Fluidic Oscillating Nozzle Frequency Sensing via Flexible Foil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring oscillation frequency in fluidic oscillating nozzles in diagnostic equipment are prone to contamination, require metallic contact with liquids, involve moving parts, are slow, or susceptible to ambient noise interference, making them unsuitable for high-resolution measurements.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic oscillating nozzle with a flexible foil replacing the splitter channel sleeve, where pressure-induced deformations are measured using capacitive, inductive, pressure, piezoelectric, or optical methods without direct electrical contact, allowing for contactless and interference-resistant frequency determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If metallic/conductive electrodes are inserted into the liquid to measure oscillation frequency, then measurement capability is achieved, but contamination of the liquid occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible membrane as an intermediary element between the liquid and the measurement electrode. The membrane translates pressure changes in the liquid into mechanical deformations that can be detected by the electrode without requiring direct contact between the electrode and liquid, thus enabling measurement while preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical contact measurement with a mechanical coupling system. Instead of measuring electrical properties directly in the liquid, the system measures mechanical deformations of a membrane caused by liquid pressure changes, substituting electrical measurement with mechanical sensing to avoid contamination.
2Measurement precision
If a floating element is used to detect oscillations, then oscillation detection is achieved, but moving parts become stuck due to material deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the floating element (moving part) from the measurement system entirely. Instead of using a mechanical indicator that moves with oscillations, the system directly measures pressure changes through membrane deformation, eliminating moving parts that could become stuck and ensuring continuous reliable operation.
3Measurement precision
If thermal process is used to determine oscillation frequency, then measurement is achieved, but measurement speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal measurement process with a direct mechanical pressure sensing system. The flexible membrane responds instantaneously to pressure changes caused by oscillations, transmitting mechanical signals directly to the electrode without the thermal inertia that limits the speed of thermal-based measurements.
4Measurement precision
If structure-borne sound microphone or piezo element is used to measure nozzle vibration, then oscillation measurement is achieved, but ambient noise interference affects accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function into two separate components: the flexible membrane that is directly coupled to the liquid pressure, and the electrode that measures membrane deformation. This segmentation isolates the measurement system from ambient noise, as only pressure changes transmitted through the membrane are detected, not external vibrations or sounds.
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 high-frequency, accurate, and cost-effective measurement of oscillation frequency with reduced susceptibility to contamination and interference, suitable for disposable components.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the sleeve of at least one of the at least two splitter channels is at least partially replaced by a flexible foil
Implementation Method 2
pressure-induced deformations are measured using capacitive, inductive, pressure, piezoelectric, or optical methods
Implementation Method 3
pressure-induced deformations are measured using capacitive, inductive, pressure, piezoelectric, or optical methods
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for determining the oscillating frequency in a fluidic oscillating nozzle and provides an oscillating nozzle, comprising a fluidic oscillator with inlet and outlet and a main channel and at least one control passage surrounding the main channel, and a splitter comprising at least two splitter channels which is attached to the outlet of the fluidic oscillator, wherein the sleeve of at least one of the at least two splitter channels comprises partially a flexible foil. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring a dispensed fluid jet, comprising the steps of providing an oscillating nozzle as described above; and injecting a fluid jet and in parallel determining the oscillation frequency by determining the deformation changes of the flexible foil.