Piezoelectric Valve-Pump Structure for Larger Valve Chamber Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control apparatuses with a driving device, such as a piezoelectric device, have limited gap change in the valve chamber, resulting in suboptimal flow rates due to restricted vibration of only one of the top or outer plates, which hampers efficient fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control apparatus design featuring a valve with a first main plate, a second main plate, and a side plate, where the first main plate has a smaller frequency coefficient than the second main plate, allowing them to vibrate in opposite phases, increasing the gap height of the valve chamber and enhancing flow rates. The apparatus includes a piezoelectric device in the pump unit to facilitate this vibration, with specific aperture configurations to reduce flow path resistance and improve pressure in the valve chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If only one of the top plate or outer plate is made to vibrate, then the structure is simpler, but the gap change in the valve chamber is small, resulting in lower flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve chamber structure is segmented into two independently vibrating plates: the top plate (first main plate) and the outer plate (second main plate). Each plate can vibrate independently with different amplitudes and phases, allowing the system to achieve larger combined gap changes than a single-plate design would permit, thereby increasing flow rate while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The top plate and outer plate are designed with different local properties, specifically different frequency coefficients, to optimize their respective vibration characteristics. The top plate has a smaller frequency coefficient allowing larger vibration amplitude, while the outer plate has a larger frequency coefficient providing structural stability. This local differentiation enables each component to contribute optimally to the overall gap modulation, improving flow rate without excessive complexity.
2Productivity
If the first main plate and second main plate have the same frequency coefficient, then the structure is more uniform, but the gap height does not increase sufficiently, reducing valve opening efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system deliberately introduces asymmetry in the frequency coefficients of the top plate and outer plate. The top plate is designed with a smaller frequency coefficient to allow larger vibration amplitude, while the outer plate has a larger frequency coefficient for structural stability. This asymmetric design creates optimal conditions for gap modulation, enabling the top plate to vibrate with sufficient amplitude to open the valve effectively while the outer plate maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency coefficient parameter is specifically adjusted for each plate to achieve optimal performance. By changing the frequency coefficient of the top plate to be smaller than that of the outer plate, the system enables the top plate to respond more readily to vibration inputs, increasing its vibration amplitude and thereby increasing the gap height sufficiently for efficient valve opening.
3Productivity
If the vibration amplitude is increased to improve flow rate, then more fluid can pass through, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration function is segmented between two plates with different roles: the top plate is optimized for large-amplitude vibration to maximize gap changes and flow rate, while the outer plate provides structural support with its higher frequency coefficient and inherent stability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high flow rates without compromising overall structural integrity, as each plate is optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local qualities are assigned to different parts of the valve chamber structure. The top plate has local properties optimized for vibration (smaller frequency coefficient, greater flexibility), while the outer plate has local properties optimized for strength and stability (larger frequency coefficient, greater rigidity). This local quality differentiation enables the system to achieve large vibration amplitudes for high flow rates while the outer plate maintains structural integrity.
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 increased flow rates and improved performance by maximizing gap changes in the valve chamber, reducing flow path resistance, and enhancing pressure differences, thereby optimizing fluid flow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration unit that has a piezoelectric device and a vibrating plate
Implementation Method 2
the first main plate and the second main plate vibrate substantially in the opposite phase
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control apparatus includes a valve and a pump. The valve has a valve chamber surrounded by the first main plate, the second main plate, and the side plate. The first main plate has a first aperture, and the second main plate has a second aperture. The valve further includes a valve diaphragm disposed inside the valve chamber. The valve diaphragm is configured to switch between a state in which the first aperture and the second aperture communicate with each other and a state in which the first aperture and the second aperture do not communicate with each other. The pump includes a vibration unit that has a piezoelectric device and a vibrating plate. The pump has a pump chamber that is defined by the vibration unit and the second main plate. The pump chamber communicates with the valve chamber through the second aperture.