Rounded Vent-Hole Valve Structure for Movable Plate Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control valves with piezoelectric blowers face reliability issues due to repeated contact between the movable plate and the top and bottom plates, leading to potential damage and reduced valve functionality.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a valve structure with a movable plate that features third vent holes facing second vent holes, and a second plate with auxiliary holes having convex rounded corner portions to reduce damage and enhance the service life of the movable plate, while also increasing fluid flow rates through the valve chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the movable plate is made movable between the top plate and bottom plate to provide valve function, then the valve function of allowing fluid to flow in one direction is achieved, but the movable plate is easily damaged due to repeated contact with edge portions of vent holes and auxiliary holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the edge portions of the vent holes and auxiliary holes with substantially convex rounded shapes instead of sharp edges. This curvature modification reduces the impact damage to the movable plate during repeated contact, thereby improving the movable plate's durability while maintaining the valve's directional flow function.
2Speed
If auxiliary holes are added to the bottom plate to accelerate movements of the movable plate, then the opening and closing speed of the valve is improved, but the movable plate is more easily damaged when contacting edge portions of these holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by rounding the edge portions of the auxiliary holes with substantially convex rounded shapes. This allows the auxiliary holes to continue serving their function of accelerating movable plate movement while reducing the harmful impact on the movable plate during contact, thus preventing damage despite increased movement speed.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the movable plate contacts the top plate and bottom plate repeatedly to operate the valve, then the valve function is maintained, but cracks or holes are formed in the movable plate reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the edge portions of all vent holes and auxiliary holes to reduce impact damage during repeated valve operations. This allows the valve to maintain its operational cycles while preventing cracks and holes in the movable plate, thereby preserving both the duration of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The substantially convex rounded shapes of the edge portions serve as a protective measure in advance, cushioning the impact before it can cause damage to the movable plate during repeated contact cycles.
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
This configuration reduces damage to the movable plate, increases its service life, and enhances the reliability and flow rate of the valve, thereby improving the overall performance of the fluid control device.
Implementation Method 1
the movable plate moves in response to a bending movement of a piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
A valve includes a first plate having a first vent hole; a second plate defining a valve chamber, which communicates with the first vent hole, between the second plate and the first plate, the second plate having a second vent hole that communicates with the valve chamber and that does not face the first vent hole; and a movable plate having a third vent hole that faces the second vent hole and disposed in the valve chamber such that the movable plate is movable between the first plate and the second plate. The second plate has an auxiliary hole that does not face the third vent hole in the movable plate, the auxiliary hole being surrounded by an edge portion that forms a first corner portion having a substantially convex rounded shape in front view of a principal surface of the second plate at a side facing the valve chamber.