Composite Nozzle Plate for Piezoelectric Nebulizer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nebulization structures using metal plates are prone to elastic fatigue and cracking under high-speed vibrations, while polymer plates have lower vibration energy transmission and require additional structure plates for improved performance, increasing costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A nebulization structure with a nozzle plate comprising a polymer sheet covered on a metal support plate, driven by a piezoelectric ceramic element to produce resonance and break up solution molecules into mist, eliminating the need for additional structure plates and reducing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a metal nebulization plate is used, then vibration energy transmission is improved, but the plate becomes prone to elastic fatigue and cracking under high-speed vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration energy transmissionVSAvoidresistance to elastic fatigue and cracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a metal support plate combined with a polymer nebulization plate. The metal support plate provides structural strength and vibration energy transmission, while the polymer layer provides resistance to elastic fatigue and cracking. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a polymer nebulization plate is used, then service life is extended, but vibration energy transmission effect is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifeVSAvoidvibration energy transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure combines a metal support plate with high vibration energy transmission capability and a polymer nebulization plate with long service life. The metal plate compensates for the polymer's weak vibration transmission, while the polymer protects against fatigue and cracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the nebulization plate have different material properties: the metal support plate provides structural integrity and vibration transmission, while the polymer coating provides fatigue resistance. Each material is placed where it best serves its function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If an additional structure plate is added to drive the nebulization plate, then nebulization effect is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenebulization effectVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the support structure and driving structure into a single integrated plate. The metal support plate serves both as the structural base and as the element that transmits vibration from the piezoelectric element, eliminating the need for a separate driving structure plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The metal support plate performs multiple functions: it provides structural support, transmits vibration energy from the piezoelectric element, and drives the polymer nebulization plate. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution achieves a high-efficiency nebulization effect with a longer service life, avoiding metal plate cracking and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a driving element, installed at the connecting portion, and electrically coupled to an electric power source for producing a piezoelectric effect after power is supplied to drive the support plate together with the polymer to produce a resonance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

drive the support plate together with the polymer to produce a resonance, so as to break up the solution into small molecules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS9333522B2Nebulization structure with nozzle plate and nebulization apparatus thereof

Publication Date: 2016.05.10 MICRO BASE TECH CORP

AI summary

A nebulization structure with a nozzle plate includes a nozzle plate and a driving element. The nozzle plate is composed of a polymer and a support plate, and the support plate includes a plurality of connecting portions and a through hole, and the polymer covers the support plate and has a plurality of penetrating holes corresponding to the through hole. The driving element is coupled to the nozzle plate through the connecting portions for producing a high-frequency vibration wave through a piezoelectric effect after power is supplied and driving the nozzle plate to vibrate and break up the molecular structure of a solution into a mist, so as to achieve the nebulization effect. The nebulization structure can be installed in a nebulization apparatus to achieve a high-efficiency nebulization effect by the nozzle plate and the driving element, so as to facilitate the manufacturing process and save costs.