USB-Powered Nebulizer Head Circuit for Compact Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nebulizer systems are bulky due to the presence of a controller with a processor, increasing the number of components and hindering portability.
Innovation Solution
A nebulizer system configured with a computer device that supplies a USB signal directly to a nebulizer head via a USB cable, eliminating the need for an intermediate controller. The nebulizer head includes a first resonance circuit, a conversion circuit that generates an AC voltage from the DC voltage and control signal, and an atomizer driven by this AC voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a controller with processor is interposed between computer device and nebulizer head, then control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functionality from a separate controller with processor and integrates it directly into the computer device's USB interface. The computer device now directly generates control signals through its USB D+ and D- lines, eliminating the need for an intermediate controller while maintaining full control capability over the nebulizer head.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions previously performed by a separate controller into the computer device itself. The USB interface of the computer device is enhanced to directly output the required square wave control signals and power, combining multiple functions (power supply, signal generation, control) into a single integrated system without requiring additional external components.
2Ease of operation
If controller is included in nebulizer system, then control functions are provided, but portability is reduced due to bulky components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the computer device's USB interface multi-functional by enabling it to directly provide both power (through Vbus line) and control signals (through D+ and D- lines) to the nebulizer head. This universal interface eliminates the need for separate controller hardware, reducing component count and improving portability while maintaining full control functionality.
3Device complexity
If USB cable directly connects computer device to nebulizer head, then component count is reduced, but voltage conversion must be performed at nebulizer head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage conversion function into a dedicated conversion circuit within the nebulizer head, separate from the computer device. The computer device provides standard USB power (5V) and control signals, while the nebulizer head's conversion circuit independently performs the voltage conversion to generate the required high voltage for the piezoelectric element, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 allows for a compact nebulizer system with fewer components, enhancing portability while maintaining efficient atomization and ejection of liquids.
Implementation Method 1
a first resonance circuit including a first coil and a first capacitor
Implementation Method 2
an atomizer that is driven by the AC voltage having a sinusoidal waveform and atomizes and ejects the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A nebulizer system of the present invention includes a computer device and a nebulizer head directly connected to the computer device by a USB cable. The computer device supplies a DC voltage through a Vbus line and a GND line of the USB cable, and supplies a control signal having a square waveform through a D+ line and a D− line of the USB cable. The nebulizer head includes a first resonance circuit including a first coil and a first capacitor, a conversion circuit that applies a DC voltage intermittently or alternately polarity-reversedly according to a control signal of the first resonance circuit to generate an AC voltage having a sinusoidal waveform, and an atomizer that is driven by the AC voltage having the sinusoidal waveform and atomizes and ejects a liquid.