Microdosing Device with Segmented Admission Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microdosing devices often fail to ensure uniform liquid supply to the dosing chamber during dispensing operations, leading to reduced dosing accuracy and efficiency, and are limited in dispersing small droplets effectively, while also being costly due to the size and complexity of delivery mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The microdosing device incorporates at least two spaced admission channels connecting the dosing chamber to a medium reservoir, a storage chamber with an equalization opening and a gas filter, and a vibration unit, allowing for efficient and homogeneous liquid supply, improved dosing accuracy, and reduced energy requirements, thereby simplifying the design and reducing production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single admission channel is used to supply liquid to the dosing chamber, then the device complexity is reduced, but the uniformity of liquid supply to the dosing chamber deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of admission channelsVSAvoiduniformity of liquid supply

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid supply system is segmented into multiple admission channels (at least two) that are spaced apart from each other, allowing liquid to enter the dosing chamber from different locations simultaneously, thereby achieving uniform supply across the entire dosing chamber volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If the dosing chamber is not uniformly filled with liquid, then the energy requirement for dispensing increases, but the liquid supply uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy requirement for dispensingVSAvoidliquid supply uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple admission channels distribute liquid uniformly throughout the dosing chamber, ensuring complete filling without air pockets or incomplete saturation, which optimizes the energy efficiency of the vibration unit during dispensing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If larger delivery means are used to ensure sufficient liquid supply, then the liquid supply reliability is improved, but the production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid supply reliabilityVSAvoidproduction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The use of multiple small admission channels provides reliable liquid supply through distributed entry points, allowing the overall delivery system to be smaller and simpler while maintaining adequate liquid flow to the dosing chamber

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Quantity of substance

If the dosing chamber is oversized to ensure sufficient liquid volume, then the liquid supply adequacy is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid volume in dosing chamberVSAvoiddosing chamber size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple admission channels enable adequate liquid volume to be achieved in a compact dosing chamber by providing distributed liquid entry from different locations, maximizing the effective use of available chamber volume without requiring an oversized design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures reliable and efficient dispensing of liquid with increased dosing accuracy and improved droplet dispersion, reducing production costs and energy consumption by ensuring uniform liquid supply and preventing contamination, while maintaining energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration unit which is operatively connected to at least one boundary surface of the dosing chamber in order to cause this boundary surface to oscillate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

As a result of the oscillations, pressure waves develop in the liquid, and these pressure waves at least temporarily overcome the flow resistance of the dispensing opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure waves:

Implementation Method 3

These means are designed in particular as piezoelectric crystal oscillators. The means for generating oscillations cause an excitation of the boundary surface in one or more uniformly oriented or differently oriented oscillation directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

which can also be designed as a capillary tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS7584903B2Microdosing device

Publication Date: 2009.09.08 APTAR RADOLFZELL

AI summary

A microdosing device includes a dosing chamber which at least temporarily receives a quantity of liquid, and to which at least one dispensing opening is assigned. A vibration unit is operatively connected to at least one boundary surface of the dosing chamber in order to cause this boundary surface to oscillate for the purpose of a dispensing operation.At least two admission channels spaced apart from one another are provided on the dosing chamber.