Convergent SAW Atomiser Electrode Layout for Efficient Aerosol Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices using surface acoustic waves face inefficiencies due to non-uniformity in piezoelectric materials, leading to suboptimal energy transfer to liquid aerosol-forming substrates.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol-generator incorporates a surface acoustic wave atomiser with transducers and a supply element, where the transducers' electrode spacing varies across the active surface to match the acoustic wavefront shape with the interface, and employs a controller to compensate for anisotropy in electromechanical coupling coefficients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If surface acoustic waves are used to atomise liquid aerosol-forming substrate, then aerosol generation is achieved without combustion, but non-uniformity in piezoelectric materials reduces energy transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the spacing between transducer electrodes in different regions of the active surface. The electrode spacing is non-uniform, with closer spacing in regions where the acoustic wavefront requires higher energy density and wider spacing where less energy is needed. This local variation compensates for non-uniformities in the piezoelectric material and optimizes energy transfer efficiency across the entire atomisation surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the transducer electrode spacing to optimize performance. By adjusting the spacing between electrodes as a variable parameter across different locations on the active surface, the system adapts to local variations in the piezoelectric material properties and achieves more uniform energy distribution for effective atomisation.
2Reliability
If conventional transducer configuration is used, then device structure is simple, but acoustic wavefront does not match interface shape reducing atomisation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer configuration employs local quality by designing different electrode spacing patterns for different regions of the active surface. Each local region has tailored electrode spacing that matches the required acoustic wavefront shape at that location, optimizing the matching between wavefront and liquid interface for effective atomisation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curved or non-linear electrode arrangements to generate acoustic wavefronts with specific curvatures that match the liquid interface shape. The electrode spacing and geometry are designed to produce converging or diverging wavefronts as needed, rather than simple planar waves, thereby improving coupling with the curved liquid surface.
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 configuration enhances energy transfer efficiency by aligning the acoustic wavefront with the interface, improving atomisation of liquid aerosol-forming substrates and optimizing aerosol generation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transducer positioned on the active surface of the substrate for generating surface acoustic waves
Implementation Method 2
non-uniformity in piezoelectric materials used to generate surface acoustic waves
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol-generator for an aerosol-generating device is provided, the aerosol-generator including: a surface acoustic wave atomiser including a substrate including an active surface defining an atomisation region, and a transducer positioned on the active surface of the substrate configured to generate surface acoustic waves on the active surface of the substrate; a portion of the active surface of the substrate underlying at least a portion of the transducer including a surface treatment; and a supply element arranged to supply a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the atomisation region.