Integrated Nebuliser Outlet for Reproducible Spray Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nebulisers for ion sources face challenges in consistently reproducing the position of the liquid-emitting outlet relative to the nebuliser outlet, affecting the properties of the nebulised spray, and are prone to manufacturing imperfections due to multi-part constructions.
Innovation Solution
A nebuliser outlet is designed with integrated first and second channels that directly provide liquid and gas to nebulisation regions, forming a single component to fix geometric parameters and reduce manufacturing imperfections, using additive manufacturing processes like Selective Laser Melting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional multi-part nebuliser construction is used, then assembly flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision and consistency of geometric parameters deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the liquid capillary and gas capillary into a single integrated nebuliser outlet component. This integration eliminates the interfaces between separate parts, ensuring consistent geometric parameters for liquid and gas flow paths while maintaining manufacturing capability through additive manufacturing processes.
2Ease of operation
If separate liquid and gas capillaries are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but reliability of spray properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid delivery channel and gas delivery channel are combined into a single nebuliser outlet component with integrated pathways. This ensures reliable and reproducible spray properties by eliminating variability from assembly of separate parts, while the component remains straightforward to install as a single unit.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional subtractive machining is used, then manufacturing ease is improved, but manufacturing precision and geometric consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional subtractive machining with additive manufacturing (such as Selective Laser Melting). This substitution enables precise control of geometric parameters including channel dimensions, orientations, and the relative positioning of liquid and gas pathways, achieving superior geometric consistency while maintaining manufacturing 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
This configuration significantly reduces variation in nebuliser performance across uses and devices, ensuring consistent spray production with improved reproducibility and precision.
Implementation Method 1
The nebuliser outlet may be formed using an additive manufacturing process. The nebuliser outlet may be formed using Selective Laser Melting (SLM).
Implementation Method 2
A flow of liquid supplied to the liquid capillary is nebulised by a nebulising gas flow supplied to the gas capillary.
Data Source
AI summary
A nebuliser outlet (20) comprises one or more first channels (24), wherein the nebuliser outlet (20) is configured such that liquid received by the nebuliser outlet (20) can pass to one or more nebulisation regions via the one or more first channels (24), and one or more second channels (25), wherein the nebuliser outlet (20) is configured such that gas received by the nebuliser outlet (20) can pass to the one or more nebulisation regions via the one or more second channels (25). The one or more first channels (24) comprise a first portion (24a) and a second portion (24b), wherein the first portion (24a) comprises a tubular channel, and wherein the second portion (24b) comprises multiple channels, an annular channel, or a segmented annular channel. The one or more second channels (25) converge with the second portion (24b) at the one or more nebulisation regions.