Piezoelectric Liquid Dispenser With Integrated Self-Sensing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing devices require separate sensors for activation and control, making them more complex, expensive, and prone to malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A self-sensing dispensing device that uses a piezoelectric actuator to both dispense liquid and detect external characteristics, generating command signals to control the dispensing process without the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sensors are used for activation and control, then the device can perform sensing and dispensing functions, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the piezoelectric actuator and sensor into a single integrated component. The piezoelectric element serves dual functions: as an actuator to dispense liquid and as a sensor to detect external characteristics. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensors, reducing device complexity and improving reliability by having fewer independent components that could fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as both an actuator (converting electrical energy to mechanical motion for liquid dispensing) and a sensor (detecting external characteristics and generating command signals). This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If separate sensors are used for activation and control, then the device can detect and control liquid dispensing, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the piezoelectric actuator and sensor into a single component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and calibrated. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining reliable control functionality.
3Device complexity
If the piezoelectric actuator executes both dispensing and detecting functions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the actuator must operate at higher frequencies to maintain control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric actuator operates at periodic frequencies, oscillating to dispense liquid while simultaneously detecting external characteristics. The electronic control means analyzes the periodic signals generated by the actuator's operation to determine external characteristics and control dispensing parameters, allowing the single component to handle both functions effectively.
4Extent of automation
If the piezoelectric actuator generates command signals for control, then autonomous operation is achieved, but the precision of liquid dispensing control must be maintained at higher operation frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric actuator generates command signals based on detected external characteristics, creating a feedback loop. The electronic control means receives these signals and adjusts dispensing parameters accordingly, enabling autonomous operation while maintaining precision through continuous feedback and adjustment, even at higher operating frequencies.
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 solution simplifies the device, reduces costs, and enhances reliability by integrating sensing and dispensing functions into a single component, allowing for autonomous operation and improved control over liquid dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator used as a vibrating element for causing the liquid to vibrate so to be accelerated and expelled
Implementation Method 2
said actuator is operable to execute in itself at least a dispensing function and a detecting function, the detecting function detecting at least characteristics external to the self-sensing dispensing device and causing said actuator to generate a command signal
Data Source
AI summary
A self-sensing dispensing device comprising: power supply means, a liquid dispensing element comprising an actuator and a dispensing aperture through which liquid is to be dispensed by activation of the actuator, electronic control means operable to control said actuator, liquid supply means for connecting with a liquid reservoir to supply liquid to said liquid dispensing element, valving means for allowing or blocking liquid to flow from said reservoir to said liquid dispensing element, wherein said actuator is operable to execute in itself at least a dispensing function and a detecting function, the detecting function detecting at least characteristics external to the self-sensing dispensing device and causing said actuator to generate a command signal, and wherein said electronic control means is operable to control said valving means and said actuator based on the reception of said command signal.