A piezoelectric valveless pump with flexible actuators

A piezoelectric valveless pump with flexible actuators (PVPFA) is proposed, which owns advantages of flexible driving, changeable flow direction and high output performance. The PVPFA is consist of three flexible actuators and a pump body. The direction of pumping fluid can be changed by setting different fluid medium volumes in the hydraulic amplification chamber. Each flexible actuator adopts hydraulic amplification structure, which makes PVPFA provide higher output performance. The theoretical model of the factors affecting the flow rate of PVPFA is established and verified by experiments. The experimental results show that PVPFA obtains a maximum flow rate of 98.48 ml/min and a maximum pressure of 10.7 kPa. PVPFA provides a new idea for piezoelectric valveless pump.

Automated summary

A piezoelectric valveless pump with flexible actuators (PVPFA) is introduced, featuring flexible driving, changeable flow direction, and high output performance. The PVPFA consists of three flexible actuators and a pump body, with pumping direction controlled by adjusting the volume of the fluid medium in the hydraulic amplification chamber. Each flexible actuator adopts a hydraulic amplification structure, resulting in improved output performance. Experimental results demonstrate a maximum flow rate of 98.48 ml/min and a maximum pressure of 10.7 kPa for the PVPFA. This innovation offers a new approach for piezoelectric valveless pumps.