In this study, based on the working principle of the cardiac valve structure that prevents blood from flowing back, a piezoelectric pump with a cardiac valve-like structure (PPCVLS) is designed. The operating principles of cardiac-valve-like structures (CVLSs) are introduced. Furthermore, the closure conditions of the CVLSs on both sides of the flow channel are explored. The principle behind the working-state conversion between "valve-based" and "valve-less" of PPCVLS is also analyzed. A high-speed dynamic microscopic image-analysis system was utilized to observe and verify the working-state conversion between "valve-based" and "valve-less" PPCVLSs. The resonant frequency of the piezoelectric pump was measured by Doppler laser vibrometer, and the optimal working frequency of the piezoelectric vibrator was determined as 22.35 Hz. The prototype piezoelectric pump was fabricated by the 3D printing technique, and the output performance of the piezoelectric pump was also evaluated. The experimental results show that the piezoelectric pump is valve-based when the driving voltage is greater than 140V, and the piezoelectric pump is valve-less when the driving voltage is less than 140 V. Furthermore, the maximum output pressure of the piezoelectric pump was 199 mm H2O when driven by the applied voltage of 220 V at 7 Hz, while the maximum flow rate of the piezoelectric pump was 44.5 mL/min when driven by the applied voltage of 220 V at 11 Hz.
Keywords: cardiac valve structure; piezoelectric pump; valve-based; valve-less.