Resonant Microwave Electrospray for Low-Pressure Atomization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional electrospray systems using high-voltage power sources experience electric breakdown in low-pressure environments and are not robust enough.

Innovation Solution

An electrospray device utilizing a resonant microwave cavity that amplifies a radio frequency signal to generate a high electric field for atomizing fluids, using a low-voltage power source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a high-voltage power source is used to generate the electric field for atomizing fluids, then the electric field strength is sufficient to break up and disperse liquids as aerosol, but the system experiences electric breakdown in low-pressure environments and lacks robustness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobustness of electrospray systemVSAvoidelectric breakdown in low-pressure environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional high-voltage electrical system with a microwave-based electromagnetic resonance system. Instead of using a high-voltage power source that directly applies voltage to the fluid, the system uses a microwave cavity to generate resonant electromagnetic fields that couple with the fluid, enabling atomization through dielectric heating and electrohydrodynamic effects at much lower voltages, thereby eliminating electric breakdown issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent fundamentally changes the operating parameters from high-voltage direct current or alternating current to microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation. By operating at microwave frequencies (typically 2.45 GHz) within a resonant cavity, the system achieves the necessary electric field strengths for atomization through resonance amplification rather than direct high-voltage application, operating at voltages less than 100 Vrms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a high-voltage power source is used to provide sufficient electric field for fluid atomization, then the atomization effect is achieved, but the power source complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid atomization capabilityVSAvoidpower source complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex high-voltage power generation and control systems with a relatively simple microwave generator and resonant cavity system. The microwave cavity acts as a passive energy amplifier, converting low-power microwave input into high-intensity localized electric fields through resonance, thereby achieving complex atomization functionality with simpler, more compact hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional high-voltage electrospray systems are used, then fluid atomization is achieved, but the system is not robust in low-pressure environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation in low-pressure environmentsVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the high-voltage electrical system with a microwave resonance system that is inherently more tolerant of pressure variations. The resonant microwave cavity system generates electric fields through electromagnetic resonance rather than direct voltage application, making it less susceptible to electric breakdown in low-pressure environments while maintaining atomization capability across a wider pressure range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

The device effectively atomizes fluids with a robust electric field, overcoming the limitations of high-voltage systems by maintaining stability in low-pressure environments.

Implementation Method 1

a resonant microwave cavity configured to amplify a voltage of the radio frequency signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

The electric field may atomize the fluid at the first end of the field concentrating pole forming an atomized fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrospray: Electrohydrodynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4699704A1Resonant cavity electrospray systems and methods

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

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Figure 2~3

AI summary

In one embodiment, systems and methods include an electrospray device (102) for atomizing fluids comprising a body (114) defining a resonant microwave cavity (116), wherein the body comprises a radio frequency inlet (118) configured to inject a radio frequency signal received from a power source (104) into the resonant microwave cavity, wherein the resonant microwave cavity is configured to to amplify a voltage of the radio frequency signal. The device further comprises a field concentrating pole (120) disposed within the resonant microwave cavity configured to concentrate the amplified voltage at a first end of the field concentrating pole to form an electric field. The device further comprises a nozzle (130) disposed at the first end of the field concentrating pole and a fluid supply line (126) configured to provide a fluid disposed within the field concentrating pole and fluidly connected to the nozzle, wherein the fluid supply line is fluidly connected to a fluid source (128).