Droplet Forming Apparatus Bubble Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional piezoelectric pressure-type inkjet heads face challenges in forming droplets of cell suspension due to bubble formation, which can damage cells and require excessive liquid removal, making it inefficient for valuable cell suspensions.
Innovation Solution
A droplet forming apparatus with a liquid chamber having an open portion to eject bubbles and a membrane with a nozzle that oscillates to discharge cell suspension as droplets, reducing bubble influence and conserving valuable cell suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional piezoelectric pressure-type inkjet head is used to form droplets of cell suspension, then droplet formation is achieved through compression of liquid in a pressure liquid chamber, but bubbles mixed in the pressure liquid chamber prevent liquid compression and droplet discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful bubbles from the liquid chamber by providing a separate bubble discharge port that allows bubbles to be removed independently from the liquid discharge process. This separation enables the liquid chamber to maintain functionality while continuously eliminating bubble interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge function is segmented into two separate ports: one for liquid/droplet discharge and another for bubble discharge. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each function, preventing bubble interference with droplet formation while maintaining reliable discharge.
2Reliability
If bubbles are removed by pressurizing the liquid chamber or aspirating liquid from the nozzle portion, then bubbles can be removed to recover normal operation, but large amount of valuable cell suspension is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the bubbles from the liquid chamber through a dedicated bubble discharge port, leaving the valuable cell suspension intact. This selective extraction removes harmful elements without sacrificing the precious liquid material.
Solution Approach 2:
The bubble discharge port is positioned and designed to selectively allow bubbles to escape while retaining the liquid. The local structure at the bubble discharge port provides different functionality compared to the main nozzle, enabling bubble removal without liquid loss.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a film oscillation method is used to atomize liquid, then bubbles can be dispersed without pressurizing the liquid chamber, but the specific frequency of the film shifts due to remaining bubbles, influencing droplet forming state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent continuously extracts bubbles from the liquid chamber through the bubble discharge port, preventing bubble accumulation that would shift the film's resonant frequency. This maintains stable droplet formation by keeping the liquid chamber composition consistent.
Solution Approach 2:
The bubble discharge port operates continuously to maintain a bubble-free liquid chamber environment. This continuous action ensures the film oscillation frequency remains stable and consistent, enabling reliable droplet formation over extended periods.
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
Enables stable and continuous discharge of cell suspension droplets without excessive liquid loss, minimizing cell damage and maintaining the integrity of the valuable cell suspension.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric pressure type using a piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
a droplet is formed using compression of liquid in a pressure liquid chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A droplet forming apparatus includes a liquid retaining portion that retains cell suspension containing cells; a membrane member, provided with a nozzle, that discharges the cell suspension retained in the liquid retaining portion from the nozzle as a droplet by oscillation; and an open portion that opens the liquid retaining portion to atmosphere.