Ultrasonic Pump Membrane Actuation for Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic pumps face limitations in achieving high fluid flow rates, high backflow pressures, and low operating power, which are not effectively addressed by current systems.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic pump architecture incorporates at least two membranes and a separator, with the membranes actuated to create phase differences that induce pressure changes and fluid venting, utilizing acoustic impedance ratios to control fluid flow between fluid conduits, and employing electrostatic, piezoelectric, or thermoelectric actuation to enhance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional ultrasonic pump architecture is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but fluid flow rate and backflow pressure are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pump architecture is segmented into multiple independent membranes (first membrane, second membrane, third membrane) that operate in different chambers. Each membrane can be actuated independently to create coordinated pressure changes, enabling higher fluid flow rates and backflow pressures through distributed pumping action rather than relying on a single membrane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested chamber structure where a first chamber and second chamber are positioned adjacent to each other, with membranes separating and defining these chambers. The membranes are nested within the same structural framework, allowing compact arrangement while maintaining independent pumping zones that work together to enhance overall performance.
2Productivity
If higher fluid flow rates and backflow pressures are achieved, then pump performance is improved, but operating power increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump utilizes periodic actuation of membranes at ultrasonic frequencies to create oscillating pressure differentials. By coordinating the phase of membrane actuation, the system achieves rectified unidirectional flow without requiring continuous high-power input. The periodic expansion and compression cycles efficiently transfer energy to the fluid, maintaining high flow rates with optimized power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a compliance element as an intermediary between the membranes and the fluid chambers. This compliance element stores and releases elastic energy during the pumping cycle, reducing the peak power requirements by smoothing out energy demands. The compliance element acts as a mechanical energy buffer, allowing the pump to maintain high average flow rates with lower instantaneous power input.
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 results in improved fluid flow rates and pressures while reducing operating power, effectively overcoming the limitations of existing ultrasonic pumps by optimizing membrane actuation and fluid dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
employing electrostatic, piezoelectric, or thermoelectric actuation to enhance performance
Implementation Method 2
employing electrostatic, piezoelectric, or thermoelectric actuation to enhance performance
Implementation Method 3
employing electrostatic, piezoelectric, or thermoelectric actuation to enhance performance
Implementation Method 4
The membranes are actuated in a coordinated manner with phase differences between 0 and 180 degrees, causing the enclosed volume to increase and decrease, thereby inducing pressure changes and fluid venting
Implementation Method 5
A first and third membrane are actuated using any of but not limited to; electrostatic actuation; piezoelectric actuation; thermoelectric actuation
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic pump includes a first layer with at a membrane, a spoke and an anchor, wherein the membrane is in contact with the spoke and the spoke is in contact with at the anchor; a second layer with at least one second membrane and at least one second anchor wherein the second membrane is in contact with a second anchor and the second membrane includes at least one aperture; a third layer with at least one third membrane, at least one third spoke and at least one third anchor, wherein third membrane is in contact with at least one third spoke and said third spoke is in contact with at least one third anchor. The first, second and third membrane are vertically stacked and the first layer at least one membrane and the third layer at least one membrane are configured to be actuated to generate fluid flow.