Fluid Ejection Head Offset Compensation for Precise Dosage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid ejection devices, such as nasal spray devices and analytical instruments, face challenges in delivering precise amounts of fluid due to variations in droplet size and volume, which can lead to errors in drug administration and sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
The method involves measuring and calculating fluid flow and electrical parameters for the ejection head, storing these values, and using them to adjust the amount of fluid ejected, allowing for precise control of droplet size and count to achieve a predetermined fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional ink jet technology is used for fluid ejection, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but droplet size variation increases to +/â18%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures and stores offset values for each ejection head before use. These preliminary measurements of actual droplet sizes allow the system to compensate for manufacturing variations by adjusting the number of droplets ejected based on pre-determined correction factors stored in memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by using measured offset values to adjust the number of droplets ejected. Each ejection head has unique offset characteristics that are measured and stored, allowing the controller to modify ejection parameters dynamically to achieve precise fluid delivery despite manufacturing variations.
2Ease of operation
If conventional spray type drug delivery devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but dosage accuracy deteriorates due to operator error and device variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where offset values are measured for each ejection head and stored in memory. The controller uses these stored offset values to automatically adjust the number of droplets ejected, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for device variations without requiring operator intervention or calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each ejection head is self-characterized through measurement and storage of its unique offset values. The system performs self-correction by using these stored values to automatically adjust dosing, eliminating the need for operator calibration or manual adjustment while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for delivering a predetermined amount of fluid from a fluid ejection head. The method includes measuring one or more parameters selected from fluid flow parameters and electrical parameters for the fluid ejection head to provide one or more measured parameters; calculating a fluid ejection offset value from the one or more measured parameters; storing the fluid ejection offset value in a memory location on the fluid ejection head; accessing the fluid ejection offset value by an ejection head controller; and adjusting an amount of fluid ejected from the fluid ejection head during a fluid ejection step using the fluid ejection offset value to provide the predetermined amount of fluid from the fluid ejection head.