Piezoelectric Pump Series Control for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control devices using piezoelectric pumps in series configurations experience excessive power consumption due to simultaneous operation of both pumps, leading to inefficient energy use and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control device configuration where the upstream pump is driven for a shorter duration with a lower drive voltage than the downstream pump, and the valve is controlled to open only after the downstream pump has stopped, allowing for reduced power consumption without significantly decreasing pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If two piezoelectric pumps are connected in series and driven simultaneously, then the pressure is improved, but the power consumption increases more than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The downstream pump is started before the upstream pump. The control unit starts the downstream piezoelectric pump at a first timing and starts the upstream piezoelectric pump at a second timing that is later than the first timing. This preliminary action allows the downstream pump to establish initial pressure and flow conditions before the upstream pump engages, enabling the upstream pump to operate at lower power levels while maintaining system pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive voltages applied to the two pumps are set to different values, with the drive voltage to the downstream pump being higher than that to the upstream pump. This dynamic differentiation allows each pump to operate at optimized voltage levels based on its position in the series configuration, reducing total power consumption while maintaining the required pressure differential across the system.
2Stress or pressure
If the drive voltage is applied to both pumps simultaneously for the full cycle, then the pressure is maintained, but the battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The downstream pump is activated in advance before the upstream pump. By starting the downstream piezoelectric pump at a first timing and the upstream piezoelectric pump at a second timing (later than the first), the system establishes pressure gradually, allowing the upstream pump to operate for a shorter duration or at reduced power, thereby extending battery life while maintaining pressure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pumps operate in periodic cycles with different timing characteristics. The control unit implements periodic drive cycles where the downstream pump operates during both drive periods, while the upstream pump operates selectively during specific drive periods. This periodic differentiation reduces cumulative power consumption and extends battery life while maintaining pressure through coordinated periodic operation.
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 reduces power consumption by shortening the drive voltage application time for the upstream pump, maintaining pressure efficiency while prolonging battery life and preventing overheating.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric pump sucks fluids from a suction inlet and discharges from a discharge outlet in response to the drive voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control device includes a piezoelectric pump, a piezoelectric pump, a valve, and a container. The piezoelectric pump and the piezoelectric pump repeat the operation and the stop in accordance with a drive control cycle. The valve starts a control to close at the start timing of one cycle of the drive control cycle and starts a control to open at the stop of the piezoelectric pump and the piezoelectric pump. The time from the start timing of one cycle of the drive control cycle to the time at which the piezoelectric pump on the upstream side pump reaches a normal operation drive voltage is longer than the time from the start timing to the time at which the piezoelectric pump on the downstream side reaches a normal operation drive voltage.