Laser-Heated Optical Atomizer for Precise High-Viscosity Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid ejectors for drug delivery are costly due to intricate structures and have low utilization due to limited high output sources, making them inefficient for precise and strong spraying of drugs.
Innovation Solution
An optical atomizer using a laser transmitter unit and a sprayer unit with a metal foil and hollow groove, where the laser beam heats the liquid, evaporating it and allowing for precise spraying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing liquid ejectors use intricate structures to achieve precise spraying, then spraying precision is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical liquid ejector structures with an optical-based system consisting of a laser transmitter unit and a sprayer unit. The laser beam heats the liquid to generate vapor that propels droplets, eliminating the need for intricate mechanical components while achieving precise spraying through optical control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the liquid from liquid to vapor through laser heating, and then to aerosol droplets through vapor collapse. This parameter change (phase transition) enables precise spraying control without requiring complex mechanical structures, as the spraying is driven by thermal and phase changes rather than mechanical actuation
2Force
If existing liquid ejectors use high pressure gases or springs to achieve strong spraying, then spraying force is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical force-generating systems (springs, high pressure gas tanks) with an optical thermal system. The laser transmitter unit generates a laser beam that heats the liquid in the sprayer unit, creating vapor that expands and collapses to propel droplets with sufficient force for drug delivery, eliminating bulky mechanical force-generating components
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam is applied in a periodic or pulsed manner to the liquid, creating repeated vaporization and collapse cycles. This periodic thermal action generates consistent spraying force without requiring continuous mechanical input from springs or pressurized systems, simplifying the overall device structure
3Productivity
If existing liquid ejectors use complex structures to achieve high output, then spraying capability is improved, but utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical liquid ejector structures with a simplified optical system comprising a laser transmitter unit and a sprayer unit. The laser beam directly heats the liquid to generate vapor for propulsion, achieving high output spraying capability with minimal structural components and improving utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The sprayer unit serves multiple functions: it receives liquid, allows laser beam penetration, generates vapor through heating, and propels droplets. This multi-functionality in a single integrated component achieves high spraying output without requiring separate complex subsystems for each function, thereby improving utilization 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 optical atomizer achieves a simple design with high utilization by using high power sources, enabling efficient and precise spraying of high viscosity liquids.
Implementation Method 1
heat a liquid for spraying received in the sprayer unit by the laser beam transmitted from the laser transmitter unit
Implementation Method 2
spray the evaporated liquid for spraying to outside
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an optical atomizer. The optical atomizer according to the present disclosure includes a laser transmitter unit configured to transmit a laser beam oscillated by a laser oscillator to one side, and a sprayer unit connected to the laser transmitter unit, and configured to heat a liquid for spraying received in the sprayer unit by the laser beam transmitted from the laser transmitter unit and spray the evaporated liquid for spraying to outside.