This research introduces a valveless piezoelectric pump design that leverages the Coriolis effect and arc-shaped tubes to achieve enhanced unidirectional fluid flow without mechanical valves.
In the world of microfluidics and biomedical devices, controlling the flow of tiny droplets with accuracy and efficiency is a big challenge. Imagine trying to push water through a straw using just a vibration and no moving parts. Sounds like magic, right? 🧙♂️ Well, engineers are doing just that—with piezoelectric pumps!
A new study by researchers Qiufeng Yan, Zhiling Liu, Wanting Sun, and Mengyao Jiang introduces a novel valveless piezoelectric pump based on the Coriolis Effect, offering improved flow rates without the use of conventional valves. This smart design could revolutionize applications in biomedicine, cooling systems, and microfluidics. Let’s dive into the tech behind the twist! 🔁
A piezoelectric pump works by using a PZT (lead zirconate titanate) vibrator—a crystal that expands and contracts when electricity is applied. This expansion causes a vibration that changes the pump chamber’s volume and moves fluid. Think of it like squeezing a balloon rhythmically to move air out.
🚫🔧 But here's the twist: valveless pumps don't use mechanical check valves. Instead, they rely on smart design—like asymmetric tubes or directional resistance—to push fluid in one direction. Why? Valves add complexity, wear out, and slow things down.
Have you ever noticed that hurricanes spin differently in the Northern vs. Southern Hemisphere? That’s because of the Coriolis Effect, a force caused by Earth’s rotation. It affects anything moving over long distances—air, water, even jet streams.
In this study, the researchers used the Coriolis Effect inside arc-shaped tubes. When fluid moves through these tubes, it experiences a different force depending on whether it’s moving clockwise or counterclockwise. This difference causes fluid to prefer one direction—perfect for a valveless pump! 💫
To explore the impact of design on performance, the team tested three types of arc-tube layouts:
All were 3D printed with clear resin for easy observation. Each pump was powered by a PZT vibrator, and fluid movement was measured precisely using distilled water and electronic scales. 📏💧
💡 Key Insight: The layout of arc-shaped tubes—and how they interact with the Coriolis Effect—makes a massive difference!
Here's what the team discovered:
| Pump Type | Max Flow Rate (at 160V, 14Hz) |
| VLPPADA | 1.72 mL/min 🌊 |
| VLPPSA | 0.77 mL/min 💧 |
| VLPPSDA | 0.16 mL/min (almost zero) 🪫 |
Why did VLPPADA outperform? Both of its curved tubes work with the Coriolis force—amplifying the flow direction. Meanwhile, VLPPSA only gets help from one side, and VLPPSDA’s forces cancel each other out.
Beyond layout, the researchers tested how tube radius and width affect flow:
📈 The most effective combo? A wider tube with a large base radius. This boosts the Coriolis Effect and allows more fluid to be pumped per cycle.
💉 In biomedical devices like insulin pumps or portable drug delivery systems, precision and reliability are everything. A pump with no valves to clog or wear out is a game changer.
🌡️ In electronics, micro cooling systems need to circulate fluid constantly in tight spaces. These valveless pumps are perfect due to their compactness and durability.
🔬 In lab-on-chip systems, where you might analyze DNA or chemicals on a mini device, these pumps can transport fluids with pinpoint accuracy—without bulky machinery.
This is just the beginning! The study shows promise for expanding the design and optimization of valveless piezoelectric pumps. Here's what could be explored next:
🧱 Material studies: Try flexible or biocompatible materials for medical implants.
🌀 Multi-tube networks: Combine multiple arc designs for stronger, smarter flow control.
🧠 AI tuning: Use machine learning to optimize tube shapes for specific fluid types.
✅ The researchers built valveless piezoelectric pumps based on the Coriolis Effect using arc-shaped tubes.
🌍 The effect, caused by Earth’s rotation, favors counterclockwise motion—used here to enhance flow in specific layouts.
🥇 VLPPADA, with oppositely-curved arc tubes, showed the highest flow rate: 1.72 mL/min at 160V and 14Hz.
🛠️ Bigger tube radius and width = better performance.
🚀 Applications: Biomedical devices, chip cooling, microfluidics.
It’s inspiring to see nature’s forces—like the Coriolis Effect—being harnessed in such clever ways for miniaturized tech. Whether it’s delivering life-saving drugs or cooling next-gen chips, this research reminds us that sometimes, the best way to move forward… is to go in circles. 🔄💧🌎
🔌 Piezoelectric Pump - A tiny pump that uses a special crystal (like PZT) that vibrates when electricity is applied, pushing fluid through a chamber—no motors needed!
❌ Valveless - Means no mechanical valves are used to control flow; instead, smart design guides the fluid in one direction.
🌍 Coriolis Effect - A sneaky force caused by Earth’s rotation—it makes moving fluids (like air or water) curve instead of going straight.
🌀 Arc-Shaped Tube - A curved pipe that guides fluid—its shape helps influence flow direction, especially when the Coriolis Effect is involved.
🔁 Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise Flow - The direction fluid spins inside a tube; the Coriolis force treats them differently, boosting one and slowing the other.
⚡ PZT Vibrator (Piezoelectric Actuator) - A disk made of piezoelectric ceramic that vibrates when powered by AC voltage, squeezing the pump chamber rhythmically. - More about this concept in the article "Wearable Chemical Sensors: Revolutionizing Health Monitoring with Smart Technology 🧪⌚️".
📏 Flow Rate - How much fluid a pump moves per minute—higher means faster pumping! - More about this concept in the article "Optimizing Water Pump Efficiency: The Power of Adjustable Guide Vanes 💧".
Source: Yan, Q.; Liu, Z.; Sun, W.; Jiang, M. Research on Valveless Piezoelectric Pump Based on Coriolis Effect. Micromachines 2025, 16, 527. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16050527
From: Nantong University; Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics; Joongbu University; Lancaster University.
