Electrostatic Atomizing Needle Multi-Directional Liquid Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrostatically atomizing devices are large and inefficient in terms of energy usage due to multiple thermoelectric elements and boundaries that reduce cooling efficiency, leading to increased size and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates different types of thermoelectric elements mounted on an emitter electrode with an electrical conductive path, eliminating boundaries and using a heat radiation member to enhance cooling performance while downsizing the device, and a manufacturing method that forms and connects heat radiation members to efficiently produce the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If liquid is supplied from multiple directions to the atomizing needle, then atomization performance is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and liquid supply paths may interfere with each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid supply system is segmented into multiple independent supply paths, each with its own liquid supply port positioned at different locations (front surface, rear surface, side surfaces) of the atomizing needle. This segmentation allows liquid to be supplied from multiple directions simultaneously, improving atomization performance while maintaining structural clarity through distinct, non-interfering supply paths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid supply ports are distributed across multiple spatial dimensions (front surface, rear surface, side surfaces) of the atomizing needle rather than concentrating all supply paths in a single plane. This three-dimensional distribution of supply ports enables multi-directional liquid supply while preventing path interference and simplifying the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If atomizing needle diameter is reduced to improve atomization, then atomization performance improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and clogging risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization performanceVSAvoidclogging resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid supply is segmented into multiple paths that converge at the atomizing needle tip. This segmentation allows the use of a relatively larger diameter atomizing needle while maintaining effective atomization performance, as the multiple liquid streams work together to achieve fine droplet formation without requiring an excessively small needle diameter that would be prone to clogging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple liquid supply paths are merged at the atomizing needle tip, where liquid from front, rear, and side surfaces combines to achieve effective atomization. This merging allows the system to use a larger diameter needle for reliability while still achieving fine atomization through the combined effect of multiple liquid streams

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If electrostatic charge is applied to improve atomization uniformity, then atomization uniformity improves, but energy consumption increases and control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization uniformityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes the natural electrostatic charge that already exists in the liquid to be atomized, rather than requiring an external electrostatic charging mechanism. The liquid's inherent electrostatic properties are harnessed to achieve uniform atomization, eliminating the need for additional energy-consuming electrostatic generation equipment while maintaining atomization uniformity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration achieves compactification, high cooling efficiency, and energy savings while maintaining the ability to create condensation water, allowing for the generation of charged minute water particles with improved performance and reduced size.

Implementation Method 1

an electrostatic atomizing needle that generates electrostatic charge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP2412442B1Electrostatically atomizing device and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2017.02.01 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP2412442B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2412442B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2412442B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An electrostatically atomizing device in this invention comprises thermoelectric elements being different in type from each other and an emitter electrode being configured to cause the electrostatically atomization. The emitter electrode is provided with a mounting member for mounting the thermoelectric elements different in type from each other. The mounting member is provided with the electrical conductive path between the thermoelectric elements. Consequently, it is possible to achieve the downsizing of the device and the saving energy of the device while keeping the cooling performance of creating the condensation water on the emitter electrode.