Nebuliser Droplet Ejector Array for Lung Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibrating mesh nebulisers produce inconsistent and broad droplet sizes, leading to inefficient medication delivery to the lungs, and often require excessive liquid quantities for effective absorption.
Innovation Solution
A nebuliser with multiple droplet ejectors and individually controlled piezoelectric actuators to precisely control droplet size and distribution, allowing for optimized lung absorption with reduced liquid usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single mesh is used in vibrating mesh nebulisers, then the device structure is simple, but the droplet size distribution is inconsistent and broad
Solution Approach 1:
The single mesh is divided into multiple separate nozzles (e.g., 9 nozzles arranged in a 3x3 array). Each nozzle is independently actuated by its own piezoelectric element, allowing precise control over droplet ejection from each nozzle. This segmentation enables consistent droplet size distribution while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Device complexity
If a single piezoelectric actuator is used, then the device complexity is low, but the control precision over droplet ejection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single piezoelectric actuator is replaced with multiple piezoelectric elements (one for each nozzle). This allows independent control of droplet ejection from each nozzle, significantly improving control precision. The increased device complexity is offset by the substantial improvement in droplet ejection control and medication delivery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic control of each nozzle's droplet ejection through individual piezoelectric actuation. This dynamic control allows optimization of droplet size and ejection timing for each nozzle, improving overall medication delivery precision while managing device complexity through intelligent control strategies.
3Ease of manufacture
If inconsistent droplet sizes are produced, then the nebuliser can be simple to manufacture, but medication absorption efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the single mesh into multiple controlled nozzles, the system achieves consistent droplet size distribution that optimizes lung absorption. The modular nozzle design maintains ease of manufacture through standardized fabrication processes while dramatically improving medication absorption efficiency through precise droplet control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls droplet ejection parameters (size, frequency, timing) for each nozzle individually through piezoelectric actuation. This parameter control ensures droplets are optimized for deep lung penetration and alveolar absorption, significantly improving medication absorption efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through precise fabrication of nozzle geometries.
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
Enhances medication delivery efficiency by ensuring a larger proportion of droplets reach the alveoli, reducing the total liquid required for effective absorption and minimizing waste.
Implementation Method 1
Each droplet ejector comprises a nozzle portion and a piezoelectric actuator. Each piezoelectric actuator is operable to cause ejection of the one or more liquids received by one or more of the one or more inputs through the respective nozzle outlet
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of droplet ejectors for generating an aerosol from a liquid supplied to one or more inputs of the plurality of droplet ejectors
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a nebuliser (100) comprising one or more inputs (110), and a plurality of droplet ejectors (126) in fluid communication with the one or more inputs (110). Each droplet ejector comprises a nozzle portion and a piezoelectric actuator. The one or more inputs are for receiving one or more liquids. Each nozzle portion defines a nozzle outlet in fluid communication with the one or more inputs. Each piezoelectric actuator is operable to cause ejection of a liquid received by one of the one or more inputs through the respective nozzle outlet as one or more droplets to thereby generate an aerosol comprising the one or more droplets ejected by each droplet ejector.