inhaler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flavor inhalers using piezoelectric element substrates for atomization face inefficiencies due to limited power supply to interlocking comb-shaped electrodes, affecting the atomization efficiency and particle size distribution of aerosols.
Innovation Solution
The flavor inhaler incorporates a piezoelectric element substrate with a specific number of interlocking comb-shaped metallic electrodes, determined based on desired aerosol characteristics, and a SAW module that optimizes power supply and frequency to improve atomization efficiency and control particle size, using a hydrophilic layer and separation walls to enhance aerosol generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of interlocking comb-shaped electrodes is increased to improve atomization efficiency, then the atomization efficiency is improved, but the power supply requirement increases and exceeds the limited power supply capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the electrodes, specifically reducing the width and increasing the spacing between adjacent electrodes. This parameter optimization allows for increased number of electrodes (improving atomization efficiency) while reducing the power consumption of each electrode, thereby fitting within the limited power supply capacity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of interlocking comb-shaped electrodes is increased to control particle size distribution, then the particle size control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific geometric parameters of the electrodes (width and spacing) to achieve precise particle size control. By carefully selecting these parameters, the patent accomplishes fine particle size distribution control without requiring an excessively large number of electrodes, thus avoiding excessive device complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the electrode spacing is increased to reduce power consumption, then the power supply requirement is reduced, but the atomization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simultaneously optimizes multiple parameters: increasing electrode spacing to reduce power consumption while decreasing electrode width and increasing the number of electrodes to maintain atomization efficiency. This multi-parameter optimization resolves the trade-off between power consumption and atomization efficiency.
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 configuration enhances atomization efficiency, stabilizes aerosol production, and achieves a desired particle size distribution, improving the overall performance of the flavor inhaler by optimizing the number of electrodes and power management.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element substrate having an interdigital transducer made of a pair of interlocking comb-shaped metallic electrodes; and a liquid supplier configured to supply liquid to be aerosolized to the piezoelectric element substrate. The piezoelectric element substrate is configured to atomize the liquid by use of a surface acoustic wave generated by applying a voltage to the pair of interlocking comb-shaped metallic electrodes at a high frequency (resonant frequency)
Implementation Method 2
piezoelectric element substrate having an interdigital transducer made of a pair of interlocking comb-shaped metallic electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
An inhaler comprises a first liquid storage unit; a second liquid storage unit; an atomizing unit which comprises a piezoelectric element substrate having an IDT constructed by use of a pair of interlocking comb-shaped metallic electrodes and is constructed to atomize liquid by a surface acoustic wave generated by applying a high-frequency voltage to the pair of interlocking comb-shaped metallic electrodes; and a mouthpiece for guiding aerosol which is generated by atomizing the liquid in the atomizing unit. The atomizing unit is constructed to atomize first liquid supplied from the first liquid storage unit and second liquid supplied from the second liquid storage unit, respectively.