Modular Liquid Droplet Spray System with Disposable Reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid droplet spray systems face issues with liquid wastage, spillage, and uncontrolled dispensing due to the use of wicks and perforated membranes, especially when exchanging reservoirs, and are not suitable for non-aqueous liquids or medicaments.
Innovation Solution
A modular liquid droplet spray system with a disposable reservoir and a permanent non-disposable part, featuring a capillary channel and a valve that ensures liquid tightness during reservoir exchange, combined with a piezoelectric actuator for controlled droplet dispensing, and electronic control for precise liquid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a wick is used to transmit liquid to the dispensing surface, then liquid can be continuously supplied, but liquid spillage occurs during reservoir exchange and uncontrolled dispensing happens
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a permanent dispensing device and a replaceable reservoir cartridge. The cartridge contains the liquid reservoir sealed with a membrane, separating the liquid storage function from the dispensing function. This segmentation allows safe replacement of reservoirs without liquid spillage while maintaining continuous liquid supply through the membrane interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir is pre-filled and sealed with a liquid-impermeable membrane before use. The membrane is pre-positioned to create a liquid-tight barrier that only allows controlled liquid transmission when properly engaged with the dispensing device, preventing accidental dispensing during handling and exchange operations.
2Quantity of substance
If a wick and perforated membrane system is used, then liquid can reach the vibrating surface, but liquid leakage occurs when not in use and controlled dispensing is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid-impermeable membrane acts as an intermediary between the reservoir and the dispensing chamber. This membrane allows controlled liquid passage only when proper pressure differential is applied during intended use, while maintaining liquid tightness during storage and exchange. The membrane serves as a gatekeeper that enables reliable controlled dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive wick-based capillary system is replaced with an active pressure-controlled system. A pump or pressure mechanism applies controlled pressure to the liquid in the reservoir, forcing it through the membrane only when dispensing is intended. This mechanical substitution enables precise control over liquid transmission and eliminates uncontrolled leakage.
3Quantity of substance
If the vibrating element remains activated to ensure complete emptying, then all liquid is dispensed, but energy is wasted and dispensing time cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor liquid level in the dispensing chamber and provide feedback to the control system. When the liquid level reaches a predetermined threshold indicating complete or sufficient emptying, the feedback signal automatically stops the vibrating element and/or pump operation. This feedback mechanism ensures complete liquid emptying while preventing unnecessary continued operation that would waste energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed-time operation to dynamic adaptive operation. The vibrating element and pump operate only as long as needed, with their duration adjusted based on real-time liquid level conditions. This dynamic control allows complete emptying to be achieved efficiently without fixed over-operation, optimizing energy consumption according to actual liquid volume and dispensing requirements.
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 allows for efficient, spill-free exchange of reservoirs and controlled dispensing of liquids, including non-aqueous substances and medicaments, with reduced energy consumption and manufacturing costs, ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrating element, e.g. a piezoelectric element to cause vibration of the liquid substance in the space so as to cause the liquid to be ejected as a spray of droplets
Implementation Method 2
a capillary channel (37) connected to said housing (31) for conveying the liquid substance to and from said space (32)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a Liquid droplet plug & spray system for atomising a liquid substance and comprising a liquid droplet spray device including a housing in which a space is provided for receiving a liquid substance, a reservoir for containing said liquid substance, a fluidic interface for connecting said reservoir to said space in said housing thereby conveying liquid substance contained in said reservoir to said space by way of capillary action, a valve arranged between said reservoir and said fluidic channel for controlling access of said liquid substance from said reservoir to said fluid channel, an electromechanical actuation means for actuating the liquid substance in said space such that the liquid substance undergoes a vibration and is expelled as a liquid droplet spray, and electronic control means for controlling said electromechanical actuation means, wherein said liquid droplet spray system consists of two parts, a first, disposable part in which said reservoir and said valve are arranged, and a second, non-disposable part in which said liquid droplet spray device, said electromechanical actuation means, said electronic control means and said liquid channel are arranged such that said reservoir does not directly contact said liquid channel, said valve ensuring that said first, disposable part is liquid tight when not in use.