The invention pertains generally to microvalves and more specifically to microvalve package assemblies. In particular, the invention pertains to microvalve package assemblies that may be mechanically secured together without adhesives.
Valves such as microvalves are known. Some microvalves are electrostatically actuated. Electrostatically actuated devices such as electrostatically actuated microvalves can be quite sensitive to environmental conditions such as humidity, dust and gases. In some instances, the packages used to assemble electrostatically actuated microvalves can include adhesives that may themselves out-gas and cause stiction within the electrostatically actuated microvalve.
Therefore, a need remains for a microvalve assembly that protects a microvalve or an assembly of microvalves from exterior environmental conditions. A need also remains for a microvalve assembly that is free of adhesives and/or other materials that might out-gas and/or otherwise reduce the performance of the electrostatically actuated devices contained therein.
The invention provides a microvalve assembly that protects a microvalve or an assembly of microvalves from the environment. Moreover, the invention provides a microvalve assembly that is mechanically assembled, without the use of adhesives and/or other materials that might out-gas and/or otherwise reduce the performance of the electrostatically actuated devices contained therein.
Accordingly, an illustrative embodiment of the present invention pertains to a microvalve assembly that includes a base fixture, a clamp fixture, and an electrostatically actuated microvalve that is disposed between the base fixture and the clamp fixture. The clamp fixture is mechanically secured to the base fixture without an adhesive.
In some instances, the base fixture may include a recessed clamp fixture receiving region that is complementary in size and shape to the clamp fixture such that the clamp fixture fits at least substantially into the recessed clamp fixture receiving region. The recessed clamp fixture may include a recessed microvalve receiving region while the clamp fixture may include a raised microvalve receiving region that is configured to at least substantially align with the recessed microvalve receiving region of the base fixture.
The raised microvalve receiving region of the clamp fixture can include a gasket receiving recess. A gasket may be disposed within the gasket receiving recess. In some instances, the gasket may assist in securing the electrostatically actuated microvalve within the microvalve assembly, as well as helping to provide a seal. The electrostatically actuated microvalve may include a valve aperture member layer with a valve aperture and a valve flap member that includes a flap that can selectively overly the valve aperture to provide a valve action. In some instances, the base fixture may include an inlet that is in fluid communication with the valve aperture.
In some instances, the raised microvalve receiving region can define at least in part a fluid receiving volume. The clamp fixture may include an outlet that is in fluid communication with the fluid receiving volume.
In some cases, the clamp fixture may also include one or more clamp fixture securement apertures and the base fixture may also include one or more base fixture securement apertures that are at least substantially aligned with the one or more clamp fixture securement apertures. A securement device may be positioned within the clamp fixture securement aperture and the base fixture securement aperture in order to secure the clamp fixture to the base fixture. In some instances, the securement device secures the clamp fixture to the base fixture without the use of adhesives that may otherwise out-gas or otherwise interfere with operation of the electrostatically actuated microvalve.
In some cases, the base fixture securement aperture may include a threaded recess, and the securement device may be a threaded securement that is disposed through the clamp fixture securement aperture and that is threadedly engaged with the threaded recess to secure the clamp fixture to the base fixture. In some instances, the securement device may be a rod that is friction fit within the base fixture securement aperture and the clamp fixture securement aperture.
The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The Figures, Detailed Description and Examples which follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered in like fashion. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Although examples of construction, dimensions, and materials are illustrated for the various elements, those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that may be utilized.
The invention pertains generally to microvalve packaging assemblies such as might be employed with electrostatically actuated microvalves. In particular,
Array 12 of electrostatically operated microvalves may include any particular type or configuration of electrostatically operated microvalve. An example of an electrostatically actuated microvalve 14 is shown in
Array 12 of electrostatically operated microvalves 14 is positioned between a base fixture 16 and a clamp fixture 18. In the illustrated embodiment, an array 20 of gaskets 22 are deployed between array 12 of electrostatically operated microvalves 14 and clamp fixture 18. As can be seen in
Base fixture 16 may, as illustrated, include a recessed clamp fixture receiving region 24 that is complementary in size and shape to clamp fixture 18 such that clamp fixture 18 may fit at least substantially into recessed clamp fixture receiving region 24. In some instances, recessed clamp fixture receiving region 24 may be configured such that clamp fixture 18 completely fits into recessed clamp fixture receiving region 24.
In some instances, recessed clamp fixture receiving region 24 may itself include a recessed electrostatically actuated microvalve receiving region 26, which may be configured to at least partially accept array 12 of electrostatically actuated microvalves 14 (
Base fixture 16 may be formed of any suitable material and using any suitable technique. In some instances, base fixture 16 can be formed by grinding or abrading away material from a rectangular block of any suitable polymeric material such as an acrylic plastic. In some cases, base fixture 16 may be molded into the configuration shown, for example, in
Each internal fluid passageway 28 may be sized to accommodate the particular fluid expected during use. The term “fluid” as used herein can include gases, liquids or combinations of gases and liquids. Internal fluid passageways 28 may be formed using any suitable technique. In some instances, internal fluid passageways 28 may be formed by mechanically drilling into base fixture 16.
In the illustrated embodiment, external fluid ports 30 are located on either side of base fixture 16. If it is desired to accommodate a greater number of electrostatically actuated microvalves 14 (
Clamp fixture 18 may be formed of any suitable material and using any suitable technique. In some instances, clamp fixture 18 can be formed by grinding or abrading away material from a rectangular block of any suitable polymeric material such as an acrylic plastic. In some cases, clamp fixture 18 may be molded into the configuration shown for example in
As seen for example in
Each internal fluid passageway 42 extends from an external fluid port 44 to an internal fluid port 46 that is fluid communication with cavity 38. Each internal fluid passageway 48 extends from an external fluid port 50 to an internal fluid port 52 that is fluid communication with cavity 38. Each external fluid port 50 may be configured to permit tubing or other external fluid passageways to be secured to external fluid port 50.
Each internal fluid passageway 42 and 48 may be sized to accommodate the particular fluid expected during use. Internal fluid passageways 42 and 48 may be formed using any suitable technique. In some instances, internal fluid passageways 42 and 48 may be formed by mechanically drilling into clamp fixture 18.
In the illustrated embodiment, external fluid ports 44 are located on a top surface 54 of clamp fixture 18 while external fluid ports 50 are located along a side 56 of clamp fixture 18. With reference to top surface 54, it should be noted that clamp fixture 18 is, for illustrative purposes, oriented upside-down from its position secured to base fixture 16 (see
If it is desired to accommodate a greater number of electrostatically actuated microvalves 14 (
While in some instances an internal surface of conducting aperture 60 may itself be electrically conductive, it is considered rather that conducting aperture 60 is configured to accommodate an electrically conductive member (not illustrated). Any suitable conductive material may be used in forming an electrically conductive member. In some cases, rubber that has been doped or otherwise modified to carry an electrical current may be used.
In some instances, a pair of conducting apertures 60 are arranged in alignment with each cavity 38 and can be used to transmit electrical signals to an electrostatically actuated microvalve 14 (
Unlike base fixture securement apertures 34 (
In some instances, securements such as threaded securements may be used. Suitable threaded securements include bolts and screws. In other cases, frictionally secured securements may be employed. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of seven clamp fixture securement apertures 68 are positioned along either side of clamp fixture 18.
In
Electrical aperture 80 can be used to provide electrical communication to an electrode or electrodes (not illustrated) present within valve aperture member 74. Electrical aperture 80 may be in electrical communication through a conductive member (not seen) extending through conducting aperture 60 (
Each valve flap 88 includes an electrode (not illustrated) that can cause, upon application of an appropriate voltage, each valve flap 88 to move either towards or away from valve aperture 76 (
In particular embodiments, first electrical aperture 90 may provide access for an electrical connection with an electrode present within valve flap 88 and may be powered by a conductive member (not seen) extending through conducting aperture 60 (
Gaskets 22 (
Once the assembly has been completed as such, electrical communication or contact with the electrode present within valve aperture member 74 (
In some embodiments, a first conductive rubber plug may be inserted through a conducting aperture 60 (
The invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples described above, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as set out in the attached claims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the invention can be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of the instant specification.
This invention was made with government support under DARPA contract number MDA972-00-C-0029. The government may have certain rights in the invention.
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