Series Piezoelectric Pump Timing for Heat-Stable Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of multiple series-connected piezoelectric pumps in fluid control devices leads to increased heat generation and temperature change rates, particularly when high flow rates are required, increasing the likelihood of pump failure.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control device design where the driving of upstream and downstream piezoelectric pumps is staggered, with the upstream pump starting before the downstream pump, and incorporating control mechanisms such as current limiting and exhaust operations to stabilize temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If multiple piezoelectric pumps are connected in series to improve pressure performance, then pressure capability is improved, but heat generation and temperature change rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternately driving the first and second piezoelectric pumps in a cyclic manner. The driving control unit switches between driving only the first pump, then driving both pumps simultaneously, creating a periodic driving pattern that prevents continuous heat accumulation in the downstream pump while maintaining pressure performance.
2Productivity
If high power is supplied to achieve high flow rate, then flow rate is improved, but heat generation increases and likelihood of failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first driving only the upstream (first) piezoelectric pump to establish initial fluid flow and pressure conditions before activating the downstream (second) pump. This staged approach allows the system to build up flow gradually, reducing the immediate power demand and heat generation that would occur if both pumps operated at full power simultaneously.
3Productivity
If both piezoelectric pumps are driven simultaneously to increase flow rate, then flow rate is improved, but temperature change rate of downstream pump increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternately driving the first and second piezoelectric pumps in a cyclic manner. The driving control unit switches between driving only the first pump, then driving both pumps simultaneously, creating a periodic driving pattern that prevents continuous heat accumulation in the downstream pump while maintaining pressure performance.
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 approach reduces temperature change rates and suppresses the occurrence of failures in series-connected piezoelectric pumps, ensuring stable operation and extended device lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric pump and a driving circuit. The driving circuit is connected to the piezoelectric pump and supplies a driving voltage to the piezoelectric pump. The piezoelectric pump sucks fluids from a suction inlet and discharges the fluids from a discharge outlet in accordance with the driving voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control device includes a piezoelectric pump, a piezoelectric pump, a container, and a control unit. The piezoelectric pumps and are connected in series. The piezoelectric pump is an upstream-side pump, and the piezoelectric pump is a downstream-side pump. The control unit controls driving of the piezoelectric pumps. The control unit makes the driving start timing of the piezoelectric pump on an upstream side earlier than the driving start timing of the piezoelectric pump on a downstream side.