Aerosol Generation Device With Segmented Ultrasonic Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol delivery devices produce aerosol clouds with wide size distributions, leading to unsuitable particle proportions for inhalation and ingestion, and often result in splashing and poor concentration of aerosolized mass, making them inefficient for delivering edible substances effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a two-chamber system where large particles fall vertically while smaller particles disperse laterally, using ultrasonication and surfactants to achieve stable standing clouds with desired particle sizes and concentrations, and incorporates a cartridge system to concentrate substances for aerosolization, avoiding direct contact with liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional aerosol delivery devices are used, then aerosol clouds are generated, but the particle size distribution is wide and unsuitable for inhalation and ingestion
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the aerosol generation process into two distinct chambers: a first chamber for generating aerosol with larger particles that fall vertically, and a second chamber for generating aerosol with smaller particles that disperse laterally. This segmentation allows each chamber to optimize for specific particle size ranges suitable for different delivery routes (inhalation vs. ingestion).
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the device provide different functions: the first chamber region is optimized for vertical particle fall and inhalation delivery, while the second chamber region is optimized for lateral particle dispersion and ingestion delivery. Each region has tailored acoustic field characteristics and geometric features to produce the desired local particle size distribution.
2Productivity
If ultrasonication is used to generate aerosol clouds, then substances are aerosolized, but splashing occurs and concentration of aerosolized mass is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The aerosol generation is segmented into two separate acoustic fields acting on the liquid surface: a first acoustic field that generates aerosol for vertical rise, and a second acoustic field that generates aerosol for lateral dispersion. This segmentation prevents the splashing that occurs with single-field ultrasonication while maintaining high aerosol generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses controlled mechanical vibrations at specific frequencies and amplitudes in each chamber to generate aerosol. The vibration parameters are optimized to produce stable standing acoustic waves that aerosolize the liquid without causing disruptive splashing, thereby improving concentration of aerosolized mass.
3Manufacturing precision
If a single-chamber aerosol system is used, then device complexity is low, but particle size control and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional chambers within a single housing structure. Each chamber contains independent acoustic transducers and liquid reservoirs, allowing precise control of particle size in each region. The segmentation enables differential particle size control while maintaining a relatively compact overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device adds a spatial dimension to particle size control by using two chambers arranged in different orientations (vertical vs. lateral). This dimensional approach allows simultaneous production of different particle size distributions without requiring complex control mechanisms within a single chamber.
4Ease of operation
If aerosol particles are generated for ingestion, then substances are delivered to the body, but direct contact with liquid must be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses an aerosol cloud as an intermediary medium to deliver substances to the user. The liquid is completely transformed into aerosol particles that can be inhaled or allowed to settle in the mouth, eliminating direct contact with the liquid phase while still delivering the desired substances effectively.
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
This approach enables the production of aerosol clouds with optimal particle sizes for mouth delivery and ingestion, providing a stable and concentrated aerosol experience that can be efficiently consumed without splashing, enhancing the delivery of nutrients and taste.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piezoelectric element operable to aerosolize a liquid disposed in the inner cavity defined by the body
Implementation Method 2
at least one piezoelectric element operable to aerosolize a liquid
Implementation Method 3
surface tensions lower than 72 dynes/cm can be achieved with the use of surfactants, which may produce excellent standing cloud aerosols
Implementation Method 4
Large and intermediate droplets that convect laterally fall by gravity
Implementation Method 5
Large and intermediate droplets that convect laterally fall by gravity
Implementation Method 6
smaller particles—particularly if lateral movement of the cloud can occur very near to the surface of the liquid—move by diffusion and convection laterally
Implementation Method 7
smaller particles—particularly if lateral movement of the cloud can occur very near to the surface of the liquid—move by diffusion and convection laterally
Data Source
AI summary
A device (200) for generating an aerosol cloud, the device (200) comprising: a body (210) defining an inner cavity, an outer surface, and an opening (213) extending between the inner cavity of the body (210) and the outer surface; at least one ultrasonic element (220) operable to aerosolize a liquid disposed in the inner cavity; and at least one sensor (226) associated with the at least one ultrasonic element (220).