Compact Nebulizer Layout Using Acoustic Reflection for High Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray devices for producing micro-droplets are either limited by low flow rate, short lifespan, maintenance requirements, and clogging issues when using microperforated membranes, or high electrical consumption and size when using piezoelectric elements with concentration nozzles, making them unsuitable for industrial and public applications requiring long lifespan and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized nebulization device with a parabolic acoustic reflection surface directing the jet of liquid outside the liquid surface zone, utilizing a fan for airflow, and an auxiliary deflector to slow down the fog, with a compact design and low height, integrated UV light or heating for disinfection, and capable of using various liquids, including water with disinfectants or essential oils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If microperforated membrane is used for spraying, then device complexity is reduced and size is minimized, but flow rate becomes very low and lifespan is limited to less than 1000 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the microperforated membrane from the system entirely, extracting only the necessary components (piezoelectric element, water reservoir, diffusion chamber) to achieve both simplicity and high productivity without the membrane's limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element serves multiple functions: generating ultrasonic vibrations for droplet formation and creating the acoustic jet for diffusion, eliminating the need for separate membrane and pump components while maintaining high flow rate
2Device complexity
If microperforated membrane is used for spraying, then device complexity is reduced, but lifespan becomes limited and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is completely removed from the system, eliminating the source of clogging and failure that limited lifespan to less than 1000 hours, thereby achieving both simplicity and long-term reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention avoids using fragile, short-lived components like membranes that require frequent replacement, instead employing durable piezoelectric elements with lifespan exceeding 5000 hours
3Productivity
If piezoelectric element with concentration nozzle is used, then flow rate is high and lifespan is long, but electrical consumption increases to 10-70 W and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating parameters by using a piezoelectric element without a concentration nozzle and operating at optimized voltage and frequency, reducing electrical consumption from 10-70 W to lower levels while maintaining high flow rate through the acoustic jet mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical pump and nozzle system with an acoustic field-based system using ultrasonic vibrations, eliminating the need for high-power motors and complex mechanical components
4Productivity
If piezoelectric element with concentration nozzle is used, then flow rate is high, but device height increases due to water thickness requirement of 20-35 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a vertical water column configuration to a horizontal diffusion chamber configuration, allowing the piezoelectric element to operate with reduced water thickness while achieving high flow rate through lateral acoustic jet expansion
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a concentration nozzle to focus water flow vertically, the invention inverts the approach by using ultrasonic vibrations to create a horizontal acoustic jet that expands laterally, eliminating the need for 20-35 mm water thickness
5Volume of moving object
If microperforated membrane is used, then device size is compact, but clogging problems occur and maintenance becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is completely removed from the compact device, eliminating clogging problems entirely while maintaining small size through efficient use of space in the diffusion chamber and acoustic jet mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic jet system naturally prevents clogging through its high-velocity flow pattern and ultrasonic vibrations, requiring no manual maintenance or cleaning operations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves a high flow rate with low electrical consumption, long lifespan, and reduced maintenance needs, preventing clogging while maintaining reliability and efficiency, allowing integration into compact spaces such as refrigerators for controlled humidity applications.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasound is generated by a piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
These devices use either a microperforated membrane or a piezoelectric element equipped or not with a concentration nozzle
Implementation Method 3
directing the jet of liquid generated by the effect of acoustic waves outside the liquid surface zone
Implementation Method 4
said acoustic reflection surface advantageously has a substantially parabolic shape
Implementation Method 5
utilizing a fan for airflow
Implementation Method 6
an auxiliary deflector to slow down the fog
Implementation Method 7
integrated UV light or heating for disinfection
Implementation Method 8
integrated UV light or heating for disinfection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3c
Figure 4a~5b
AI summary
Nebulisation device (1) capable of generating a mist of droplets of a liquid from a liquid (5) contained in a tank (2), said device (1) comprising: a piezoelectric element (3) able to emit acoustic waves into said liquid (5), an acoustic reflection surface (4) immersed in said liquid (5), able to focus the acoustic waves emitted by said piezoelectric element (3) onto a focal zone situated beneath the surface (6) of the liquid (5) to create a jet of mist (20) referred to as "primary nebulisation jet", a deflector (7) of the primary nebulisation jet (20), a mist diffusing system (9) via which said mist of droplets leaves said device (1), characterized in that the emitting face of said piezoelectric element (3) forms, with the surface of said liquid (5), an angle a of between 60° and 95°, preferably between 70° and 95° and more preferably still, between 75° and 90°, said deflector (7) being able to orient said jet in a direction substantially the opposite of the direction in which the acoustic waves are emitted by the piezoelectric element and in the direction of said mist diffusing system (9).