Nebulizer Colloidal Mixture Valve for Clog-Free Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nebulizers require adjustment of nozzle bore size to achieve low liquid concentration and local application, which can lead to clogging and inefficient temperature control during topical cooling applications, especially when using propellants with low boiling points.
Innovation Solution
A nebulizer design that forms a colloidal mixture of liquid cooling medium and propellant gas before delivery, allowing for a directed spray without needing to adjust nozzle bore size, combined with a valve system and spacer for precise temperature control and directional application, including the use of active compounds for additional therapeutic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the nozzle bore size is decreased to achieve low liquid concentration and local application, then the spray can be more locally directed, but the nozzle becomes prone to clogging and temperature control becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the colloidal mixture of liquid cooling medium and propellant gas before the mixture reaches the nozzle. This pre-mixing occurs in the container or delivery system, ensuring that the liquid is already dispersed in fine droplets within the propellant gas phase before nozzle delivery, thereby preventing clogging while maintaining local application capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameters by creating a colloidal mixture where the liquid cooling medium exists as dispersed droplets (dispersed phase) within the propellant gas (continuous phase). This parameter change from pure liquid to colloidal dispersion allows the system to maintain low liquid concentration and local directionality without requiring small nozzle bores that would clog
2Quantity of substance
If the nozzle bore size is decreased to generate a spray with reduced liquid concentration, then the liquid concentration in the spray is reduced, but the nozzle becomes more susceptible to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid cooling medium is pre-dispersed into fine droplets and mixed with the propellant gas before reaching the nozzle. This preliminary mixing action reduces the liquid concentration to the desired level while maintaining the liquid in a dispersed, non-clogging state throughout the delivery process
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter by creating a colloidal dispersion where liquid droplets are distributed throughout the propellant gas phase. This allows precise control of liquid concentration in the final spray while preventing clogging through the dispersed state of the liquid
3Reliability
If a colloidal mixture is formed before nozzle delivery, then nozzle clogging is prevented and temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mixing chamber, valve system, and delivery mechanism into an integrated assembly. The colloidal mixture formation is combined with the propellant gas delivery and nozzle actuation functions, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the benefits of pre-mixed colloidal delivery
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
Enables efficient, uninterrupted, and directed delivery of cooling media at low temperatures, preventing nozzle clogging and ensuring targeted treatment with enhanced user comfort and safety, achieving temperatures below -20°C and allowing for the use of propellants with higher boiling points.
Implementation Method 1
formation of a colloidal mixture comprising a dispersed phase consisting of the liquid cooling medium and a continuous phase consisting of the propellant gas
Implementation Method 2
a dispersing phase consisting of the liquid cooling medium and a continuous phase consisting of the propellant gas
Implementation Method 3
produces a directed stream or spray of the cooling medium
Implementation Method 4
liquid cooling medium... that is evaporatively or endothermically active
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a nebulizer, such as a spray can, for the topical application of a liquid and/or solid to a surface. The nebulizer is characterized by a valve comprising a mixing chamber designed for forming a colloidal mixture comprising a dispersed phase consisting of a liquid and/or a solid substance and a continuous phase consisting of a propellant gas before delivering the colloidal mixture to the nozzle. The invention also relates to a method for the topical cooling of the skin of a person or animal. In addition, the invention relates to various other uses of the device.