Single-Pump Fluidic Pressure Control for Positive and Negative Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sources for fluidic systems are bulky, consume high power, generate noise, and require two pumps for positive and negative pressure control, leading to inefficiency and large size, with slow response times and high gas consumption.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic system apparatus with a uni-directional pumping device and bi-directional valves array, controlled by a unit to switch between gas sources, enabling efficient control of both positive and negative pressures with minimal size, power, and fast response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two pumps are used to generate positive and negative pressures, then both positive and negative pressure control is achieved, but the device size and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pump functions (positive pressure generation and negative pressure/vacuum generation) into a single pump system. The pump can operate in two modes: pumping gas from inlet to outlet for positive pressure, and pumping gas from outlet to inlet for negative pressure. This merging eliminates the need for two separate pumps, reducing device size and complexity while maintaining the capability to control both positive and negative pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump is designed to perform multiple functions by reversing its operation direction. It can generate positive pressure by pumping from inlet to outlet, and generate negative pressure by pumping from outlet to inlet. The pump also works in passive mode allowing free flow. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required two dedicated pumps, achieving versatility without increasing system complexity.
2Reliability
If pumps are operated continuously at nominal power, then stable pressure is maintained, but power consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pumping action instead of continuous operation. The pump operates in cycles, alternating between active pumping phases and passive free-flow phases. During passive mode, the pump allows gas to flow freely without active pumping, eliminating noise and reducing power consumption. The periodic activation maintains pressure stability through controlled pumping cycles rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static continuous pumping to dynamic periodic pumping with variable operation modes. The pump can switch between active pumping mode, passive free-flow mode, and reversed pumping mode. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain pressure stability while adapting power consumption and noise levels to actual operational needs, rather than running at constant nominal power.
3Measurement precision
If proportional valves are operated near full closure for precise control, then pressure regulation accuracy improves, but gas consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pumping cycles with controlled durations to achieve precise pressure regulation. By adjusting the duty cycle (ratio of active pumping time to total cycle time), the system can precisely control the average pressure without requiring the valve to be nearly closed. The periodic action allows accurate pressure control while maintaining higher average valve openings, thereby reducing gas consumption compared to continuous operation near full closure.
4Device complexity
If a single pump is used instead of two pumps, then device size and complexity are reduced, but the ability to independently control positive and negative pressures may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump is designed with dynamic operational flexibility, allowing it to switch between different pumping directions and modes. By controlling the pump's operation timing and direction, the system can independently generate positive pressure (pumping inlet to outlet), independently generate negative pressure (pumping outlet to inlet), or allow passive free flow. This dynamic control capability maintains independent pressure control versatility while using a single pump, reducing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples are disclosed that relate to an apparatus for controlling pressure or flow in a fluidic system. The apparatus comprises a main inlet/outlet and a uni-directional pumping device configured to pump gas from an inlet of the pumping device to an outlet of the pumping device. The apparatus further comprises a valves array and a control unit. The control unit is configured to set the valves array into at least two states. In a first state, a first gas source is fluidically connected to the inlet of the pumping device, and the outlet of the pumping device is fluidically connected to the main inlet/outlet. In a second state, the main inlet/outlet is fluidically connected to the inlet of the pumping device, and the outlet of the pumping device is fluidically connected to a second gas source.