Ultrasonic atomization device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic atomizing devices face challenges in efficiently atomizing liquids due to residual liquid levels, air bubbles, and weight-induced degradation of vibrating plates, leading to unstable and unsustainable atomization, limited atomizing height, and insufficient diffusibility of the solution.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic atomizing device featuring a liquid absorbent wick and a vibrating plate with a frustum-shaped convex part and multiple micropores, which absorbs and atomizes a solution with a viscosity of 1.7 mPa·s to 5.0 mPa·s, allowing for improved atomizing height and diffusibility, and increased durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the liquid directly contacts with the vibrating plate, then the atomization process can be maintained, but the atomization becomes unstable when residual liquid is reduced due to air bubbles increasing between the vibrating plate and liquid surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization stabilityVSAvoidatomization continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A liquid reservoir is introduced as an intermediary component between the liquid supply source and the vibrating plate. This reservoir maintains continuous liquid contact with the vibrating plate surface, preventing air bubbles from forming even when the main liquid supply is depleted. The reservoir acts as a buffer that ensures uninterrupted liquid supply to the atomization surface, thereby maintaining stable and continuous atomization performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the atomizing opening is directed horizontally, then the device structure is simplified, but the atomization is hindered when the liquid surface becomes lower than the nozzle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidatomization stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from horizontal atomization to vertical upward atomization by directing the atomizing opening upward. This dimensional change allows the liquid reservoir to continuously supply liquid to the vibrating plate from below, ensuring the liquid surface remains at or above the nozzle level throughout operation. The vertical configuration resolves the issue of liquid level dropping below the nozzle while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If the liquid is atomized downward, then the whole amount of liquid can be atomized, but the weight of the liquid applies load to the vibrating plate causing degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid atomization completenessVSAvoidvibrating plate lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the atomization direction from downward to upward. By directing the atomizing opening upward, the liquid is supplied from below through the liquid reservoir, eliminating the weight load on the vibrating plate while still enabling complete atomization of the liquid. The piezoelectric element provides the necessary force to propel the liquid upward against gravity, achieving both complete liquid utilization and extended vibrating plate lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Power

If the center of the vibrator is curved, then the vibration can be generated, but the atomizing height is insufficient and diffusibility is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration generationVSAvoidatomizing height
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the vibrating plate by introducing a convex portion with a specific curvature radius (0.5-2.0 mm). This parameter modification optimizes the vibration characteristics and liquid ejection pattern, resulting in significantly increased atomizing height and improved diffusibility of the atomized liquid, while maintaining effective vibration generation through the piezoelectric element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The device achieves stable and sustainable atomization with enhanced diffusibility and atomizing height, reducing the burden on users by prolonging the life of the vibrating plate and improving the spread of active ingredients.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric element which generates ultrasonic vibration when supplied with electricity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a liquid absorbent wick for absorbing a solution from a solution storage container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

causing ultrasonic vibration on the vibrating plate by vibration of the piezoelectric element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP2842641B1Ultrasonic atomization device
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 SUMITOMO CHEM CO LTD
  • EP2842641B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2842641B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)
  • EP2842641B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention is an ultrasonic wave atomizing device including: a liquid absorbent wick (22) for absorbing a solution from a solution container; and a vibrating plate (32) which has multiple micropores (36) penetrating the vibrating plate (32) in a thickness direction and is for atomizing the solution which has been supplied via the liquid absorbent wick (22) by vibration of a piezoelectric element (31), the vibrating plate (32) includes a truncated-cone-shaped convex part (37), and the solution is a solution in which at least an organic solvent and an active ingredient are mixed and whose viscosity is 1.7 mPa·s (20 °C) to 5.0 mPa·s (20 °C). This structure makes an atomizing height higher, which improves diffusibility of atomized liquid.