Ultrasonic Atomizer Unit for Uniform Blade Sharpening Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blade sharpening systems face issues with dirty water recirculation, pump clogging, localized cooling, and uneven distribution of water, leading to blade overheating and ineffective lubrication.
Innovation Solution
A USB-powered, gravity-fed atomizer unit with a piezoelectric transducer that produces an atomized mist, funneled through a bristled nozzle for uniform cooling and lubrication, using a clean water reservoir and adjustable mounting for even distribution across the blade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small pump is used to deliver water to the sharpening disc, then water can be delivered to a localized area, but the pump will clog due to dirty recirculated water and the water distribution will be uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump entirely from the system and replaces it with a gravity-fed reservoir that delivers water directly to the atomizer. This extraction eliminates the clogging problem associated with pumps while maintaining water delivery capability through a simpler, more reliable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with a gravity-based fluid delivery system. The reservoir positioned above the atomizer uses gravitational force to feed water to the atomization mechanism, eliminating mechanical moving parts that are prone to clogging and failure.
2Quantity of substance
If a small stream of water is used for cooling, then water consumption is reduced, but the blade overheats because the cooling is not uniform across the entire blade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an ultrasonic atomizer that uses high-frequency vibrations to break water into fine droplets. This mechanical vibration mechanism creates a uniform mist that covers the entire blade surface during sharpening, providing even cooling without requiring large amounts of water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution parameters of water by atomizing it into fine droplets instead of using a continuous stream. This parameter change from liquid stream to aerosol mist dramatically improves surface coverage and cooling uniformity while maintaining low water consumption.
3Quantity of substance
If recirculated water is used, then water usage efficiency is improved, but the water becomes dirty and causes pump clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a disposable water approach by using a reservoir of fresh water that is not recirculated. The water is used once for atomization during sharpening and then discarded, eliminating the problems of debris accumulation and pump clogging associated with recirculation systems.
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
Provides uniform cooling and lubrication across the blade, preventing overheating and debris accumulation, while avoiding pump clogging and splashing, with easy refilling and adjustable positioning.
Implementation Method 1
A USB powered atomizer with piezoelectric transducer for attachment to a blade sharpening device is provided.
Implementation Method 2
A USB powered atomizer with piezoelectric transducer for attachment to a blade sharpening device is provided.
Implementation Method 3
A USB powered atomizer with piezoelectric transducer for attachment to a blade sharpening device is provided.
Data Source
AI summary
A water atomizing unit that affixes to a blade sharpening device to cool, lubricate and clean the blade and sharpening disc. The unit pumps atomized water vertically downward and funnels the atomized fluid into a linear spray. The length and shape of the linear spray pattern is set by an elliptical array of bristles affixed to the bottom of the funnel. The spray deposits the clean water uniformly onto the blade and disc, keeping the blade temperature uniform across its length and width. The elliptical bristle array allows atomized water droplets to condense onto the bristles so as to define an elliptical ring of larger dripping water drops. The unit uses ultrasonic atomization in which the water is crushed and torn into small droplets by the energy of ultrasonic oscillation. The ultrasonic atomization is accomplished by a single piezo ultrasonic atomization device powered by a USB configured DC power supply.