Ultrasonic Atomization Apparatus with Focal Zone Extender
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mesh-type atomisers face issues with clogging, disinfection, low delivery rates, and limited volume, restricting their use mainly to medical applications, and require additional systems for liquid delivery and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
An atomisation apparatus using an acoustical oscillator and oscillating means to transmit energy to a mesh, eliminating the need for dedicated delivery systems, incorporating a focal zone extender to maintain acoustical pressure and facilitate self-cleaning and disinfection, and utilizing dual atomisation mechanisms for increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mesh-type atomiser is used, then liquid can be atomized into droplets, but the mesh becomes clogged and requires frequent cleaning and disinfection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mesh component entirely from the atomization system, replacing it with a horn-shaped ultrasonic transducer that directly contacts the liquid. This extraction eliminates the clogging issue while maintaining atomization functionality through ultrasonic vibration of the liquid surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mesh structure with an ultrasonic field-based atomization mechanism. The horn-shaped transducer generates ultrasonic waves that directly atomize the liquid without requiring a physical mesh, thereby eliminating clogging and simplifying maintenance.
2Productivity
If a vibrating mesh atomiser is used, then droplets are produced by vibration, but additional devices are required to vibrate the mesh and deliver liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid delivery function and the vibration/atomization function into a single horn-shaped ultrasonic transducer. The horn both delivers the liquid to the atomization surface and provides the ultrasonic vibration needed for droplet production, eliminating the need for separate delivery mechanisms and vibration devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The horn-shaped ultrasonic transducer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the liquid delivery conduit, the vibration source, and the atomization surface. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining effective droplet production.
3Productivity
If a static mesh atomiser with pressure pump is used, then liquid is pushed through the mesh, but the delivery rate is low and volume is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pressure pump mechanical system with an ultrasonic field-based liquid propulsion mechanism. The horn-shaped transducer uses ultrasonic cavitation and acoustic radiation pressure to propel liquid through the atomization surface at high rates, eliminating the need for external pressure pumps and significantly increasing delivery capacity.
4Productivity
If mesh-type atomisers are used, then atomization is achieved, but cleaning and disinfection are difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mesh component that requires cleaning and disinfection, replacing it with a smooth horn-shaped surface that is easily cleaned and disinfected. The extraction of the porous mesh structure eliminates the primary source of contamination and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic vibration mechanism inherently provides a self-cleaning effect during operation, as the high-frequency vibrations prevent liquid residue and contaminants from adhering to the horn surface. This reduces the need for manual cleaning and disinfection while maintaining atomization functionality.
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 solution enhances aerosol delivery rates, prevents mesh clogging, simplifies design, enables easy disinfection, and increases efficiency, allowing for industrial applications such as water filtration, while maintaining high acoustical pressure and ultrasonic cleaning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustical oscillator being operatively coupled to the container for transmission of acoustical energy to the liquid
Implementation Method 2
oscillating means being operatively coupled to the acoustical oscillator and arranged to cause said oscillator to oscillate
Implementation Method 3
a mesh disposed adjacent the container for contact with the liquid which at least in part passes through the mesh and is atomized
Implementation Method 4
provides a regular self-cleaning effect to the mesh
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates generally to a mesh type apparatus for liquid atomizing and filtration, for example, of the atomizer having a concave ultrasonic transducer, which also forms a part of the liquid container (1). This transducer is emitted an ultrasonic energy which created a spout (2) of the liquid (3) to be atomized. The liquid (8) plays a role of the transmission media. The container (9) with liquid (3) is set up on the top of the container (1). The liquid (3) is separated from the transmission media (8) through the bottom of the container (9) by a material that has minimum attenuation of ultrasonic energy. This separation could be temporary or permanent. The focal zone extender (7) is placed in the vicinity of the bottom of container (9). In this case all liquid above the bottom of the focal zone extender will be forced up to the top of the focal zone extender and atomized at the constant intensity of acoustical energy conveyed from the bottom of the focal zone extender.