EHD Sprayer Shield Prevents Nozzle Wetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulmonary aerosol delivery devices face issues with inconsistent aerosol delivery due to the need for the nozzle to be pointed downward, leading to deposition of aerosolized droplets and wetting of the nozzle, which degrades performance and reduces the effective dose delivered to the user.
Innovation Solution
A device with a conductive electric field shield between the nozzle and the discharge electrode, positioned upstream, which helps maintain a focused electric field and reduces wetting, allowing for efficient and consistent aerosol delivery, even when the user is upright.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nozzle is pointed downward to achieve consistent aerosol dispensing, then aerosol delivery consistency is improved, but aerosol droplets deposit on the exit opening and nozzle interior wetting occurs, reducing effective dose and degrading performance
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the nozzle and discharge electrode. This shield intercepts aerosol droplets that would otherwise deposit on the exit opening, redirecting them away from the aerosol path. The shield acts as a mediator that protects the exit opening while maintaining the beneficial downward nozzle orientation for consistent aerosol generation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the nozzle is pointed downward for consistent dispensing, then aerosol generation stability is improved, but nozzle interior wetting occurs due to liquid momentum, dissipating electric fields and degrading EHD performance
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive shield serves as a protective intermediary positioned between the nozzle interior and the aerosol flow path. It intercepts liquid droplets before they can travel far into the nozzle interior, preventing the formation of continuous conduction paths that would dissipate the electric field and degrade EHD aerosol generation performance.
3Reliability
If a conductive shield is placed between the nozzle and discharge electrode, then wetting and droplet deposition are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive shield performs multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the exit opening from droplet deposition, prevents nozzle interior wetting, maintains electric field integrity, and can serve as an additional electrode or grounding element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 enables more efficient and consistent delivery of aerosolized particles to the lungs, minimizing deposition on the device and maintaining the electric field, thereby improving the therapeutic effect and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
A conductive electric field shield that is operatively connected to ground or to the second pole of the voltage power source is disposed between the nozzle and the discharge electrode
Implementation Method 2
applying voltage to the discharge electrode in an amount sufficient to ionize at least a portion of the gas, wherein the electric field created by the difference in electric potential between the discharge electrode and the liquid is of sufficient intensity to aerosolize the liquid
Implementation Method 3
an electric charge of sufficient intensity is applied to the fluid to induce aerosolization... the electric field generated between the nozzle and the grounded electrode is sufficiently intense to atomize liquid delivered to the nozzle into finely charged particles
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The invention is directed to devices and methods for electroliydrodynaniic (EHD) aerosolization of liquids utilizing a dissociated discharge electrode (17) and an electric field shield (7) disposed between the nozzle (5) and the discharge electrode. Preferred embodiments are designed as inhalers suitable for administration of therapeutic compounds to the respiratory tract of a patient, preferably the lungs.