MEMS Fluid Dispensing System with Sensor Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for material dispensing are primarily industrial-scale and lack the precision and individualized capabilities needed for targeted deposition at a personal level, particularly for applications involving cosmetics, skin, nail, hair, and oral care products.
Innovation Solution
A Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) element coupled with sensors and a controller, allowing for the precise dispensing of fluids at varying rates based on surface features detected by environmental sensors, enabling targeted application of materials such as cosmetics and actives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If industrial-scale dispensing systems are used, then mass production capability is improved, but precision and individualized control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the dispensing process into distinct phases: initial discharge phase, movement detection phase, and targeted discharge phase. The MEMS element is divided into multiple independently controllable nozzles, allowing different discharge rates for different regions. This segmentation enables both efficient mass production and precise individualized control by treating different areas of the substrate differently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the discharge rate based on real-time conditions. The controller modifies the discharge rate from the initial non-zero rate to a second rate during movement, and further adjusts to targeted discharge rates based on detected surface features. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain high productivity while achieving precision deposition where needed.
2Productivity
If high discharge rates are used, then productivity is improved, but material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by discharging fluid at different rates at different times. An initial high discharge rate is used briefly to quickly cover the substrate, then the rate is reduced during movement, and finally adjusted to precise targeted discharge rates. This periodic variation in discharge rate maintains productivity while minimizing material waste through the reduced and targeted phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by dispensing materials at different rates to different locations on the substrate. The controller targets the discharge of fluid in association with detected surface features, applying higher discharge rates only where needed rather than uniformly across the entire substrate. This localized approach reduces overall material consumption while maintaining productivity.
3Device complexity
If uniform material application is used, then simplicity is improved, but effectiveness on specific surface features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback through sensors that detect surface features and provide information to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust the discharge rate and target specific features on the substrate. This feedback loop maintains relative simplicity in the application process while dramatically improving the accuracy of feature-targeted deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service by using sensors to automatically detect and analyze surface features, with the controller autonomously adjusting the dispensing parameters based on detected conditions. This automated self-adjustment maintains operational simplicity while achieving high precision in targeting specific surface features without requiring complex manual intervention.
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
Enables precise and individualized dispensing of materials onto specific surface features, enhancing application accuracy and effectiveness for personal use scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
A Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) element coupled to at least one fluid reservoir and adapted to dispense fluid at a plurality of non-zero rates
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A system and method for applying a fluid to a surface. The method includes the steps of: providing a deposition system; discharging fluid from the deposition system at a first, non-zero rate; detecting movement of the deposition system in proximity to a surface; and discharging fluid at a second rate while the deposition system is moving in proximity to the surface. The system comprises: a MEMS element coupled to a fluid reservoir and adapted to dispense fluid at a plurality of non-zero rates; at least one sensor; and a controller in communication with the MEMS element and at least one sensor and adapted to receive an output from the sensor and to alter the deposition rate of the MEMS element according to the sensor output.