Inductive Coupling Vibration Head for Aerosol Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric connections for aerosol generators, such as plug connectors, have limited lifetimes and are prone to moisture-related issues like leakage currents and short circuits, which can reduce aerosol quality and dosage accuracy, and existing inductive coupling solutions are not suitable for integration with vibration heads due to spatial constraints and high frequency requirements.
Innovation Solution
A vibration head with integrated primary and secondary coils for inductive coupling, where the coils are designed to fit within a plug-type connection unit, allowing for secure, moisture-resistant power transfer at lower frequencies, minimizing power loss and maintaining aerosol quality, and incorporating a matching network to optimize vibration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional plug connectors are used for electrical connection, then ease of connection is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to moisture-related issues and limited lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug connector system with an inductive coupling system. The controller includes a first coil that generates an electromagnetic field to wirelessly power the vibration head, eliminating physical electrical contacts that are prone to moisture ingress and wear. This substitution maintains ease of connection while significantly improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the controller and vibration head. The first coil in the controller and the second coil in the vibration head couple through this electromagnetic field, transferring power without direct electrical contact. This intermediary approach avoids the reliability issues of direct mechanical electrical connections.
2Reliability
If inductive coupling is implemented, then reliability is improved by eliminating physical electrical contacts, but device complexity increases due to coil integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coil components directly into the existing vibration head structure. The second coil is integrated with the vibration head assembly, and the first coil is positioned within the controller housing, combining multiple functions into unified components. This merging approach reduces device complexity despite introducing inductive coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration head serves multiple functions: it houses the vibratable membrane, integrates the second coil for inductive coupling, and maintains its original aerosol generation capability. The controller also integrates the first coil while maintaining its control functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coil dimensions are reduced for vibration head integration, then adaptability is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the coil parameters including number of turns, wire gauge, and spacing to achieve efficient power transfer within the constrained dimensions of the vibration head. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system maintains high coupling efficiency despite the compact size of the coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the coils in specific three-dimensional arrangements to maximize coupling efficiency. The first coil in the controller and second coil in the vibration head are oriented and spaced to optimize the electromagnetic field coupling, achieving efficient power transfer despite dimensional constraints.
4Loss of energy
If operating frequency is increased for inductive coupling, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but harmful effects increase due to high frequency requirements not suitable for vibration heads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter to a lower frequency that is suitable for the vibration head application. By optimizing the coil design and spacing, the system achieves efficient power transfer at these lower frequencies, avoiding the harmful effects associated with high frequency operation while maintaining adequate power transfer efficiency.
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 provides a reliable, long-lasting, and efficient inductive coupling that maintains aerosol quality and dosage accuracy by minimizing power loss and ensuring proper electrical operation, even in humid environments, without compromising the physical dimensions of the vibration head.
Implementation Method 1
The controller (100) comprises a connection unit (110) and a control unit (120). The connection unit (110) is configured to connect an electric contacting element (300). The electric contacting element (300) may be an electric cable, a connector, a connection cord, a print circuit, a circuit path, a conductive polymer, an electric wire, a pin, a plug, or a combination thereof.
Implementation Method 2
The vibration head (210) is provided with a secondary coil (220). The secondary coil (220) is electrically connected with the vibration generating element (10).
Implementation Method 3
The vibration head (210) comprises a membrane (8) and a vibration generating element (10), such as a piezoelectric element
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vibration head (210) for an aerosol generator (200), the vibration head (210) comprising: a membrane (8); a vibration generating element (4); and a secondary coil (220) configured for providing an inductive coupling with a primary coil (320) being connected with a controller (100) of the aerosol generator (200), the inductive coupling driving the vibration generating element (4) to vibrate the membrane (8) for generating the aerosol.