Electrohydrodynamic Atomization Nozzle With Notched Slit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrohydrodynamic atomization systems face challenges with low mass throughput due to the geometry of capillary nozzles, making large-scale implementation difficult, and previous solutions like multi-jet modes from single-capillaries or one-dimensional capillary arrays are either unstable or impractical for industrial use.
Innovation Solution
The use of nozzles with an inner rod and outer tube forming an annular channel that creates a circular or planar slit, where notches on the inner or outer components enhance the electric field, allowing the liquid sheet to be separated into stable multiple jets, increasing mass throughput without the need for multiple feeding channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-capillary nozzle is used, then the device complexity is low, but the mass throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single capillary nozzle is segmented into multiple jets by introducing notches on the capillary surface. These notches divide the liquid flow into multiple discrete jets while maintaining a single capillary structure, thereby increasing mass throughput without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single central jet (one-dimensional output) to multiple jets distributed around the capillary circumference (two-dimensional distribution). This dimensional change allows multiple liquid streams to be generated from a single capillary, significantly increasing mass throughput while keeping the nozzle structure relatively simple
2Productivity
If multiple individual capillaries are arranged in a one-dimensional array, then the liquid flowrate increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple capillaries are merged into a single capillary structure with notches. Instead of assembling multiple separate capillaries into an array, the invention combines their functionality into one integrated component with multiple jet outlets, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high liquid flowrate
Solution Approach 2:
A single capillary nozzle is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the liquid delivery channel and the multi-jet generation device. The notches on the capillary surface enable one component to achieve what previously required multiple components, improving ease of manufacture
3Productivity
If multiple individual capillaries are used, then the liquid flowrate increases, but the system stability decreases due to multiple feeding channels
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid flow within the single capillary is segmented into multiple jets by notches, achieving high liquid flowrate equivalent to multiple capillaries while maintaining a single unified feeding channel, thereby preserving system stability
4Productivity
If a single-capillary nozzle operates in multi-jet mode, then the mass throughput increases, but the jet stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The notches are strategically positioned and dimensioned to create localized electric field enhancements at specific points around the capillary. This local modification of the electric field distribution enables stable jet formation at each notch location, maintaining jet stability while achieving multi-jet mode operation with increased mass throughput
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
This configuration achieves high mass throughput and versatile multiplexing capabilities while simplifying design and reducing manufacturing costs, with stable multi-jet operation and increased liquid flowrate compared to single-capillary nozzles, and is applicable across a range of spray liquid conductivities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrically chargeable notch located on at least one of the inner rod and the outer tube proximate the circular slit
Implementation Method 2
Electrohydrodynamic atomization, often called electrospray (ES), has recently attracted great attention for potential and practical particle applications
Implementation Method 3
a liquid meniscus at the exit of a capillary nozzle is subjected to an electrical stress, resulting from a divergent electrical field
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for producing un-agglomerated, monodisperse droplets using a liquid sheet are provided. Nozzles with exit slit openings shape a spray liquid into a thin liquid sheet as the spray liquid exits from the slit opening. Stable multi-jet operation is achieved by including notches along the edge of the slit. The notches separate the liquid sheet into multiple jets to provide anchoring and stable multi jet operation. In some embodiments, the liquid sheet electrospray techniques and nozzles described herein provide high mass throughput and versatile multiplexing spray systems while reducing the engineering effort and high manufacturing cost.