Resonant Micro Check Valves for Low-Loss Micropumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micropumps face limitations in efficiently pumping fluids across a wide range of pressures and throughputs due to inadequate control over flow restricting elements, leading to suboptimal fluid flow profiles and energy losses.
Innovation Solution
A resonance-based micropump design featuring flow restricting elements that cyclically transition between flow permitting and restricting states in response to modulated chamber conditions, utilizing a driver to apply harmonic forces at a characteristic frequency, ensuring efficient fluid flow management without mechanical contact and minimizing energy losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flow restricting elements are used to control fluid flow in existing micropumps, then fluid flow control is achieved, but energy losses increase and pumping efficiency decreases across wide pressure and throughput ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by driving the flow restricting element at its resonant frequency using a piezoelectric actuator. This resonance-based actuation minimizes the energy required to move the element between open and closed states, significantly reducing energy losses compared to conventional micropumps that use larger, non-resonant actuation mechanisms. The vibrational resonance enables efficient pumping across wide pressure and throughput ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by operating the flow restricting element at its specific resonant frequency rather than using continuous or non-resonant actuation. This parameter change optimizes the energy efficiency of the system, allowing the micropump to maintain high pumping efficiency across varying pressure and throughput conditions by leveraging the natural resonant characteristics of the flow restricting element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional micropump designs are used, then basic fluid pumping is achieved, but adaptability to different pressures and throughputs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using a resonant flow restricting element that can rapidly and efficiently transition between open and closed states in response to piezoelectric actuation. This dynamic operation allows the micropump to adapt to varying pressure and throughput requirements while maintaining high pumping efficiency, as the resonant element can respond quickly to changes in operating conditions without the energy losses associated with conventional designs.
3Productivity
If flow restricting elements undergo frequent state transitions, then pumping action is achieved, but mechanical wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems with a piezoelectric actuation system that drives the flow restricting element at its resonant frequency. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages, motors, or actuators that would subject the flow restricting element to high mechanical stresses and wear during frequent state transitions. The resonant vibration approach enables frequent pumping cycles while maintaining reliability by minimizing mechanical contact and stress.
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 enables efficient fluid pumping across various pressures and throughputs with reduced energy losses and minimized wear, achieving continuous and efficient fluid flow by leveraging harmonic resonance to control flow restricting elements in phase-shifted or antiphase configurations.
Implementation Method 1
A driver is configured for cyclically modulating volume or pressure in said chamber in a driver frequency, the frequency is selected according to characteristics of the flow restricting elements. Each of said two elements is being configured for continuous cyclical change of states between one or more first, flow-restricting range of states and one or more second, flow-permitting range of states, in response to the cyclical modulation of the volume or pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pump for pumping a fluid between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet has a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. At least one flow restricting element is disposed at a flow line portion and is configured to resonate along a continuum of states between a first end state and a second end state to thereby affect fluid flow profile through said inlet or said outlet. While resonating the element transitions through a range of states differing in the flow they permit. A driver is configured to modulate conditions in the chamber or on the at least one flow restricting element at a characteristic frequency profile, thereby inducing the at least one flow restricting element to resonate between the first and second states at about said characteristic frequency profile.