Fog Generator Using Segmented Air Streams for Homogeneous Droplets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fog generation technologies consume high energy due to the need for high-pressure air, produce droplets of varying sizes, and require specific chemical mixtures with high surface tension, leading to short fog stand times and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a high-pressure air stream to form a liquid sheet over a liquid surface, which breaks into droplets, and a lower-pressure air stream transports these droplets through an outlet, allowing for homogeneous droplet formation and extended fog duration with reduced energy consumption, enabling the use of different liquids and adjustable droplet sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-pressure air is used to generate droplets, then droplet formation is achieved, but energy consumption increases and droplet size becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The air stream is divided into two separate streams with different pressure levels. The first high-pressure air stream (1-5 bar) is used specifically for atomizing the liquid and forming droplets, while the second lower-pressure air stream (0.5-2 bar) is used for transporting the droplets through the outlet. This segmentation allows each stream to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining droplet uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the air stream are assigned different pressure characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The atomization region receives high-pressure air for effective droplet formation, while the transport region receives lower-pressure air for efficient droplet delivery. This local differentiation of pressure quality optimizes both droplet uniformity and energy efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-pressure air is used to generate droplets, then droplet formation is achieved, but cooling and filtration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is segmented into two separate air sources with different pressure levels. The first high-pressure air stream (1-5 bar) is used for atomization, while the second lower-pressure air stream (0.5-2 bar) handles droplet transport. This segmentation eliminates the need for cooling and filtration systems that would be required if a single high-pressure air stream were used for both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The atomization function is extracted from the droplet transport function and assigned to a separate air stream. This extraction allows the high-pressure air to be used efficiently for atomization without requiring subsequent cooling or filtration, as the lower-pressure transport stream handles the droplet delivery separately.
3Manufacturing precision
If high-pressure air is used to generate droplets, then droplet formation is achieved, but fog stand time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The air stream is segmented into two functional streams: the first high-pressure stream for atomization and the second lower-pressure stream for transport. This segmentation enables the use of liquids with lower surface tension that can form uniform droplets, which in turn extends fog stand time by preventing rapid collapse and gravitational settling.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure parameter of the air stream is changed from a single high pressure to two different pressure levels. This parameter change allows for optimized droplet formation at high pressure followed by gentle transport at lower pressure, preserving droplet uniformity and extending fog stand time by reducing mechanical stress on the droplets.
4Manufacturing precision
If defined chemical mixture is used for droplet formation, then droplet generation works correctly, but adaptability to different liquids is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses adjustable pressure parameters for the air streams rather than relying on fixed chemical compositions. The first air stream pressure (1-5 bar) and second air stream pressure (0.5-2 bar) can be adjusted to accommodate different liquids and desired droplet sizes, making the system versatile for various liquid types without requiring specific chemical mixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual air stream system provides universal applicability across different liquid types. By adjusting the pressure parameters of the two air streams, the system can effectively atomize and transport droplets formed from various liquids with different surface tensions, eliminating the need for defined chemical mixtures and enhancing adaptability.
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 achieves a long-lasting fog with homogeneous droplet sizes, minimizing energy consumption and allowing for the use of various liquids, while maintaining fog quality and reducing the need for cooling and filtration, thus enhancing the efficiency and versatility of fog generation.
Implementation Method 1
a first high pressure air stream (14) is led to flow in a partly parallel direction over a liquid surface (22) for forming at least one liquid sheet (24), which sheet brakes into droplets (12)
Implementation Method 2
a second air stream (26) having a lower pressure transports the droplets (12) through at least one outlet (28)
Implementation Method 3
When this liquid film breaks up, the droplets are formed with a size depending on the thickness of the liquid sheet such that most of the droplets have a very homogeneous size
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for forming fog by using at least one air stream connected to a tank where the air stream forms homogeneous droplets of a fluid, which droplets flow further in the air stream towards and through at least one outlet for forming a fog. The scope of the invention is to achieve a highly effective method and apparatus for generating fog with a long stand time having a small energy consumption. This can be achieved by a method and an apparatus as described in the beginning if the method further includes a first high pressure air stream that is lead to flow in a partly parallel direction to a liquid surface for forming at least one liquid sheet, which sheet brakes into droplets where a second air stream having a lower pressure transports the droplets through at least one outlet. Hereby, it is achieved that the liquid sheet moves forward continuously as it breaks up at the edges all the way around. When this liquid film breaks up, the droplets are formed with a size depending on the thickness of the liquid sheet so that most of the droplets have a very homogeneous size. The second air stream then blows out these droplets through an outlet, and a fog is formed in the surroundings of the apparatus. Because most of the droplets have a homogenous size, they can remain in the air a very long time without letting the fog break down. In this way, a very effective fog generator is achieved.