Micro Nozzle Carrier Assembly Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro nozzle assemblies in spray devices face challenges with precise positioning and clogging due to small dimensions, leading to handling issues and potential bacterial growth in medicament delivery devices.
Innovation Solution
A carrier assembly with a carrier member that accommodates the micro nozzle, featuring vent holes for airflow and a through-hole configuration that allows easy handling and prevents liquid accumulation, using thin sheet metal and precise machining techniques like laser dicing to ensure precise alignment and prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If micro nozzles are made with small dimensions (0.5-10 μm orifices) to increase yield per wafer, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but handling precision and risk of damage/obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The micro nozzle is nested within a carrier member that provides a protective cavity and positioning structure. The carrier member acts as a container for the fragile micro nozzle, allowing the small nozzle to be handled as part of a larger, more robust assembly during assembly and operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If thermoplastic holder is used to mount micro nozzle die, then assembly is simplified, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier member serves as an intermediary component between the micro nozzle die and the thermoplastic holder. It provides a rigid mounting structure with precise positioning features that interfaces with the holder, thereby maintaining positioning precision while still allowing simplified assembly through the holder's design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If thermoplastic holder forms depression at outlet surface, then assembly is secured, but liquid accumulation and clogging risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful depression feature is extracted from the assembly structure. Instead of allowing the holder to form a depression that traps liquid, the carrier member provides a flat or protruding outlet surface that eliminates the depression, thereby removing the clogging risk while maintaining assembly stability through other means.
4Device complexity
If micro nozzle is handled without carrier member, then device complexity is reduced, but handling ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier member merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical support, precise positioning, protection during handling, and a stable mounting interface. This combination improves handling ease and assembly stability while adding only one additional component to the system.
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
Enhances handling precision and prevents clogging by allowing airflow around the nozzle orifice, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and facilitating easy cleaning of residual liquid, particularly beneficial for medicament delivery devices.
Implementation Method 1
the carrier member comprises vent holes formed to allow air to flow between the second surface and the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier assembly for a spray device, which carrier assembly comprises a carrier member adapted to be mounted in a cartridge adapter of a spray device, which carrier member has a proximally directed first surface, and a through-hole placing the first surface in fluid communication with the second surface; a micro nozzle having an outlet surface, an inlet surface, and a channel placing an inlet orifice at the inlet surface in communication with an outlet orifice at the outlet surface and wherein the micro nozzle is accommodated and attached to the carrier member such that the outlet orifice is aligned with the through-hole, and wherein the carrier member comprises vent holes formed to allow air to flow between the second surface and the first surface.