Electromagnetically-actuated micropump for liquid metal alloy enclosed in cavity with flexible sidewalls
US7539016B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 26, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L2924/0002
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention discloses a method of confining a liquid metal alloy within a closed-loop system; distributing a first portion of the liquid metal alloy in a cavity within the closed-loop system; turning on an electromagnet to generate a magnetic field to permeate flexible sidewalls of the cavity; attracting the liquid metal alloy in the cavity towards the electromagnet to expand the flexible sidewalls; inducing a second portion of the liquid metal alloy to enter the cavity from an inlet end of a pipe within the closed-loop system; turning off the electromagnet; repelling the liquid metal alloy in the cavity away from the electromagnet to contract the flexible sidewalls; and inducing a third portion of the liquid metal alloy to exit the cavity to an outlet end of the pipe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.