Liquid atomizer comprising a piezoelectric element and iron comprising such an atomizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid atomizers with a micro-perforated membrane have limited operational time due to small water tank capacity and suffer from dripping issues when stopped, as increasing tank volume leads to unwanted water flow through the membrane.
Innovation Solution
A liquid atomizer design featuring a piezoelectric element fixed to a horn with a cavity supplied by a reservoir through a bypass duct, using a pump to maintain continuous liquid flow and a micro-perforated membrane with a non-stick coating, ensuring efficient operation and preventing dripping by maintaining a low water height above the membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the volume of the water tank above the micro-perforated membrane is increased to extend operational time, then the duration of action is improved, but water drop flow through the membrane occurs when the atomizer is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The water tank is divided into two separate parts: a first tank positioned above the micro-perforated membrane that maintains a limited water height to prevent dripping, and a second tank positioned below that provides additional water capacity. A pump transfers water between these tanks, enabling the system to operate for extended periods without increasing the water height above the membrane.
Solution Approach 2:
A pump is introduced as an intermediary device to transfer water from the second tank to the first tank, and subsequently to the atomization system. This mediator enables controlled water delivery, allowing the system to maintain a low water level above the membrane while still providing sufficient water for prolonged operation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the water tank capacity is increased to allow continuous operation, then the duration of action is improved, but the height of the water column above the membrane increases causing dripping
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage system is segmented into a first tank with limited capacity positioned above the membrane and a second tank with larger capacity positioned below. This segmentation allows the total water capacity to be increased while maintaining a limited water column height in the first tank, thus preventing dripping while enabling continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing water capacity by increasing the height of the water column vertically above the membrane, the solution adds a second tank in a different spatial arrangement (below the first tank). This dimensional reorganization allows capacity expansion without increasing the critical vertical height above the membrane.
3Manufacturing precision
If a micro-perforated membrane is used to achieve precise droplet atomization, then the manufacturing precision of droplet size is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise water level control
Solution Approach 1:
The water level control function is segmented between the dual-tank system and the pump mechanism. The first tank's limited height passively prevents overfilling and dripping, while the pump actively manages water transfer. This segmentation simplifies the overall control system compared to using a single complex active control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The first tank is designed with a limited height that passively self-regulates the water level above the membrane, preventing dripping without requiring active sensing or control. The system uses its own structural design (tank height limitation) to maintain proper water levels, reducing the need for additional control components.
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 continuous operation without dripping, maintaining efficient atomization with uniform droplet size and reduced energy consumption, suitable for long-term use and integration with irons for effective humidification.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element fixed to a horn amplifying vibratory displacements
Implementation Method 2
a horn amplifying vibratory displacements
Implementation Method 3
a micro-perforated membrane closing one side of the cavity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Liquid atomizer (6) comprising a piezoelectric element (8) fixed on a vibrational-displacement amplifying horn (9) comprising a cavity (90) containing the liquid that is to be atomized, the said horn (9) comprising a first part (92) receiving the piezoelectric element (8) and a second part (93), distinct from the first part (92), coupled mechanically and acoustically to a microperforated membrane (91) that closes off one side of the said cavity (90), characterized in that the said cavity (90) is supplied with liquid coming from a reservoir (5) by means of a pump (51) having a throughput greater than the spray throughput of the atomizer (6) in operation, and in that the said horn (9) comprises at least one outlet hole (94) connecting the cavity (90) to a bypass pipe (66) leading towards the reservoir (5).