For the past two months I have been experimenting with methods of generating/controlling pneumatic pressure that can be turned ON and OFF with electronics. An example of a pneumatic device controlled by electricity would be how a solenoid pinch valve can control the flow of air by varying the power sent to the solenoid. This approach does not work for my product. It is too large and too expensive. A smaller and cheaper method must be created.
A promising technique is being developed to solve this problem. It is in the prototype stage. This technique can be scaled down to the size I need (30x30x6mm)(current prototype is 80x80x80mm for ease of access), generate positive/negative pressures, is very low wear/maintenance, and can be easily/repeatably built.
Work still needs to be done on this technique. There are a number of parts that need to be improved before it can be used in the final product and be tasked with operating responsibility.
I may also build a large version (100x100x100mm) to generate large positive and negative pressures. It is very simple to scale to the size that is needed. It is likely that this will become a stand-alone product.