Valve Module Segmentation for Compact Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact diaphragm pumps face challenges in increasing flow rate due to limited volume change per diaphragm vibration, and the valve movement struggles to follow pressure variations, making it difficult to enhance flow rate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A valve module with a movable member made of elastically deformable film and a support member of higher rigidity, integrated into a fluid control apparatus with a drive mechanism that varies the volume of a space between plate-like members, allowing the fluid to flow through openings while the valve module follows pressure variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of vibrations of the diaphragm is increased to increase flow rate, then the flow rate per unit time increases, but the valve movement cannot follow pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into a movable member (flexible film) and a support member (rigid structure). This segmentation allows the movable member to respond independently to pressure variations while the support member provides structural stability, enabling the valve to follow pressure changes even at high vibration frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the valve assembly have different rigidity characteristics. The movable member uses flexible material for local responsiveness to pressure, while the support member uses rigid material for local structural support. This local differentiation enables the valve to simultaneously achieve fast response and stable operation
2Productivity
If the amount of change in volume of the pump chamber is increased to increase flow rate, then the flow rate per unit time increases, but the pump chamber size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber utilizes high-frequency mechanical vibrations of the diaphragm to create volume changes. By vibrating the diaphragm at high frequencies, the pump achieves sufficient flow rate without requiring a large single-vibration volume change, thus maintaining a compact pump chamber size
Solution Approach 2:
The pump employs periodic vibration cycles of the diaphragm to progressively move fluid through the valve. The cumulative effect of multiple small volume changes per unit time achieves the desired flow rate while keeping each individual vibration cycle compact
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 increased flow rate per unit time while maintaining a compact size, allowing for more versatile fluid control and electronic apparatus design by improving the valve's ability to respond to pressure changes.
Implementation Method 1
a movable member that is disposed in the opening, is constituted by a film elastically deformable by a fluid
Implementation Method 2
a support member that has higher rigidity than rigidity of the movable member, covers a part of a region of the second surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a valve module that includes a movable member and a support member. The movable member is constituted by a film elastically deformable by a fluid and having a first surface positioned on a side of a member having an opening through which the fluid passes and a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface. The support member has higher rigidity than rigidity of the movable member, covers a part of a region of the second surface, in which the opening is not located as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second surface, and is fixed to the member.