초록 ▼

A traveling wave pump which employs one or more pairs of interfacing plates to transfer fluid (gas or liquid) from one or more inlets to one or more outlets. At least one of the plates in each pair of interfacing plates is driven so as to produce a flexure traveling wave therein. Actuators incorpora

A traveling wave pump which employs one or more pairs of interfacing plates to transfer fluid (gas or liquid) from one or more inlets to one or more outlets. At least one of the plates in each pair of interfacing plates is driven so as to produce a flexure traveling wave therein. Actuators incorporating electroactive elements are used to drive the driven plates and create the flexure traveling wave. This wave causes chambers to form between the interfacing plates which move from one end of the driven plate to the other in the direction of the wave. Fluid is drawn into a forming chamber, and eventually the forming chamber closes trapping the fluid therein. The fluid is then transported through the pump by the now completely formed chamber as it propagates along the plate interface. If only one of the interfacing plates is driven, the other remains fixed in that no chambers are formed at its surface. However, where both plates are driven, the traveling waves therein are synchronized and coincident chambers are formed at the surface of both plates, thereby doubling the amount of fluid pumped. In addition, the flow direction can be changed by controlling the phase of the drive signals.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Wherefore, what is claimed is:] [33.] A traveling wave pump comprising:a pump housing have an internal cavity;at least one pair of interfacing plates disposed within the internal cavity of the pump;actuating means for creating a flexure traveling wave in at least one plate of each pair of interfac

[ Wherefore, what is claimed is:] [33.] A traveling wave pump comprising:a pump housing have an internal cavity;at least one pair of interfacing plates disposed within the internal cavity of the pump;actuating means for creating a flexure traveling wave in at least one plate of each pair of interfacing plates whenever said activating means is in an active mode, wherein each plate having a flexure traveling wave created therein is a driven plate and wherein the flexure traveling wave causes fluid carrying chambers to form between the pair of interfacing plates and move along the surface of the interfacing plates in the direction of propagation of the flexure traveling wave.