Bubble Atomizer Using Micron-Scale Heaters for Portable Liquid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atomizing devices are complex, heavy, and costly due to their structure, which makes them unsuitable for a simple and portable solution for liquid atomization.
Innovation Solution
A bubble atomizer with a cartridge, micron-scale heaters, and a nozzle plate that uses thermal bubble actuation to atomize liquids through micron-sized outlets, allowing for on-demand atomization and adjustable droplet formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional atomizing devices with reciprocating pumps and motors are used, then liquid atomization function is achieved, but device complexity increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex reciprocating pump and motor components from the atomizing device, retaining only the essential heating element and power supply. This extraction of unnecessary mechanical components directly reduces device complexity while maintaining the core atomization function through electrical heating alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reciprocating pump system with an electrical heating system. Instead of using mechanical force to atomize liquid, the invention uses electrical current to heat a heater chip, generating vapor bubbles that propel liquid through micron-sized orifices. This substitution of mechanical systems with electrical/thermal systems dramatically simplifies the device structure.
2Reliability
If traditional atomizing devices with reciprocating pumps are used, then liquid atomization function is achieved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes heavy mechanical components such as the reciprocating pump and motor from the device, keeping only the essential lightweight elements: heater chip, power electronics unit, and liquid reservoir. This extraction of heavy components directly reduces device weight while preserving atomization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical atomization mechanisms with lightweight electrical heating components. The heater chip and power electronics unit are significantly lighter than traditional pump-motor assemblies, achieving weight reduction while maintaining the liquid atomization function through thermal-bubble actuation.
3Reliability
If traditional atomizing devices with complex structures are used, then liquid atomization function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex mechanical subsystems (reciprocating pump, motor, associated linkages) from the device design. By removing these expensive components and retaining only simple electrical heating elements and a liquid reservoir, the manufacturing cost is significantly reduced while the atomization function remains effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive mechanical manufacturing processes with simpler electrical component assembly. The heater chip can be manufactured using standard semiconductor or thin-film techniques, and the overall device assembly is simplified to mostly electrical connections and housing, dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to precision mechanical pump assemblies.
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 bubble atomizer provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and portable solution for atomizing liquids, enabling precise control over atomization rate and droplet size, and can operate at various orientations without affecting performance.
Implementation Method 1
When a pulse signal generated from the power electronics unit is applied to the heaters, current generated heats up the heaters
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of vapor bubbles is formed on the heaters which generates pressure and pushes the liquid out of the firing chamber through the liquid outlets
Data Source
AI summary
A bubble atomizer includes a cartridge having an open end, a liquid absorbing member provided inside the cartridge, a firing chamber covering the open end and formed with liquid outlets and liquid inlets through which liquid enters the firing chamber from the cartridge, and heaters mounted inside the firing chamber. The heaters are connected with a power electronics unit through a cable. Each heater has a thickness in micron to sub-micron scale. When a pulse signal generated is applied to the heaters, current generated heats up the heaters and vapor bubbles are formed on the heaters that generate pressure and push the liquid out of the firing chamber through the liquid outlets to thereby form droplets.