Piezoelectric Inhaler Atomization Using Resonant Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flavor inhalers using piezoelectric element substrates face challenges in efficiently atomizing liquids due to limited power supply to interlocking comb-shaped electrodes, affecting aerosol production and particle size control.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a piezoelectric element substrate with a specific number of interlocking comb-shaped metallic electrodes, determined based on desired aerosol properties, and a SAW module that uses a voltage and frequency control circuit to optimize atomization efficiency, including a hydrophilic layer and separation wall to enhance aerosol generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of interlocking comb-shaped metallic electrodes is increased to improve atomization efficiency, then aerosol production improves, but power consumption increases and piezoelectric substrate integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode system into multiple pairs of interlocking comb-shaped metallic electrodes (first pair, second pair, third pair) distributed across different regions of the piezoelectric element substrate. This segmentation allows the atomization function to be distributed across multiple electrode pairs, enabling efficient atomization while controlling power consumption by activating only necessary electrode pairs based on aerosol production requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Different pairs of interlocking comb-shaped metallic electrodes are positioned in different regions of the piezoelectric element substrate (front surface, side surface, rear surface). This local quality approach enables targeted atomization in specific regions, optimizing power usage by activating only the electrode pairs needed for the desired aerosol production level while maintaining substrate integrity
2Productivity
If the number of interlocking comb-shaped metallic electrodes is increased to improve atomization efficiency, then aerosol production improves, but the piezoelectric substrate integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode configuration into multiple pairs distributed across different surfaces and regions of the piezoelectric element substrate. This segmentation reduces the electrical and mechanical stress concentration on any single area of the substrate, preventing degradation and maintaining substrate integrity while achieving efficient atomization through coordinated operation of multiple electrode pairs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent places different pairs of interlocking comb-shaped metallic electrodes in specific locations on the piezoelectric element substrate (front surface, side surface, rear surface). This local quality approach ensures that the substrate structure is optimized for both electrical performance and mechanical strength at each location, maintaining overall substrate integrity while enabling efficient atomization
3Productivity
If voltage and frequency control is optimized to improve atomization efficiency, then aerosol production improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a voltage and frequency control circuit that adjusts the electrical parameters (voltage amplitude and frequency) applied to the interlocking comb-shaped metallic electrodes. This parameter optimization enables efficient atomization by tuning the electrical characteristics to match the resonant frequency and optimal voltage levels for the piezoelectric element substrate and electrode configuration, achieving high aerosol production while managing control complexity through systematic parameter adjustment
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 improves atomizing efficiency, controls particle size, and maintains the integrity of the piezoelectric substrate, resulting in a stable and efficient aerosol production suitable for flavor inhalers.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric element substrate is configured to atomize 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
a 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 1 according to the present disclosure comprises an atomizing unit 100 comprising a piezoelectric element substrate 31 having a first IDT consisting of a pair of interlocking comb-shaped electrodes 33, wherein the atomizing unit 100 is configured to atomize liquid by a surface acoustic wave generated by applying a high-frequency voltage to the pair of interlocking comb-shaped electrodes 33, and a controller 400 configured to monitor a resonant frequency of the pair of interlocking comb-shaped electrodes 33 and apply a voltage to the pair of interlocking comb-shaped electrodes 33 at a frequency determined based on the monitored resonant frequency.