Piezoelectric Valve Assembly for Compact Precise Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve technologies lack a compact and accurate method for controlling flow using piezoelectric actuation, which is essential for precise fluid management in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric actuated valve assembly comprising a housing with a cavity, an elongated piezoelectric layer, a sealing pad, and an electrical contact, where the piezoelectric layer deforms upon voltage application to selectively seal or unseal the port, utilizing biasing members like springs to maintain a normally closed or open position, and a manifold for controlling flow between multiple valve assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional valve actuation mechanisms are used, then the valve assembly achieves sufficient flow control, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation mechanisms (solenoids, motors, cam-follower systems) with a piezoelectric actuator that uses electro-mechanical coupling to directly deform the valve body. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, reduces the overall valve assembly size, and improves flow control accuracy through precise electrical control of the piezoelectric element's deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the piezoelectric effect where application of an electrical voltage parameter causes a change in the physical dimension (deformation) of the piezoelectric material. This parameter change directly translates to valve opening/closing position, enabling compact design with high precision control without requiring large mechanical actuation components.
2Measurement precision
If piezoelectric actuation is implemented, then flow control accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the piezoelectric actuator, valve body, and sealing elements into an integrated assembly where the piezoelectric element is directly coupled to the valve body. This merging eliminates the need for separate actuation mechanisms, linkages, and mounting structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high flow control precision through the direct electro-mechanical coupling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve assemblies are combined with a manifold, then flow management capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the piezoelectric actuated valve assembly with universal mounting interfaces and standardized port configurations that allow multiple valve units to be combined with a manifold system. Each valve assembly maintains its independent piezoelectric actuation mechanism while providing standardized flow control functionality, enabling versatile fluid management applications without proportionally increasing the complexity of individual valve units.
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 solution provides a compact and accurate flow control mechanism, enabling precise management of fluids by using piezoelectric actuation to control valve positions, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of fluid management systems.
Implementation Method 1
the piezoelectric layer deforms upon voltage application to selectively seal or unseal the port
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly comprising a housing having a cavity and including a port forming an opening in the cavity, and a piezoelectric assembly disposed at least partially in the cavity. The piezoelectric assembly comprises an elongated piezoelectric layer, a sealing pad, and an electrical contact. The electrical contact is configured to receive a voltage signal, and when the piezoelectric assembly receives the voltage signal at the electrical contact the piezoelectric layer deforms to cause the sealing pad to selectively seal or unseal the port.