Liquid Droplet Forming Apparatus with Selective Stirring Waveforms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid droplet forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining stable ejection of liquid droplets due to pigment or cell precipitation, leading to clogging and variance in the number of precipitating particles in ejected droplets.
Innovation Solution
A liquid droplet forming apparatus with a vibrating film member and a driving unit that applies selective ejection and stirring waveforms to prevent precipitation and ensure uniform distribution of precipitating particles, using a piezoelectric element to vibrate the membrane and control the formation of droplets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the liquid droplet forming apparatus holds liquid including precipitating particles for a long time, then the liquid may be used continuously, but the precipitating particles will precipitate and cause nozzle clogging or variance in particle number in ejected droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic vibration to the film member at specific frequencies to prevent precipitating particles from settling in the liquid chamber. By continuously applying vibrational energy at frequencies that resonate with the liquid-film system, particles remain suspended and uniformly distributed, preventing nozzle clogging and ensuring stable ejection over extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mechanical vibration of the film member to counteract gravitational settling of precipitating particles. The vibration unit applies controlled vibrational forces to the film, creating dynamic motion in the liquid that prevents particle accumulation and maintains homogeneous distribution, thereby preventing clogging and ejection variance
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional stirring methods are used for liquid including precipitating particles, then mixing may be achieved, but sufficient stirring is difficult and variance in particle number occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibration of the film member as a stirring mechanism. By vibrating the film at specific frequencies, the liquid and precipitating particles are continuously agitated and redistributed, achieving uniform particle distribution without requiring complex stirring mechanisms. This vibration-based stirring is particularly effective for heavy precipitating particles that are difficult to mix using conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the liquid-film system by applying vibrational energy at specific frequencies. This parameter change (introducing vibration frequency as a control variable) transforms the static liquid into a dynamically agitated state, enabling effective mixing and uniform particle distribution that is difficult to achieve through conventional stirring
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 apparatus effectively reduces variance in the number of precipitating particles in ejected droplets and prevents nozzle clogging by efficiently stirring the liquid, allowing for continuous and stable ejection.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element to vibrate the membrane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
There is provided a liquid droplet forming apparatus comprising: a liquid holding part configured to hold a liquid including precipitating particles; a film member configured to be vibrated so as to eject the liquid held in the liquid holding unit, wherein a nozzle is formed in the film member and the liquid is ejected as a droplet from the nozzle; a vibrating unit configured to vibrate the film member; and a driving unit configured to selectively apply an ejection waveform and a stirring waveform to the vibrating unit, wherein the film member is vibrated to form the droplet in response to applying the ejection waveform and the film member is vibrated without forming the droplet in response to applying the stirring waveform.