Piezoelectric Pump Abnormal Discharge Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid supply devices with piezoelectric pumps face challenges in accurately detecting abnormal fluid discharge operations, which can lead to poor lubrication in applications like rolling bearings, due to vibration-induced abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
An abnormal discharge detection device that measures the terminal voltage of a piezoelectric element during pulsed drive voltage application and determines normalcy based on voltage changes over time, using threshold voltages to classify discharge operations as normal or abnormal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a piezoelectric pump is used to supply fluid with reduced frequency, then the pump can discharge very small amounts of fluid, but the pump may experience vibration-induced abnormalities that lead to poor lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the terminal voltage of the piezoelectric element and comparing it against reference values to detect abnormalities in the pump's discharge operation, allowing the system to monitor and respond to vibration-induced issues that affect lubrication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical monitoring of fluid discharge with an electrical measurement system that monitors terminal voltage changes, substituting complex mechanical sensors with simpler electrical measurements to detect pump abnormalities
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed to detect abnormal discharge operations, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by using the piezoelectric element's own terminal voltage as the measurement parameter for detecting discharge abnormalities, eliminating the need for external sensors or additional measurement devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the terminal voltage measurement serve multiple functions: both driving the piezoelectric element and detecting discharge abnormalities, allowing a single electrical parameter to provide both actuation and diagnostic information
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
Enables accurate detection of abnormal fluid discharge operations without the need for additional sensors, allowing for timely intervention and maintaining proper lubrication in fluid supply devices.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element that is repeatedly deformed when the pulsed drive voltage is applied
Implementation Method 2
a measurement unit that measures a terminal voltage of the piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
A pump included in an oil supply unit includes a piezoelectric body that is repeatedly deformed when a pulsed drive voltage is applied from a drive unit. The pump discharges lubricant as the volume of a storage unit that stores fluid to be supplied decreases with deformation of the piezoelectric body. An abnormal discharge detection device that detects an abnormal fluid discharge operation of the pump includes: a measurement unit that measures a terminal voltage of the piezoelectric body; and a control unit functioning as a determination unit that determines if the discharge operation is being performed normally or not based on whether or not the measured terminal voltage has changed with time during application of a pulse of the drive voltage.