UV-Clean Liquid Droplet Ejector for Rapid Organic Impurity Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid droplet ejecting apparatuses require significant time for cleaning due to the traditional three-step process of filling, removing, and drying cleaning solutions, which hampers productivity in applications such as biochemistry and pharmaceutical research.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a design with ultraviolet ray irradiation cleaning, allowing for direct exposure of the inner surfaces of the solution container, pressure chamber, and nozzle, enabling rapid volatilization of organic impurities and reducing cleaning time by eliminating the need for filling and removing cleaning solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning solution is used to clean the inner surfaces of the liquid flow channel, then the organic matter is removed effectively, but the cleaning process takes a significant amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical cleaning system (filling, removing, and drying cleaning solutions) with an optical/energy-based system (ultraviolet ray irradiation). The UV rays directly decompose organic matter on the inner surfaces through photodissociation, eliminating the need for liquid cleaning solutions and the associated multi-step process, thereby significantly reducing cleaning time while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cleaning mechanism from chemical (cleaning solutions) to physical/energetic (ultraviolet radiation). By utilizing the energy parameter of UV rays with wavelengths typically in the range of 200-400 nm, the system achieves decomposition of organic contaminants through photochemical reactions, transforming the cleaning approach from wet chemical processing to dry energetic processing, which reduces time and simplifies the procedure
2Reliability
If the traditional three-step cleaning process is used, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but productivity is hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the traditional mechanical/chemical cleaning workflow with ultraviolet irradiation, which can be applied continuously or intermittently without interrupting the operational flow. The UV cleaning system allows for in-situ treatment of the liquid flow channel, eliminating the need to stop operations for multi-step cleaning procedures, thus maintaining high productivity while ensuring thorough cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary or preventive cleaning by irradiating the inner surfaces with ultraviolet rays before contaminants accumulate to problematic levels. This proactive approach maintains cleaning quality without requiring extensive post-contamination cleaning operations, thereby preserving productivity by preventing rather than curing contamination issues
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 approach significantly reduces the cleaning time, enhancing the productivity of the liquid droplet ejecting apparatus by allowing for quicker preparation and maintenance, thus improving operational efficiency in biochemistry and pharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus incorporates a design with ultraviolet ray irradiation cleaning, allowing for direct exposure of the inner surfaces of the solution container, pressure chamber, and nozzle, enabling rapid volatilization of organic impurities
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid droplet ejecting apparatus includes a liquid container including an upper opening for receiving liquid and a lower opening for supplying the liquid, the upper opening being larger than the lower opening, and a liquid ejection chip that is fixed to a lower surface of the liquid container, and includes a pressure chamber formed therein, a nozzle to eject liquid from the pressure chamber, and an actuator disposed adjacent to the nozzle. An opening of the pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the lower opening and is entirely included in an area of the lower opening.