Nozzle Plate Axial Flow Path Length Variation for Plume Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid ejection devices are designed to eject fluid droplets in a straight line, making them unsuitable for delivering a mist of fluid droplets, which is necessary for applications like nasal drug delivery, where a wider plume angle and varied fluid velocities are required for effective drug absorption.
Innovation Solution
A fluid jet ejection device with a cartridge body and ejection head featuring a plurality of fluid ejectors and nozzle plates with different axial flow path lengths, allowing for the adjustment of plume characteristics by activating nozzles with varying flow path lengths to produce a wider plume angle and varied fluid velocities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional fluid ejection devices are used to eject fluid droplets in a straight line, then the device structure is simple, but the plume angle is narrow and cannot provide adequate mist formation for drug delivery coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle plate is segmented into multiple regions, each with nozzles of different axial flow path lengths. This segmentation allows different portions of the fluid jet to travel different distances before ejection, creating varied velocities and a wider plume angle for improved drug delivery coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the nozzle plate are given different local qualities by varying the axial flow path lengths of nozzles in specific areas. This creates spatial variation in fluid jet characteristics, enabling the plume to expand wider while maintaining controlled ejection patterns for effective mist formation.
2Ease of operation
If fluid droplets are ejected with high velocity in a straight line, then the ejection distance is increased, but the droplets land only at the aimed point with poor distribution coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the activation of nozzles with different axial flow path lengths to eject fluid droplets at varied velocities. This dynamic variation in ejection speed creates a mist pattern that covers a wider area, improving drug delivery coverage while maintaining effective ejection distance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single nozzle configuration is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it cannot be adapted to deliver a variety of fluids with different characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle plate is designed with multiple nozzle types (different axial flow path lengths) in a single structure, making it universal for delivering various fluids with different characteristics. This multi-functional nozzle configuration allows the device to adapt to different drug formulations and delivery requirements without requiring separate nozzle designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the nozzle structure, specifically the axial flow path lengths, to accommodate different fluid characteristics. By having nozzles with varied flow path lengths, the device can adjust its ejection parameters to suit different viscosities, densities, and flow properties of various drugs and carriers.
4Shape
If all nozzles have the same axial flow path length, then the manufacturing precision requirement is reduced, but the plume angle remains narrow and mist formation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle plate is segmented into zones with different axial flow path lengths, creating intentional variations in nozzle geometry. This segmentation promotes mist formation by generating fluid jets with different velocities and expansion rates, achieving wider plume angles without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing of each individual nozzle.
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 the delivery of a variety of fluids with different characteristics, providing improved drug delivery coverage by creating a mist of fluid droplets that can float throughout the nasal cavity for more even distribution, enhancing bioavailability and convenience compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion of the plurality of fluid ejection nozzles have a first axial flow path length and a second portion of the plurality of fluid ejection nozzles have a second axial flow path length greater than the first axial flow path length
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid jet ejection device, a method of making a fluid jet ejection head for a fluid ejection device, and a method of improving the plume characteristics of fluid ejected from the fluid jet ejection head. The fluid jet ejection device includes a cartridge body; and a fluid jet ejection cartridge disposed in the cartridge body. The fluid jet ejection cartridge contains a fluid and an ejection head attached to the fluid jet ejection cartridge. The ejection head contains a plurality of fluid ejectors thereon and a nozzle plate having a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles therein associated with the plurality of fluid ejectors, wherein a first portion of the plurality of fluid ejection nozzles have a first axial flow path length and a second portion of the plurality of fluid ejection nozzles have a second axial flow path length greater than the first axial flow path length.