Vibration-Based Droplet Control for Compact Liquid Ejection Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-pressure liquid ejection devices face challenges in reducing size due to bulky temperature adjustment mechanisms, limiting work space and portability, and struggle with controlling droplet formation distance which is affected by external temperature.
Innovation Solution
A liquid ejection device with a nozzle, liquid conveying tube, and a first vibration applying unit, such as a piezoelectric element, that applies vibration to the nozzle or liquid conveying tube, allowing for efficient conversion of a continuous liquid flow into droplets closer to the work object, reducing the droplet formation distance and enabling a smaller device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a temperature adjustment mechanism is used to control droplet formation, then droplet formation distance can be controlled, but device size increases and work space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical temperature adjustment mechanism with a vibration-based system. A vibration unit applies mechanical vibration to the liquid conveying tube or nozzle, causing the liquid flow to break into droplets at a controlled distance from the nozzle. This substitution eliminates bulky temperature control components while achieving precise droplet formation distance control through vibration frequency and amplitude adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly applies mechanical vibration to the liquid conveying tube or nozzle to control droplet formation. The vibration unit generates oscillations that destabilize the liquid flow, causing it to break into droplets at a specific distance from the nozzle. By adjusting vibration parameters (frequency, amplitude), the droplet formation distance can be precisely controlled without requiring temperature adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing device size.
2Manufacturing precision
If a temperature adjustment mechanism is used to adjust liquid temperature, then droplet formation can be controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex temperature adjustment mechanism (including heat medium channels, temperature control tanks, and heating/cooling elements) with a simple vibration unit. The vibration-based droplet formation control requires only a vibration source and control circuitry, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving droplet formation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mechanical vibration as a simpler alternative to temperature control for droplet formation. The vibration unit directly acts on the liquid flow or conveying tube to create controlled droplet breakup, eliminating the need for complex thermal management systems and reducing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If temperature adjustment mechanism is provided, then workability is improved, but portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy temperature adjustment mechanisms with a lightweight vibration unit. The vibration-based droplet formation system requires minimal mass compared to thermal management systems, improving device portability while maintaining workability through effective droplet formation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mechanical vibration, which can be generated by compact and lightweight actuators, to control droplet formation. This approach eliminates the need for heavy heating elements, heat sinks, and heat medium circulation systems, thereby reducing device weight and improving portability while preserving workability.
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 device achieves improved work efficiency and portability by shortening the droplet formation distance, independent of external temperature, and expanding the colliding range, enhancing handleability and work efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first vibration applying unit, such as a piezoelectric element, that applies vibration to the nozzle or liquid conveying tube
Implementation Method 2
apples vibration to the nozzle or liquid conveying tube, allowing for efficient conversion of a continuous liquid flow into droplets
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a liquid ejection device that includes a nozzle that ejects a liquid, a liquid conveying tube that conveys the liquid to the nozzle, an outer tube that is internally provided with the nozzle and the liquid conveying tube, and a first vibration applying unit that applies vibration to the nozzle or the liquid conveying tube. The first vibration applying unit is provided between the nozzle and the outer pipe or between the liquid conveying tube and the outer pipe.