Oscillating Pump Isolator Reduces Dampening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pumps, particularly those with disc-shaped cavities, face inefficiencies due to dampening of pressure oscillations at the interface between end walls and side walls, and require high-frequency valves not commonly available, limiting their application in portable devices that need high-frequency operation without noise.
Innovation Solution
A pump design with a substantially cylindrical cavity and a driven end wall that oscillates perpendicular to its surface, featuring a flap valve and isolator to minimize dampening, and a high-frequency capable valve mechanism using a lightweight flap valve responsive to differential pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the driven end wall oscillates to generate pressure oscillations in the cavity, then pumping efficiency is improved, but dampening at the interface between end walls and side walls reduces the amplitude of pressure oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
An isolator is introduced as an intermediary component between the driven end wall and the side wall. This isolator minimizes the dampening effect at the interface, allowing the pressure oscillations to maintain higher amplitudes throughout the cavity while still providing structural support and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator is implemented as a flexible membrane or thin film structure that couples the driven end wall to the side wall. This flexible structure allows transmission of pressure oscillations while minimizing energy loss through dampening, effectively resolving the contradiction between structural support and oscillation amplitude maintenance.
2Productivity
If conventional valves are used to control fluid flow, then device complexity is reduced, but the valve cannot operate at the high frequencies required for portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional mechanical valve system is replaced with an acoustic field-based control mechanism. The flap valve utilizes acoustic radiation pressure and differential pressure fields to control fluid flow direction, eliminating complex mechanical actuation systems and enabling operation at high frequencies (20 kHz and above) suitable for portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve operation is controlled through pneumatic pressure differentials created by the acoustic field rather than mechanical actuation. The flap valve responds to differential pressure changes across the acoustic standing wave, enabling high-frequency operation without complex mechanical components.
3Volume of moving object
If the pump operates at very high frequencies to be inaudible and compact, then device size is reduced and noise is minimized, but valves capable of operating at these frequencies are not commonly available
Solution Approach 1:
The flap valve is designed to be self-actuating through the acoustic field itself. The differential pressure created by the acoustic standing wave automatically controls the valve opening and closing without requiring external actuation systems. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable high-frequency operation and enables compact pump design suitable for portable devices.
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 enhances the amplitude of pressure oscillations within the pump cavity, improving efficiency and enabling operation at high frequencies without significant noise, suitable for portable devices requiring high-frequency fluid handling.
Implementation Method 1
the acoustic pressure wave has limited amplitude. Varying cross-section cavities, such as cone, horn-cone, bulb have been used to achieve high amplitude pressure oscillations thereby significantly increasing the pumping effect
Implementation Method 2
This can be achieved using a cylindrical cavity with an acoustic driver at one end, which drives an acoustic standing wave
Implementation Method 3
The efficiency of a mode-matched pump is dependent upon the interface between the driven end wall and the side wall. It is desirable to maintain the efficiency of such pump by structuring the interface so that it does not decrease or dampen the motion of the driven end wall
Implementation Method 4
a flap valve disposed in at least one of said first aperture and second aperture; whereby the displacement oscillations generate corresponding radial pressure oscillations of the fluid within the cavity of said pump body causing fluid flow through said first and second apertures when in use
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A pump having a substantially cylindrical shape and defining a cavity formed by a side wall closed at both ends by end walls wherein the cavity contains a fluid is disclosed. The pump further comprises an actuator operatively associated with at least one of the end walls to cause an oscillatory motion of the driven end wall to generate displacement oscillations of the driven end wall within the cavity. The pump further comprises an isolator operatively associated with a peripheral portion of the driven end wall to reduce dampening of the displacement oscillations. The pump further comprises a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve. The valve has first and second plates with offsetting apertures and a sidewall disposed between the plates around the perimeter of the plates to form a cavity in fluid communication with the apertures. The valve further comprises a flap disposed and moveable between the first and second plates and having apertures substantially offset from the apertures of one plate and substantially aligned with the apertures of the other plate. The flap is motivated between the two plates in response to a change in direction of the differential pressure of fluid across the valve.