Disposable Sonic Horn for Aseptic Misting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing misting devices, especially the expensive ones, face contamination issues and high costs due to the integration of costly components that require careful cleaning or disposal, lacking a low-cost solution for controlled dose and particle/droplet size aerosol delivery.
Innovation Solution
A handheld misting device with a two-part sonic horn where the distal end is disposable, featuring a removable second horn section connected to a reservoir, isolating the liquid from the durable sonic generator, allowing for aseptic atomization and easy replacement, thereby preventing contamination and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive aerosol forming components (piezo-electric/magnetic drives, transducers) are used to generate controlled aerosol mist, then aerosol delivery control and droplet size precision are improved, but device cost and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The horn is divided into two separate sections: a durable first horn section coupled to the converter, and a disposable second horn section with the delivery opening. This segmentation allows the liquid-contacting portion to be easily replaced, preventing contamination while maintaining controlled aerosol delivery through the precision-engineered first section.
Solution Approach 2:
The second horn section is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that is replaced when contaminated or depleted. This eliminates the need for expensive cleaning or sterilization of precision components, ensuring continuous contamination-free operation while maintaining affordable device operation.
2Device complexity
If integrated sonic generator with fixed horn is used, then device structure is simplified, but contamination prevention and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The horn structure is segmented into two independently manufacturable sections that can be assembled. The first horn section is manufactured with precision for sonic energy transmission, while the second section is designed for easy replacement, combining manufacturing efficiency with contamination control.
Solution Approach 2:
The second horn section is designed to be discarded after use and replaced with a new section. This approach is more economical than cleaning and sterilizing precision components, as the disposable section can be manufactured at low cost and ensures consistent hygiene without complex maintenance procedures.
3Reliability
If replaceable horn sections are implemented, then contamination is prevented and operational cost is reduced, but device assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The horn is segmented into two sections with a defined interface that enables simple connection and disconnection. This segmentation facilitates easy replacement of the second section while maintaining the integrity and precision of the first section, achieving aseptic delivery without excessive assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The horn assembly transitions from a fixed, integrated structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where the second section can be easily attached and detached. This dynamic design enables simple replacement procedures while maintaining reliable sonic energy transmission through the converter-horn interface.
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 provides a cost-effective, aseptic, and controlled aerosol mist delivery system that maintains the durability of the sonic generator while allowing for easy replacement of the liquid section, ensuring cleanliness and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a converter and an elongate horn comprising a first horn section coupled to the converter and a second horn section physically connected to and removable from the first horn section. Sonic energy delivered to the first horn section is conducted to the second horn section.
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonically atomizing a liquid through a sonic generator including a two-part, elongate sonic horn... provides inexpensive aseptic atomization
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld misting device includes a sonic generator, a power source coupled to the sonic generator, at least one reservoir containing a first liquid, and a conduit from the at least one reservoir. The sonic generator includes a converter and an elongate horn comprising a first horn section coupled to the converter and a second horn section physically connected to and removable from the first horn section. Sonic energy delivered to the first horn section is conducted to the second horn section. The conduit transports liquid from the at least one reservoir to the second horn section to a delivery opening distal the first horn section.