Microfluidic Cartridge Fluid Composition for Nozzle Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microfluidic delivery systems face clogging issues due to impurities in fluid compositions, leading to reduced flow rates and increased operating times, as nozzles become difficult to clear once clogged.
Innovation Solution
A fluid composition comprising at least 50% perfume mixture with a mol-weighted average ClogP of less than 2.9, combined with an oxygenated solvent such as a polyol or glycol ether, and 0.25-9.5% water by weight, which reduces clogging and increases flow rates by lowering the boiling point and energy required for atomization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a microfluidic delivery system uses a perfume mixture fluid composition, then the system can deliver fragrance into the air, but the nozzles become clogged after repeated use due to impurities and components in the fluid composition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the fluid by adding water (0.1-10 wt%) to the perfume mixture. This parameter change alters the physical properties of the fluid, specifically lowering its boiling point and reducing the energy required for atomization, which prevents nozzle clogging while maintaining delivery effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite fluid composition by combining the perfume mixture with water and optionally with a polyol. This composite formulation leverages the properties of each component: the perfume provides fragrance, water lowers boiling point and reduces clogging, and the polyol enhances stability, together achieving both reliability and productivity
2Productivity
If the microfluidic die heats the fluid composition to atomize and dispense it, then the fluid is delivered into the air, but excessive energy is required due to high boiling point of the perfume mixture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the fluid composition by incorporating water, which has a lower boiling point than the perfume mixture. This parameter change reduces the overall boiling point of the composition from potentially above 250°C to below 250°C, significantly reducing the energy required for heating and atomization in the microfluidic die
Solution Approach 2:
Water acts as a thermal intermediary in the composition, facilitating heat transfer and reducing the energy barrier for atomization. The water component absorbs and distributes thermal energy more efficiently, enabling lower temperature operation of the heating element while maintaining effective atomization
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 fluid composition effectively minimizes nozzle clogging and enhances spray rates by incorporating water, reducing the energy needed for atomization and extending the life of the nozzles in microfluidic delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
increases flow rates by lowering the boiling point and energy required for atomization
Data Source
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AI summary
A cartridge having a microfluidic die and a fluid composition in fluid communication with the microfluidic die is provided. The fluid composition includes from about 50 % to about 100 %, by weight of the fluid composition, of a perfume mixture, wherein the perfume mixture has a mol-weighted average ClogP of less than or equal to about 2.9; a polyol; and from about 0.25 wt. % to about 9.5 wt. %, by weight of the fluid composition, of water.