Piezoelectric Material Delivery for Precise Reactor Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material delivery devices for chemical reactors lack efficient mechanisms to accurately and precisely dispense predefined amounts of materials, particularly liquids, into reaction environments.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric material delivery device with a piezoelectric layer and an additive material, activated by an oscillating voltage source, which vibrates to shed the additive material into a liquid, optionally with a substrate backing layer and intermediate layer for support and protection, and controlled by a controller with sensors to monitor reaction progress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional material delivery devices are used, then material can be added to chemical reactors, but precise dispensing of predefined amounts is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a piezoelectric element that vibrates at high frequency when voltage is applied. This vibration causes the additive material to be shed from the delivery device into the liquid, enabling precise control over material dispensing amounts without complex mechanical dosing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical dosing and dispensing mechanisms with a piezoelectric-based system. The piezoelectric element converts electrical signals directly into mechanical vibration, eliminating the need for complex mechanical pumps, valves, or dosing apparatus while achieving precise material delivery control.
2Manufacturing precision
If piezoelectric layer is activated to shed additive material, then precise material dispensing is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element is activated in periodic pulses rather than continuously. The controller applies voltage in controlled cycles, allowing the piezoelectric material to vibrate and shed additive only when needed, then remains inactive otherwise. This periodic activation significantly reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining precise dispensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the voltage parameters applied to the piezoelectric element to optimize the balance between material dispensing precision and energy consumption. By adjusting voltage magnitude, pulse duration, and frequency, the system achieves precise material delivery with minimal energy input, avoiding continuous high-energy operation.
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 precise and controlled dispensing of additive materials into liquids, enhancing chemical reactions by ensuring timely and accurate material release based on reaction conditions, thereby improving reaction efficiency and control.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric layer and an additive material disposed on the piezoelectric layer such that activation of the piezoelectric layer sheds the additive material into a liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A material delivery device includes a piezoelectric layer and an additive material disposed on the piezoelectric layer such that activation of the piezoelectric layer sheds the additive material into a liquid. A voltage source configured to activate the piezoelectric layer, and a controller configured to command the voltage source to activate the piezoelectric layer can be included. The voltage source can be in communication with and configured to activate and de-active the piezoelectric layer, the controller can be in communication with and configured to command the voltage source, and a sensor in communication and configured to transmit a signal to the controller can be included.