Piezoelectric Pump Gas Control Diaphragm Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas control apparatuses with multiple pumps face challenges in reducing size while maintaining performance, as they have complex structures that lead to air leakage and decreased flow rate and pressure when miniaturized, and cannot effectively switch between series and parallel connections without introducing impurities into the gas stream.
Innovation Solution
A compact gas control apparatus with a directional control valve using diaphragms that switch between series and parallel connections based on pressure differences, preventing gas leakage by eliminating the need for grease and allowing smooth transition of pump characteristics without sudden changes in pressure and flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a directional control valve with a slidable valve body is used to switch between series and parallel connections, then the connection switching function is achieved, but the structure becomes large and complex, making it difficult to reduce the pump size
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into multiple sections with individual valve portions (first and second valve portions) that can move independently. Each valve portion controls a specific connection path, allowing the complex switching function to be broken down into simpler, independent segments that reduce overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve portions are arranged in different spatial dimensions within the valve body, with the first valve portion controlling one connection path and the second valve portion controlling another path. This spatial arrangement allows multiple connection modes to be achieved without requiring a large single moving component
2Reliability
If grease is applied between the valve body and casing inner wall to prevent air leakage, then sealing is improved, but small particles of grease mix into the air flow, preventing clean air ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The grease application is completely removed from the system. Instead of using grease for sealing, the patent employs precision-machined mating surfaces between the valve body and casing, along with carefully designed gap clearances, to achieve sealing without any lubricant that could contaminate the air flow
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical sealing method using grease is replaced with a precision mechanical fit and controlled clearance system. The sealing is achieved through precise manufacturing tolerances and the natural pressure differential in the system rather than through lubricant application
3Volume of moving object
If the pump size is reduced to achieve a compact design, then the apparatus size is decreased, but the performance (flow rate and pressure) of the pump decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second pumps are combined in a shared housing with integrated valve mechanisms. The common housing and coordinated valve operation allow the pumps to work together efficiently, achieving high flow rates in parallel mode while maintaining compact dimensions through shared structural components
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between series and parallel connection modes depending on operational requirements. In parallel mode, both pumps operate simultaneously to deliver high flow rates. In series mode, the pumps are connected sequentially to achieve higher pressure, allowing the compact system to maintain high performance across different operating conditions
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 high flow rates at low pressures in parallel connections and high pressures at low flow rates in series connections, with a compact design that maintains performance and prevents impurity mixing, while reducing the size and complexity of the system.
Implementation Method 1
switch a state of connection between the first pump ejection hole and the suction hole of the second pump between connected and disconnected states in accordance with a difference between forces applied to both principal surfaces of the first diaphragm
Implementation Method 2
ring-shaped elastic members 932 and 934
Data Source
AI summary
A gas control apparatus includes an upper housing to which a second piezoelectric pump is joined, a lower housing to which a first piezoelectric pump is joined, and a diaphragm. The upper housing includes a discharge hole through which gas is discharged. The lower housing includes introduction holes through which gas is introduced, an opening, a first valve seat, a second valve seat, and a third valve seat. The diaphragm is sandwiched between the upper housing and the lower housing, and is fixed to the upper housing and the lower housing so that the diaphragm contacts the first valve seat, the second valve seat, and the third valve seat. The diaphragm divides an inner space of the upper housing and the lower housing to define valve chests together with the upper housing and the lower housing.