Microfluidic Cartridge Thermal Atomization for Air Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering fluid compositions, such as perfumes, into the air often result in significant deposition on adjacent surfaces, rather than efficient air distribution, limiting their effectiveness in freshening rooms or spaces.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic delivery system comprising a housing, cartridge, and microfluidic delivery member that uses thermal energy to efficiently atomize and distribute fluid compositions into the air, minimizing surface deposition through precise control of droplet size and trajectory using a combination of thermal ink-jet technology and programmable electronic drive circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional atomization systems are used to deliver fluid compositions into the air, then the fluid can be distributed in the air, but significant deposition occurs on adjacent surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of droplet delivery by using microfluidic technology to precisely control droplet size, velocity, and trajectory. This enables optimization of droplet characteristics to maximize air distribution while minimizing surface deposition, directly resolving the technical contradiction between delivering sufficient fluid into the air and preventing harmful deposition on surfaces.
2Quantity of substance
If ink jet spray heads are used to emit fluid compositions, then the fluid can be delivered into adjacent space, but efficient air distribution is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical ink jet spray systems with a microfluidic delivery system that uses thermal energy and precise electronic control to atomize and distribute fluid compositions. This substitution enables more efficient air distribution by creating finer, more uniformly distributed droplets that disperse more effectively in the air, directly addressing the productivity issue.
3Duration of action of moving object
If conventional atomization systems deliver fluid compositions, then the system can operate continuously, but droplet size and trajectory cannot be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities to the atomization system by using programmable electronic drive circuitry that can adjust droplet generation parameters in real-time. This enables precise control of droplet size and trajectory while maintaining continuous operation, as the system can dynamically adapt its parameters based on operational requirements without sacrificing either continuity or precision.
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 system effectively delivers a sufficient quantity of fluid into the air, providing noticeable room freshening with minimal deposition on surfaces, allowing for adjustable intensity and timing to suit personal preferences or space size, and operates in modes that optimize droplet size and distribution for reduced surface contact.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element in electrical communication with the drive circuitry and in thermal communication with the chamber such that the heating element thermalizes the liquid in the chamber
Implementation Method 2
the heating element thermalizes the liquid in the chamber to eject a droplet from the nozzle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Microfluidic delivery systems and methods for dispensing a fluid composition into the air comprising microfluidic die and at least one heating element that is configured to receive an electrical signal comprising a certain on-time and wave form to deliver a fluid composition into the air.