Electrospraying Nozzle With Discharge Electrode for Particle Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrospraying devices face limitations in flow rate and medicament delivery efficiency, particularly with water-based solutions due to high surface tension, which can lead to unwanted particle deposition and interference from electrical discharges.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a discharge electrode with a corona discharge to create an electric wind parallel to the spray, balancing electric potentials to neutralize particles, and using pulsed high voltage to control spray formation and prevent discharge, along with a hydrophobic coating on the nozzle to enhance particle propagation and penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a high voltage is applied to create a strong electric field for spraying water-based medicaments, then the spray formation is improved, but electrical discharges are generated that disturb the spray formation
Solution Approach 1:
A discharge electrode is introduced as an intermediary element between the nozzle and counter electrode. This discharge electrode generates corona discharge that creates an electric wind to assist spray propagation, while the main electric field between nozzle and counter electrode is kept below discharge threshold to avoid disturbing the spray formation
Solution Approach 2:
The electric field strength between nozzle and counter electrode is controlled to remain below the discharge threshold for water-based solutions. Instead, a discharge electrode is used to generate corona discharge at a different location, effectively separating the functions of spray generation and spray propulsion
2Productivity
If the flow rate of spray is increased to reduce administration time, then the productivity is improved, but the particle deposition in upper respiratory tract increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge electrode acts as an intermediary that generates an electric wind to propel particles deeper into the respiratory tract. This electric wind overcomes the harmful effect of particle deposition in upper airways by providing an additional force that drives particles past the deposition zones and into deeper lung regions
Solution Approach 2:
An electric wind (electrohydrodynamic flow) is generated by the discharge electrode to assist the propagation of sprayed droplets. This electric flow works in parallel with the spray flow to enhance particle delivery efficiency and reduce unwanted deposition by maintaining particle suspension and directing them deeper into the respiratory system
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
This solution increases the flow rate of the spray, reduces unwanted deposition, and allows deeper penetration of medicaments into the respiratory tract, improving the efficiency and speed of medicament delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one discharge electrode is capable of generating a corona discharge which creates an electric wind towards the counter electrode
Implementation Method 2
which creates an electric wind towards the counter electrode that is substantially parallel to the flow of sprayed particles
Implementation Method 3
a liquid droplet at the tip of the nozzle becomes charged and atomizes due to the electrostatic forces
Implementation Method 4
Electrospraying is a process where a liquid can be distributed into uniformly sized particles under the influence of an electrical field
Implementation Method 5
at least a portion at a tip of the outlet of the at least one nozzle has an outer surface comprising a coating of a coating material that has the property to be repulsive for the liquid substance to be sprayed
Data Source
AI summary
A spraying device for producing a spray of particles in a carrier gas at ambient pressure, includes a storage volume for a liquid substance; at least one nozzle having an inlet and an outlet, the nozzle inlet fluidly communicating with the storage volume; a counter electrode; an electric supply coupled between the at least one nozzle and counter electrode for providing a first potential and create a first electric field between the nozzle outlet and the counter electrode. The device further includes at least one discharge electrode coupled to the electric supply for providing a second potential between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, the polarity of the second potential being opposite to the polarity of the first potential. The at least one nozzle and the at least one discharge electrode are arranged adjacent and parallel to each other and facing the counter electrode from a substantially same direction.