Piezoelectric Device Frequency Tracking for Viscous Fluid Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional piezoelectric transducers struggle with efficiently atomizing viscous liquids without heating, leading to reduced efficacy in delivering medication or substances to the respiratory system.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that dynamically adjust the operating frequency of a piezoelectric device by sensing the phase relationship between the switching voltage and the sensed voltage, allowing the frequency to fluctuate within a target frequency band to maintain resonance, even when the resonant frequency drifts due to environmental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional piezoelectric transducers are used to atomize viscous liquids, then the device structure remains simple, but the atomization efficiency deteriorates and the device cannot effectively deliver medication to the respiratory system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment by continuously monitoring the phase relationship between drive signal and current, and adjusting the operating frequency in real-time to track the resonant frequency. This dynamic adaptation allows the transducer to maintain optimal performance with viscous liquids that have different mechanical properties than water, thereby improving atomization efficiency while ensuring reliable medication delivery.
2Productivity
If the liquid is heated to enable vaporization, then atomization can be achieved, but the quality or efficacy of the liquid or medication deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration at resonant frequency to achieve atomization of viscous liquids without heating. By adjusting the operating frequency to track the resonant frequency dynamically, the system generates sufficient mechanical vibration to cavitate and atomize viscous liquids, eliminating the need for thermal processing that would degrade medication quality while maintaining effective atomization capability.
3Ease of operation
If the operating frequency is fixed, then the device operation is simple, but the resonant frequency drift due to environmental changes causes performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the phase relationship between the drive signal and current is continuously monitored. When phase deviation exceeds a threshold, the system adjusts the operating frequency to realign with the resonant frequency. This closed-loop feedback control automatically compensates for environmental drifts while maintaining relatively simple operation, ensuring consistent performance across varying conditions.
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
Ensures consistent and efficient atomization of viscous fluids by maintaining optimal operating conditions, providing a continuous delivery of atomized particles.
Implementation Method 1
A piezoelectric transducer is used to agitate a liquid so that cavitation results
Implementation Method 2
A piezoelectric transducer is used to agitate a liquid so that cavitation results
Implementation Method 3
A piezoelectric transducer is used to agitate a liquid so that cavitation results, and droplets or micro-droplets of the liquid can be formed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A
AI summary
There is presented a method for driving a piezoelectric device and an atomizer for atomizing a fluid, and an atomization method for a fluid using a piezoelectric device; the atomizer employs a piezoelectric device and circuitry that uses a switching voltage across the piezoelectric device at an operating frequency; sensing a sensed voltage corresponding to a phase of the piezoelectric device; and responsive to whether the sensed voltage is in phase or out of phase relative to the switching voltage, changing the operating frequency provided to the piezoelectric device, and the changing is one of: increasing the operating frequency by a first value, or decreasing the operating frequency by a second value.