibrates at high frequency, then the pump action is effective, but the seal between the diaphragm and surrounding wall becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The compensation chamber provides a stabilizing counter-pressure that counteracts the dynamic forces generated by high-frequency vibrations. This counterweight effect maintains the diaphragm in a more stable equilibrium position, reducing the amplitude of vibrations at the seal interface and improving seal stability without compromising pump effectiveness.
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
This configuration significantly reduces the risk of leakages and hydraulic short circuits while maintaining effective pressure equalization and increasing the overall delivery capacity of the piezo pump system.
Implementation Method 1
the piezo pump diaphragm is the driving element which, when connected to an alternate current, vibrates
Implementation Method 2
The pressure in the pressure chamber at least partially compensates the pressure in the pump chamber, as a result of which the pressure difference over the piezo pump diaphragm is reduced
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A piezoelectric pump for use in a pressurised circuit is provided, comprising a pump chamber (5) with an inlet (6) provided with a one way inlet valve (7), for connection to a feeding line (8) of the pressurised circuit and an outlet (9) provided with a one way outlet valve (10), for connection to a discharge line (11) of the pressurised circuit and a pump diaphragm (12) closing one end of the pump chamber (5). A pressure chamber (15) is defined at the side of the pump diaphragm (12) facing away from the pump chamber (5), wherein said pressure chamber (15) is connected to a pressure source, which may be the feeding line (8).