Droplet Size Determining Device Using Multiple Detectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the size of liquid droplets are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and difficult to perform in real-time, especially for small droplets, and existing devices are often bulky or unsuitable for small-scale measurements.
Innovation Solution
A droplet size determining device and method using multiple liquid droplet detectors with different electrode gap widths, where the size of the droplet is determined based on the output signals from these detectors, which are made of different metals, and the features of the output signal waveform such as slope, time delay, and peak value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods such as microscopy or particle size analyzers are used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the device becomes large in scale and requires fixed installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/optical measurement systems (microscopy, particle size analyzers) with an electrical measurement system using liquid droplet detectors. The detection unit measures electrical signals generated when liquid droplets attach to or detach from the detector surface, substituting complex optical-mechanical systems with a compact electrical sensing mechanism that achieves comparable measurement precision without requiring large device size or fixed installation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods are used, then accurate droplet size data can be obtained, but real-time measurement becomes extremely difficult due to considerable time required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual or optical measurement processes with rapid electrical detection. The liquid droplet detector generates immediate electrical signals upon droplet attachment/detachment, enabling real-time measurement. The signal processing unit quickly processes these signals to determine droplet size, reducing measurement time from minutes or hours (conventional methods) to seconds while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit continuously monitors the liquid droplet detector surface for droplet attachment and detachment events. By maintaining continuous detection capability and processing signals in real-time, the system enables ongoing droplet size measurement without interruption or repeated setup, achieving both accuracy and speed through uninterrupted measurement action.
3Measurement precision
If manual observation with microscope is used, then droplet size can be determined, but labor intensity and measurement time increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual microscopic observation with automated electrical detection. The liquid droplet detector automatically senses droplet attachment/detachment and generates electrical signals, eliminating the need for manual microscope operation. The signal processing unit automatically calculates droplet size from these signals, reducing both labor intensity and complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit and signal processing unit work autonomously to detect droplets, generate signals, and calculate droplet size without human intervention. The system performs self-measurement and self-processing, eliminating manual observation steps and making the operation extremely simple - users only need to introduce the liquid sample while the system handles all measurement and calculation automatically.
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 rapid and accurate determination of liquid droplet size with a simple configuration, reducing the influence of disturbances and allowing for precise measurement of droplet sizes across a range of sizes, even in small-scale applications.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid droplet detector for detecting attachment or detachment of liquid droplets to or from a liquid droplet detector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to measure a size of a liquid droplet easily and in a short period of time by combining outputs of multiple types of liquid droplet detectors having different size dependencies of a liquid droplet of detection signals. In one embodiment of the present invention, in the detector having a narrow gap width shown in Fig. 5(a), the electrodes are electrically conducted by the attachment of a small liquid droplet. On the other hand, in the detectors with a wide gap width shown in Figs. 5(b) and 5(c), the electrodes are not electrically conducted unless a liquid droplet having a larger size is attached. By utilizing this, the size of a liquid droplet is determined. In a case where the liquid droplet is water, as a liquid droplet detector, for example, a detector of a type that detects a galvanic current by a cell formed by the attachment of water between the electrodes made of different kinds of metals may be used.