Acoustic Wave Atomizer Using Monocrystalline Piezoelectric Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional atomizers are limited by their inability to produce a range of droplet sizes and are often bulky and noisy, making them unsuitable for various applications, particularly portable ones.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic wave atomizer using a monocrystalline piezoelectric substrate that generates multiple frequencies of acoustic waves to control and vary droplet size, coupled with electrodes and a transfer medium to efficiently atomize materials into a fine mist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional atomizers are used, then atomization function is provided, but device size becomes bulky and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical atomization systems (which are bulky and noisy) with an acoustic wave-based atomization system using a monocrystalline piezoelectric substrate. The piezoelectric substrate generates acoustic waves that atomize materials without requiring large mechanical moving parts, thereby reducing device size and noise while maintaining atomization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using multiple acoustic frequencies generated by the piezoelectric substrate to control droplet size. By adjusting frequency parameters, the system achieves variable droplet sizes without changing the physical structure of the device, enabling portability while maintaining functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional atomizers are used, then atomization is achieved, but droplet size control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of droplet size by using a monocrystalline piezoelectric substrate that can generate acoustic waves at multiple frequencies. The system can dynamically adjust between different frequencies (first and second frequencies) to control and vary droplet size, providing both precision and adaptability in droplet generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic acoustic waves generated by the piezoelectric substrate at specific frequencies to atomize material. By using periodic action at different frequencies, the system achieves precise control over droplet formation and size distribution, with the ability to switch between frequency regimes for different droplet size requirements.
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 acoustic wave atomizer is portable, energy-efficient, and capable of producing a narrow distribution of droplet sizes, making it suitable for diverse applications, including drug delivery and disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
A monocrystalline piezoelectric substrate may be configured to respond to an electric signal by at least generating a first plurality of acoustic waves
Implementation Method 2
The first plurality of acoustic waves may atomize at least a portion of a material collected within the at least one wetting region
Data Source
AI summary
Articles of manufacture, including an apparatus for acoustic wave based atomization, are provided. The apparatus may include a monocrystalline piezoelectric substrate. The monocrystalline piezoelectric substrate may include a surface patterned with at least one wetting region. The monocrystalline piezoelectric substrate may be configured to respond to an electric signal by at least generating acoustic waves including, for example, surface acoustic waves, Bluestein-Gulayev waves, Lamb waves, Love waves, flexural waves, thickness mode vibrations, mixed-mode waves, longitudinal waves, shear mode vibrations, and/or bulk wave vibrations. The acoustic waves may atomizing at least a portion of a material collected within the at least one wetting region to form a mist of the material. Methods for acoustic wave based atomization are also provided.