Examples of Technology Application ~Product Introduction~ Microblower Products Supporting the Evolution of Medical and Consumer Devices

Murata's microblowers are ultra-thin blowers that expel air using the vibration of piezoelectric elements. They employ a piezoelectric drive system without motors or rotating parts, making them lightweight, thin, and exceptionally quiet.

As a product feature, they generate sufficient airflow and pressure despite their compact size. This enables highly precise air control. Performance can be optimized by adjusting the voltage and frequency, which are the driving conditions for the piezoelectric elements.

The product structure consists of a piezoelectric actuator, an air chamber, an intake port, and an exhaust port. The vibration of the piezoelectric element efficiently expels air from the chamber. Its non-contact structure prevents wear of components, allowing them to keep stable performance.

Murata handles the entire production process in-house, from materials development, element processing, precision machining of the housing and chamber, assembly, to control circuit design. By rigorously managing precision control of fine dimensions and ensuring quality assurance, we supply high-performance, highly reliable products.

The strengths of Murata's microblowers lie in their high-level balance of high flow rate and high pressure despite their compact size. Furthermore, they combine quiet operation with high reliability.

Conventional motor-driven diaphragm pumps required large air chambers to achieve high discharge performance. This resulted in larger units and space constraints for installation. Vibration and noise from the motor drive were also challenges.

To solve these problems, Murata adopted a unique drive method utilizing high-frequency vibration from piezoelectric elements. By eliminating the need for a piston structure and optimizing fluid flow, we succeeded in significantly downsizing the air chamber. This piezoelectric technology enables high flow rate and high pressure within a compact structure. Simultaneously, it achieves excellent quietness.

During mass production, we employ advanced manufacturing equipment design and strict tolerance management. Furthermore, we continuously refine component design and processing methods. This enables stable production of thin, compact, high-performance microblowers while minimizing variation in characteristics.

Through this high-level technical capability and thorough quality control, Murata's microblowers deliver high reliability and stable performance. As a result, they are utilized across a wide range of fields as products that meet the demands of even the most stringent customers.

Source of inserted image: Basic knowledge of microblower (Air pump)

Murata's microblowers were developed after over a decade of research and development. As compact, high-performance blowers based on piezoelectric technology, they continue to evolve in response to expanding applications and market needs.

Expanding the lineup is not merely about adding products. It is achieved through the continuous refinement of piezoelectric materials, the advancement of Precision Processing techniques, and rigorous quality control.

Thin-profile models address the demand for smaller blood pressure monitors in medical settings and home healthcare. They employ quiet, high-efficiency airflow control technology utilizing ultrasonic vibration. This enabled the realization of high-pressure, thin-profile microblowers with thickness significantly reduced from 7.9mm to 2.3mm.

For high-pressure and high-flow applications, we have addressed the needs of wearable breast pumps. Diversifying lifestyles demand quiet operation, light weight, and compact size. By leveraging airflow control technology and housing design, we have realized high-pressure, high-flow microblowers that meet these requirements.

These efforts contribute to the miniaturization and enhanced performance of medical devices.

Source of inserted image: Microblower MZB3005T06
Source of inserted image: Microblower MZB3004T04