Multi-Disk Spinning Disk Assembly for Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single disk atomizers have limited throughput due to the small amount of liquid passing through the flow area, necessitating improvements for higher efficiency in atomization and encapsulation processes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-disk spinning disk assembly with spacers and channels that distribute fluid tangentially across the disk periphery, enhancing fluid distribution and atomization efficiency by increasing the liquid flow area and mechanical support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single disk atomizer is used, then the device complexity is low, but the throughput is limited due to small liquid flow area
Solution Approach 1:
The single disk atomizer is segmented into multiple disks arranged in a stack configuration. Each disk processes liquid independently, collectively increasing the total liquid flow area and throughput while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single two-dimensional disk to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement of multiple disks. This dimensional expansion increases the available liquid flow area without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the disks are arranged vertically rather than requiring horizontal expansion
2Productivity
If multiple disks are stacked closely together, then the liquid flow area increases for higher throughput, but the mechanical support and spacing control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Spacer elements are introduced as intermediary components between adjacent disks in the stack. These spacers maintain precise spacing, provide mechanical support, and ensure proper liquid distribution across multiple disks without requiring high-precision manufacturing of the disks themselves
Solution Approach 2:
The spacers are pre-configured with specific thicknesses and channel geometries to establish predetermined spacing and liquid flow paths before the disks are assembled. This preliminary preparation simplifies the overall assembly process and ensures consistent spacing control
3Productivity
If liquid is distributed across multiple disks, then the atomization efficiency increases, but the fluid distribution uniformity becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid distribution system is segmented into multiple identical channels, one for each disk. This segmentation ensures that each disk receives liquid through a dedicated channel with consistent geometry, promoting uniform fluid distribution across all disks
Solution Approach 2:
Each disk and its associated spacer channel are designed with optimized local characteristics for liquid distribution. The spacer channels are configured to deliver liquid at appropriate locations and rates to each disk surface, ensuring uniform atomization across the entire multi-disk assembly
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 multi-disk assembly significantly increases throughput by ensuring efficient fluid distribution and atomization, overcoming the limitations of single disk systems while maintaining control over fluid properties and flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
Centrifugal energy translates the fluid into a fine horizontal droplet spray
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-disk spinning disk assembly for atomization and encapsulation applications. A number of patterned disks are stacked to form a disk stack having a feed well in the center core of the stack. Each patterned disk has channels defined by spacers, with the channels and spacers being of varying depths, heights, and/or widths. The fluid to be atomized or encapsulated is delivered to the feed well. The fluid then flows into the channels, which communicate the fluid toward the outer edges of the disks. The fluid exits the disk stack from a circumferential gap, which is created by interposing spacing disks between the patterned disks.