Ultrasonic Fluid Dispenser with Vibrating Backstops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers face challenges with high pressure requirements, clogging, and inefficient handling of high viscosity fluids, as well as backspray issues when spraying pesticides, due to complex and power-intensive mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A portable fluid dispenser utilizing a self-feeding tentacle pump with a spinning element and vibrating directional elements to atomize and dispense fluids with low pressure, redirecting backspray forward and accommodating both low and high viscosity fluids without clogging, using a motor-powered tentacle conduit system with flexible tentacles and bristles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high pressure is used to spray fluid through small openings, then fluid atomization and spray distance are improved, but power consumption and risk of clogging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional high-pressure mechanical pumping system with an ultrasonic vibration-based atomization system. The ultrasonic transducer vibrates at high frequency to atomize fluid at the tip of the dip tube, eliminating the need for high-pressure generation while achieving effective spray distance and coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters from high pressure to high-frequency vibration. The ultrasonic transducer operates at frequencies typically above 20 kHz, transforming the fluid through vibrational energy rather than pressure, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining spray effectiveness.
2Speed
If high pressure is used to spray through small openings, then spray distance is improved, but fluid clogging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pressure-based spray mechanism with an ultrasonic vibration-based atomization mechanism. This substitution eliminates the small openings that are prone to clogging, as the ultrasonic vibration directly atomizes the fluid at the tip without requiring fluid to pass through constricted passages under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic atomization system inherently prevents clogging through its vibration mechanism. The high-frequency vibrations keep the fluid in constant motion and prevent deposition or blockage at the atomization tip, providing self-cleaning action that maintains reliability without additional components.
3Area of stationary object
If spinning mechanisms spray in 360 degrees, then fluid coverage is improved, but backspray to the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional spinning spray mechanism by using a stationary ultrasonic atomization tip. Instead of rotating the spray source to achieve 360-degree coverage, the user manually moves the stationary dispenser, which eliminates backspray while maintaining coverage through controlled application.
4Speed
If conventional pumping mechanisms are used, then fluid transport is achieved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dip tube with integrated ultrasonic transducer serves as a self-feeding system. The ultrasonic vibrations at the tip create a low-pressure zone that draws fluid up the dip tube through capillary action and pressure differential, eliminating the need for separate pumping mechanisms and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the pumping function from the main body of the dispenser and integrates it into the dip tube assembly. The ultrasonic transducer mounted at the tip of the dip tube performs both atomization and fluid transport functions, simplifying the overall device architecture by removing dedicated pumping components.
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 efficient, low-power fluid dispensing and atomization with minimal pressure, effectively handling high viscosity fluids and redirecting backspray, while maintaining a simple, durable, and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer that vibrates at high frequency to atomize the fluid into fine droplets
Implementation Method 2
a heated element that evaporates the solvent from the fluid, leaving behind the deposited material
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically powered, portable fluid dispenser that includes a main housing and extendable wand that when used in conjunction with an electric motor, a self-feeding tentacle pumping spinning element, tentacle feed tube, and focusable vibrating backstops, is able to pump, atomize, and dispense, low and high viscosity fluid with controlled directionality and droplet size.