Piezoelectric Microdosing Apparatus for Nanoliter Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microdosing apparatuses are complex and require fine-mechanical or microstructured members, limiting their precision and increasing production costs, while also being sensitive to fluid viscosity and requiring complex mechanisms for adjusting dosing volumes.
Innovation Solution
A microdosing apparatus with a flexible polymer tube and an actuating device having an adjustable stroke, allowing for variable fluidic impedance by changing the position and cross-sectional area of the fluid conduit, enabling precise dispensing of liquids as free flying droplets or jets without the need for complex structures or high pressure chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pipettes and dispensing methods are used, then dosing can be achieved, but precision is insufficient for nanoliter range and complex fine-mechanical structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical dosing mechanisms with a piezoelectrically actuated syringe pump system. The piezoelectric element converts electrical signals directly into precise mechanical displacement, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and achieving nanoliter precision through electro-mechanical conversion rather than purely mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the piezoelectric effect to change the physical state of the actuator material in response to electrical parameters. By controlling the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element, the system achieves precise control over syringe piston displacement, thereby controlling dosing volume at the nanoliter scale without mechanical complexity.
2Productivity
If fast-switching valves with high pressure are used to generate free jet, then dosing can be achieved, but the system becomes sensitive to fluid viscosity and requires complex pressure generation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex pressure generation mechanisms with a piezoelectrically driven syringe pump. The piezoelectric element directly actuates the syringe piston, converting electrical energy into controlled mechanical force that pushes fluid through the needle at high speed without requiring separate pressure generation systems or fast-switching valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pressure generation function with the dosing mechanism itself. The syringe pump housing integrates both the pressure generation chamber and the dosing chamber, eliminating the need for separate high-pressure chambers and valve mechanisms while maintaining the ability to generate free jet at high dosing speeds.
3Manufacturing precision
If fine-mechanical or microstructured members are used, then dosing can be achieved, but production costs increase and operational security decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive fine-mechanical components with a piezoelectrically actuated syringe pump system. The piezoelectric elements and syringe pump components are generally more cost-effective to manufacture than precision microstructured members, while achieving equivalent or superior dosing precision through electro-mechanical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses piezoelectric material properties to achieve precise dosing control without relying on expensive fine-mechanical components. By controlling electrical parameters (voltage, frequency) of the piezoelectric actuator, the system achieves precise dosing volumes at lower manufacturing cost compared to precision-machined mechanical components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dosing apparatuses are used, then dosing can be achieved, but they require complex mechanisms for adjusting dosing volumes and are sensitive to fluid viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses piezoelectric material properties to achieve precise dosing control without relying on expensive fine-mechanical components. By controlling electrical parameters (voltage, frequency) of the piezoelectric actuator, the system achieves precise dosing volumes at lower manufacturing cost compared to precision-machined mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable dosing system where the syringe pump parameters (piston displacement, pump rate) can be continuously adjusted through electrical control. This dynamic adjustment capability allows versatile dosing volume modification without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, as the electrical parameters can be changed in real-time during operation.
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
The solution allows for adjustable dosing volumes with high precision and reduced production costs, independence from fluid viscosity, and the ability to dispense media that cannot be moved by capillary forces, with improved operational security and simplified cleaning processes.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating device has a piezoelectric element, by which the syringe piston can be actuated
Implementation Method 2
pressure is built up in the same. By the fast switching of the valve with a switching time of less than 1 ms, a very large flow is generated
Implementation Method 3
the fluid, even with high surface tensions, can separate from the dispensing position and can impinge on the substrate as free jet
Implementation Method 4
the fluid, even with high surface tensions, can separate from the dispensing position
Data Source
AI summary
A microdosing apparatus and method include a fluid conduit having a flexible tube with a first end for connecting to a fluid reservoir and a second end where an outlet opening is located. An actuating device with a displacer with an adjustable stroke is provided, by which the volume of a portion of the flexible tube can be changed to thereby dispense liquid as free flying droplets or as a free flying jet at the outlet opening by moving the displacer between a first end position and a second end position, whereby the tube is partly compressed in the first or the second end position.