Small Active Area Plate Ejector for Droplet Delivery

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing droplet delivery devices for the respiratory system face challenges in delivering accurate, consistent, and verifiable amounts of substances with suitable droplet sizes for effective aerosolization, as they often produce larger droplets due to inefficient aerosol generation mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The use of an ejector plate with a smaller active area and a solid outer surrounding area, potentially featuring a raised dome or anulus, to focus vibrations and control the Median Mass Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) of droplets, thereby promoting efficient aerosolization and reducing droplet size variability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional ejector plate with holes throughout the full area is used, then liquid can flow through all holes, but droplet size control is poor and geometric standard deviation is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedroplet size controlVSAvoidejector plate structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector plate is segmented into distinct functional zones: a central active area with holes for droplet generation, surrounded by a solid outer area that prevents unwanted liquid flow. This segmentation allows precise control over which holes are active, improving droplet size consistency and reducing geometric standard deviation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the ejector plate are given different properties: the central active area has holes for aerosol generation, while the outer surrounding area is solid to contain and direct liquid flow. This local differentiation optimizes droplet formation characteristics and improves MMAD control without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the active area of the ejector plate is increased, then more liquid can be processed, but droplet size variability increases and aerosolization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid processing capacityVSAvoiddroplet size consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector plate is segmented into distinct functional zones: a central active area with holes for droplet generation, surrounded by a solid outer area that prevents unwanted liquid flow. This segmentation allows precise control over which holes are active, improving droplet size consistency and reducing geometric standard deviation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If a solid outer area is added around the active area, then droplet size control improves, but the overall plate area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMMAD controlVSAvoidejector plate area

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the ejector plate are given different properties: the central active area has holes for aerosol generation, while the outer surrounding area is solid to contain and direct liquid flow. This local differentiation optimizes droplet formation characteristics and improves MMAD control without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enables more precise control over droplet sizes, reducing the geometric standard deviation and achieving smaller, more targeted aerosol delivery, improving the efficacy of substance delivery to the respiratory system.

Implementation Method 1

a powered transducer acts on the liquid and ejector mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

aerosolization by giving greater control over the Median Mass Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) of the desired droplets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerosolization: Aerosol

Data Source

PatentUS20230356253A1Small active area plate ejector for droplet delivery device

Publication Date: 2023.11.09 PNEUMA RESPIRATORY INC

AI summary

A droplet delivery device includes an ejector plate having an overall area that includes an outer area that is solid without holes and inner, active area with holes.