Nanoparticle Humidifier for Respiratory Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidifiers for respiratory assistance devices are energy inefficient, slow to respond to humidity changes, and require significant space and safety considerations due to the use of electric heating elements.
Innovation Solution
A humidifier that uses metallic and/or carbon-based nanoparticles dispersed in a liquid, where the nanoparticles are exposed to light to generate localized heating and vaporization, allowing for rapid and efficient humidification without the need for electric heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric heating plate or heating coil is used to vaporize water, then water vapor can be generated to humidify the gas stream, but the energy consumption increases and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric heating system (heating plate or coil) with an ultrasonic vibration system. The ultrasonic transducer generates high-frequency vibrations that directly agitate the liquid surface, causing rapid evaporation through mechanical energy transfer rather than thermal heating. This substitution eliminates the need for high-power heating elements and reduces overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic transducer operates by applying periodic high-frequency vibrations (typically 20-100 kHz) to the liquid surface. This periodic mechanical action creates continuous micro-droplet ejection and surface renewal, maintaining high evaporation rates without requiring continuous thermal input. The cyclic nature of ultrasonic vibration allows efficient energy transfer to the liquid.
2Reliability
If an electric heating plate is used to heat the entire body of water, then water vapor can be generated, but the response time to humidity changes is slow due to the lag in heating the water
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer applies energy locally at the liquid surface and near-surface regions, creating intense localized agitation and droplet ejection without requiring heating of the entire water volume. This localized action allows rapid vapor generation response because only a thin layer of liquid needs to be processed, dramatically reducing the thermal mass that must be heated.
Solution Approach 2:
Replacing thermal heating with ultrasonic mechanical vibration eliminates the thermal lag inherent in heating large volumes of water. The mechanical energy from ultrasonic vibrations is immediately transferred to the liquid surface, causing instant droplet formation and evaporation, thereby achieving rapid response to humidity control requirements.
3Reliability
If an electric heating plate is used to generate water vapor, then humidification can be achieved, but the device size increases and becomes more unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer is a compact solid-state device that replaces bulky heating plates and associated control electronics. Ultrasonic humidifiers typically have a much smaller footprint because they don't require large heating surfaces or high-voltage power supplies, making the overall device more compact and portable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional heating-based humidifiers, such as large heating plates, thermal insulation layers, and complex temperature control systems. By using ultrasonic vibration, only the essential components (transducer, small water reservoir, and outlet) are retained, significantly reducing device volume.
4Reliability
If an electric heating plate is used to increase the temperature inside the chamber, then water vapor can be generated, but the chamber walls must be configured to withstand high temperatures and safety implications arise
Solution Approach 1:
Replacing thermal heating with ultrasonic mechanical vibration eliminates the need for high-temperature resistance in chamber walls. Since ultrasonic humidifiers operate at or near ambient temperature, the chamber can be made from simple, inexpensive materials like plastic or thin-walled containers, rather than requiring high-temperature ceramics or metals with specialized thermal properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of high temperatures (safety risks, material degradation) into a benefit by operating at low temperatures. The ultrasonic vibration mechanism achieves effective vapor generation without thermal hazards, making the device safer for home use and eliminating the need for complex safety features like over-temperature protection or insulated chambers.
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 solution achieves rapid and precise control over humidity levels, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies the design by eliminating the need for high-temperature-resistant materials and reducing safety concerns.
Implementation Method 1
Light energy is directed onto the nanoparticles which absorb the light energy and convert some of it to heat
Implementation Method 2
generate localised heating of liquid molecules around the metallic and/or carbon-based material
Implementation Method 3
The water is vaporised by the heating plate, and the water vapour passes into the stream of gas being delivered to the patient to humidify the gas
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a humidifier for a respiratory assistance device, a respiratory assistance device comprising a humidifier and related methods and apparatus. The invention particularly provides arrangements for generating vapour by impinging light on metallic and/or carbon based material, particularly in the form of nanoparticles.