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Radial-Electric-Field Piezoelectric Diaphragm PumpsIn a recently invented class of piezoelectric diaphragm pumps, the electrode patterns on the piezoelectric diaphragms are configured so that the electric fields in the diaphragms have symmetrical radial (along-the-surface) components in addition to through-the-thickness components. Previously, it was accepted in the piezoelectric-transducer art that in order to produce the out-of-plane bending displacement of a diaphragm needed for pumping, one must make the electric field asymmetrical through the thickness, typically by means of electrodes placed on only one side of the piezoelectric material. In the present invention, electrodes are placed on both sides and patterned so as to produce substantial radial as well as through-the-thickness components. Moreover, unlike in the prior art, the electric field can be symmetrical through the thickness. Tests have shown in a given diaphragm that an electrode configuration according to this invention produces more displacement than does a conventional one-sided electrode pattern. The invention admits of numerous variations characterized by various degrees of complexity. Figure 1 is a simplified depiction of a basic version. As in other piezoelectric diaphragm pumps of similar basic design, the prime mover is a piezoelectric diaphragm. Application of a suitable voltage to the electrodes on the diaphragm causes it to undergo out-of-plane bending. The bending displacement pushes a fluid out of, or pulls the fluid into, a chamber bounded partly by the diaphragm. Also as in other diaphragm pumps in general, check valves ensure that the fluid flows only in through one port and only out through another port.
Document ID
20090020554
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Other - NASA Tech Brief
External Source(s)
http://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/5181
Authors
Bryant, Robert G. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Working, Dennis C. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Mossi, Karla (Virginia Commonwealth Univ. Richmond, VA, United States)
Castro, Nicholas D. (Virginia Commonwealth Univ. Richmond, VA, United States)
Mane, Pooma (Virginia Commonwealth Univ. Richmond, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 2009
Publication Information
Publication: NASA Tech Briefs, May 2009
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
LAR-16363-1
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle20090020533Collected WorksNASA Tech Briefs, May 2009
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