Magnetic Actuator Membrane Interface for Aerosol Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid droplet production devices with vibrating perforate membranes face inefficiencies due to the need for close mounting of the vibrating surface to the membrane, leading to high power consumption and large cartridge sizes, especially in medical and fragrance applications where cross-contamination must be avoided, and efficient energy transmission is critical.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic connection using arrays of magnets with multiple pole configurations to attach the actuator to the perforate membrane, allowing for efficient vibration transmission while enabling easy membrane replacement and minimizing energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the actuator is placed inside the cartridge to enable easy membrane replacement, then the cartridge size and cost are reduced, but the magnetic connection requires strong holding force to prevent detachment during vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate components: the actuator remains in the master unit while only the perforate membrane is placed in the replaceable cartridge. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be small and inexpensive while the actuator provides magnetic holding force from outside the cartridge to secure the membrane during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field acts as an intermediary force to connect the actuator (in the master) to the perforate membrane (in the cartridge) without physical contact or mechanical fasteners. The magnetic field provides both holding force to secure the membrane and transmit vibrational energy efficiently across the interface.
2Productivity
If a strong magnetic force is used to hold the membrane to the actuator, then vibration transmission is efficient, but energy is absorbed by the magnetic connection
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection parameters are optimized by using alternating polarity arrangements and multiple pole configurations that create strong holding forces while minimizing magnetic friction and energy absorption during the vibration cycle. The magnetic field strength and distribution are carefully controlled to balance holding force with energy transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connection experiences periodic compression and expansion during the vibration cycle, with the alternating magnetic poles allowing the membrane to move freely during vibration while maintaining strong holding force. This periodic action minimizes continuous energy absorption while ensuring secure attachment.
3Force
If arrays of magnets with multiple pole configurations are used to generate strong magnetic force, then the membrane is securely held and vibration is transmitted efficiently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides strong holding force to secure the membrane, transmits vibrational energy efficiently from the actuator to the membrane, and can be configured in standardized patterns that simplify manufacturing. The same magnetic structure accomplishes both attachment and energy transmission without requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic pole arrangements use asymmetric configurations where alternating poles are strategically positioned to create optimal force distribution across the membrane surface. This asymmetric design provides uniform holding force while maintaining efficient vibration transmission pathways from the actuator center to the membrane perimeter.
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 solution reduces the size and cost of the cartridge, maintains high efficiency, and prevents cross-contamination by providing a strong, adjustable magnetic force for effective vibration transmission without excessive energy loss, particularly beneficial for bending-mode actuators.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic force is used to connect the actuator to the membrane
Implementation Method 2
Electronic nebulisers that use ultrasonic vibration to generate liquid droplets
Implementation Method 3
an actuator for vibrating a membrane, so that the vibration causes liquid droplets to be ejected
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)~2(d)
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A liquid droplet production apparatus comprising a separable perforate membrane (44), a means for supplying liquid to one side of the membrane, an actuator (41) for vibrating a membrane, so that the vibration causes liquid droplets to be ejected from the other side of the membrane, in which a magnetic force is used to connect the actuator to the membrane so that the vibration can be transmitted, wherein the magnetic force is generated by one or more arrays of magnets (43), eventually on a substrate (42), each array containing either a plurality of magnets or at least one magnet having a multiple pole configuration.