Nozzle Plate Orifice Design for Liquid Atomization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nozzle plate structures in liquid atomization devices are too simple, leading to liquid accumulation and droplet dripping, which degrades the atomization effect and spray quality due to the lack of complex orifice designs.

Innovation Solution

The nozzle plate features orifices with a liquid-storing space, a liquid-guiding space, and a liquid-outputting space, where the liquid-storing space has an arc-shaped surface, and the liquid-outputting space is defined by nonparallel walls, facilitating efficient liquid atomization and droplet formation through capillary effects and resonance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple circular through-hole orifice is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but liquid atomization quality deteriorates due to liquid accumulation and droplet dripping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorifice structure complexityVSAvoidatomization quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The orifice is segmented into three distinct functional spaces: liquid-storing space (with arc-shaped surface for liquid collection), liquid-guiding space (with guiding walls for directional flow), and liquid-outputting space (with nonparallel walls for controlled ejection). This segmentation prevents liquid accumulation and ensures complete atomization by guiding liquid through a controlled path from storage to output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the orifice are given different geometric properties tailored to their specific functions: the liquid-storing space has an arc-shaped surface optimized for liquid collection, the liquid-guiding space has smoothly connected walls for flow direction, and the liquid-outputting space has nonparallel walls for controlled ejection. This local optimization of geometric properties enhances overall atomization quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If a simple circular orifice is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but liquid atomization completeness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorifice fabrication easeVSAvoidatomization completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The orifice is divided into three manufacturable segments (liquid-storing, liquid-guiding, and liquid-outputting spaces) that can be fabricated using electroforming techniques. Each segment has a defined geometric structure that can be created through controlled electroplating processes, making the complex multi-space orifice manufacturable while achieving complete liquid atomization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the liquid-outputting walls are parallel, then the structure is simpler, but droplet direction control and spray quality are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid-outputting wall configurationVSAvoidspray quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid-outputting space employs nonparallel walls with asymmetric geometry instead of parallel walls. This asymmetric configuration creates directional flow patterns that control droplet ejection angles and spray distribution, enhancing spray quality and preventing droplet dripping while maintaining manageable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 design enhances liquid atomization by preventing droplet dripping and improving spray quality by effectively guiding and outputting the liquid, allowing for controlled droplet size and direction, and reducing liquid accumulation.

Implementation Method 1

The liquid-storing wall has an arc-shaped surface... facilitating efficient liquid atomization and droplet formation through capillary effects and resonance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary effects: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

The liquid-guiding wall is smoothly connected with the liquid-storing wall... facilitating efficient liquid atomization and droplet formation through capillary effects and resonance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS9511389B2Nozzle plate structure
Publication Date: 2016.12.06 TAIWAN PURITIC
  • US9511389B2 patent drawing
  • US9511389B2 patent drawing
  • US9511389B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a nozzle plate structure which comprises a plate and a plurality of orifices penetrating the plate. Each orifice comprises a liquid-storing space and a liquid-outputting space. Through the configuration of the liquid-storing space, the liquid in a container can be smoothly educed therefrom. Through the configuration of the liquid-outputting space, liquid dripping can be decreased. Alternatively, a liquid-guiding space is arranged between the liquid-storing space and the liquid-outputting space, so that the resonance oscillation of the liquid in the orifice can be enhanced. Further, the remaining liquid in the liquid-outputting space can be reabsorbed by the capillarity of the liquid-guiding space.