Plate Microvalve Sealing Mechanism for Particle Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microvalves experience interference with the free movement of their displaceable members due to particulate contaminants in the fluid, leading to jamming and leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
The microvalve design incorporates a displaceable member connected to a non-movable portion by a convoluted spring, with sealing structures and recessed regions that minimize particle jamming through larger spaces and trapezoidal sealing structures extending around fluid ports, allowing for smooth movement and reduced leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the space between the displaceable member and the valve body is made small to minimize leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but particulate contaminants can become jammed between the displaceable member and the valve body, interfering with free movement
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple plates (first plate, second plate, third plate) with the displaceable member positioned between them. This segmentation creates a structured assembly where the displaceable member can move freely within defined spaces, preventing particle jamming while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the distributed plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the valve have different space characteristics. The region between the displaceable member and the first/third plates provides larger spaces to prevent particle jamming, while the region between the displaceable member and the second plate maintains smaller spaces for effective sealing. This local differentiation of space quality resolves the contradiction between preventing jamming and minimizing leakage.
2Ease of operation
If larger spaces are provided between the displaceable member and adjacent portions to prevent particle jamming, then ease of operation is improved, but leakage through the valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple plates that create distinct sealing zones. The first plate provides a sealing interface on one side of the displaceable member, while the third plate provides a sealing interface on the other side. This segmentation allows larger overall spaces for particle-free movement while maintaining localized small gaps for sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The space distribution is optimized locally: larger spaces are provided in regions where particle passage is critical (between displaceable member and first/third plates), while smaller spaces are maintained in regions where sealing is critical (between displaceable member and second plate). This local quality differentiation simultaneously achieves both goals.
3Device complexity
If conventional microvalve structures are used with small internal cavity thickness, then device complexity is minimized, but particulate contaminants cause jamming that interferes with displaceable member movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single thick valve body with a closed internal cavity, the valve is segmented into multiple thin plates (first plate, second plate, third plate) assembled together. This segmentation increases the effective space around the displaceable member without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the plates can be manufactured using standard micro-machining techniques and assembled relatively simply.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve structure transitions from a two-dimensional thin-cavity design to a three-dimensional multi-plate assembly. This dimensional change creates additional space in the vertical direction (between multiple plates) without requiring a proportional increase in the horizontal footprint, thus preventing particle jamming while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
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 design effectively prevents particle jamming and maintains low leakage while allowing for reliable operation of the microvalve, even with contaminants present, by using larger spaces and sealing structures to prevent interference and ensure smooth movement of the displaceable member.
Implementation Method 1
a convoluted spring formed in a second opening. The displaceable member is slidingly and axially movable within the first opening between a closed position, wherein the displaceable member cooperates with the sealing structure to prevent fluid communication through the fluid port
Data Source
AI summary
A microvalve includes a first plate having a surface, a recessed region provided within the surface, a fluid port provided within the recessed region, and a sealing structure extending about the fluid port. A second plate defines a non-movable portion and a movable portion, a surface of the non-movable portion abutting the surface of the first plate, the non-movable portion having first and second openings formed therethrough. The movable portion is formed within the first opening and has an axis, the movable portion defining a displaceable member connected to the non-movable portion by a convoluted spring formed in a second opening. The displaceable member is slidingly and axially movable within the first opening between a closed position, wherein the displaceable member cooperates with the sealing structure to prevent fluid communication through the fluid port, and an opened position, wherein the displaceable member does not cooperate with at least a portion of the sealing structure to prevent fluid communication through the fluid port.