Device for atomizing fluid

Abstract

An atomizer is provided for dispensing liquids into the air. In some implementations, a device is provided for generating atomized fluid specifically, but not exclusively, for production of small droplets of scented oil and other fluid-based fragrances, among other types of liquids. In some embodiments, the device comprises a tube-shaped element having a proximal opening and a distal opening, wherein media positioned inside the tube is forced out of the proximal opening via an aperture plate.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a tube having a proximal opening and a distal opening, wherein the tube contains a wick element that delivers a medium to be dispersed; an aperture plate coupled to the proximal opening of the tube, the aperture plate having a plurality of apertures and being in contact with the wick element contained within the tube; a piezoelectric element attached to a surface of the tube, the piezoelectric element adapted to receive an electrical signal that causes the piezoelectric element to vibrate and induce a wave along a length of the tube that forces the medium through the plurality of apertures within the aperture plate, and wherein the device is operated at a resonant frequency to generate an aerosol from the medium being forced through the plurality of apertures within the aperture plate; wherein the tube has a circular cross-sectional shape and wherein the piezoelectric element is disposed about a circumference of the tube.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the tube is adapted to receive the medium through the distal opening.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the medium includes at least one of a solid, a liquid and a gel.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric element forms a unimorph element with the tube.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric element is adapted to vibrate the tube in a direction perpendicular to its length.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of apertures is formed within the aperture plate coupled to the proximal opening of the tube.

7. A system comprising the device of claim 1.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures within the aperture plate are located at the proximal opening of the tube.

9. The device according to claim 8 further comprising a chamber and an aerosol generator, wherein the wick is in contact with the aperture plate, and liquid is transferred from the chamber to the aperture plate of the aerosol generator by capillary action.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the tube, the aperture plate, and the piezoelectric element are sized to produce the aerosol at the resonant frequency.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein a resonant frequency of the piezoelectric element is the same value as a resonant frequency of the aperture plate.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the medium to be dispersed is used by the device to generate scent.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) Various aspects of at least one example are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures, which are not intended to be drawn to scale. The figures are included to provide an illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and examples, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, but are not intended as a definition of the limits of a particular example. The drawings, together with the remainder of the specification, serve to explain principles and operations of the described and claimed aspects and examples. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure. In the figures:

(2) FIGS. 1A-1D shows some embodiments of a rectangular-shaped device configured to generate an atomized fluid;

(3) FIGS. 2A-2B show some embodiments of a cylindrically-shaped device configured to generate an atomized fluid;

(4) FIGS. 3A-3F show various embodiments and views of an assembly having an array of multiple cylindrical tubes;

(5) FIGS. 4A-4E show embodiments of another type of cylindrical tube; and

(6) FIGS. 5A-5D show further embodiments of an example assembly having an array of cylindrical tube elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(7) As discussed, in some embodiments, an atomizer is provided for dispensing liquids into the air. In some implementations, a device is provided for generating atomized fluid specifically, but not exclusively, for production of small droplets of scented oil and other fluid-based fragrances, among other types of liquids. In some embodiments, the device comprises a tube-shaped element having a proximal opening and a distal opening, wherein media positioned inside the tube is forced out of the proximal opening via an aperture plate.

(8) FIGS. 1A-1D show some embodiments of a device for generating atomized fluid. The device comprises a rectangular tube (101) having a cross-sectional shape a width (W), a depth (T) and a length (L). Although a rectangular tube is shown, it should be appreciated that the tube shape and size is merely an example, and that other shapes and sizes may be used. As shown, a piezoelectric plate (103) is attached across the width (W) of the tube. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric plate (103) may be attached to the rectangular tube (101 via glue, epoxy, solder or other adhesive.

(9) An aperture plate (102) is attached to an end of the tube (101A) while a second end (102B) is open and is configured to receiving a fluid and supplying the fluid to the aperture plate (102) through the tube. The piezoelectric plate (103) is connected to a circuit that generates an electrical signal at a frequency that is equal to the resonance frequency of tube and in an amplitude that is sufficient to produce a flow of atomized droplets. The electrical signal may be, in some embodiments, an alternating signal that is applied to contacts of the piezoelectric plate 103.

(10) In one embodiment, the tube is made of brass and has a width of 6.35 mm, a depth of 3.125 mm, and a length of 40 mm, with a resonance frequency of 50,000 Hz. It should be appreciated however, that other dimensions, configurations and resonant frequencies may be used. In some embodiments, the piezo element and tube form a unimorph device including an active layer (e.g., the piezo element) and an inactive layer (e.g., the tube surface).

(11) FIGS. 2A-2B show a device for generating atomized fluid according to some embodiments. In particular, FIG. 2A shows a round tube device 200 similar in function to the device discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1D. Device 200 may include a tube 202 having a length (L1) and diameter (D1). A piezoelectric sleeve is attached at an end of the cylindrical tube, the element having a length (L2) and diameter (D2). In some embodiments, the piezoelectric sleeve may be attached to the cylindrical tube via glue, epoxy, solder or other adhesive.

(12) Similar to the rectangular embodiment, an aperture plate (e.g., mesh plate 203) is attached to an end of the tube while a second end is open and is configured to receiving a fluid and supplying the fluid to the aperture plate through the tube. The piezoelectric element is connected to a circuit that generates an electrical signal at a frequency that is equal to the resonance frequency of tube and in an amplitude that is sufficient to produce a flow of atomized droplets. The electrical signal may be, in some embodiments, an alternating signal that is applied to contacts of the piezoelectric element (e.g., via positive charge 204 being applied to the piezo layer and a negative charge 205 being applied to the tube).

(13) In one embodiment, the tube is made of brass and has a diameter of 4.76 mm, and a length of 35 mm, with a resonant frequency in a range of substantially 100-300 KHz. The piezo element may have a diameter of 6.4 mm and length of 6.4 mm. It should be appreciated however, that other dimensions, configurations and resonant frequencies may be used. For example, the range of the frequency that a particular device may function can vary from a relatively low frequency (e.g., 20 kHz) to a relatively high value (e.g., 1 GHz). Using the example circular tube devices described above, the resonant frequency may be determined to be in a range of 100-300 KHz. Generally speaking, if the size of the tube is decreased, the frequency increases, but it should be appreciated that the resonant frequency depends on a number of factors and can be determined heuristically from testing the device.

(14) In some embodiments, the piezo element and tube form a unimorph device including an active layer (e.g., the piezo element) and an inactive layer (e.g., the tube surface). In some conventional piezo elements, they may use a pinching/squeezing mechanism to deliver liquids, however, in some embodiments as disclosed herein, a medium (e.g., a liquid) is aerosolized via perpendicular acoustical waves induced by a piezo element. It should be appreciated that although certain shaped devices having certain dimensions are shown, other shaped elements having different dimensions may be used.

(15) FIGS. 3A-3F show various embodiments and views of an assembly having an array of multiple cylindrical tubes. In particular, FIG. 3A shows an assembly 301 including a printed circuit board (PCB) having power and control circuitry that is used to selectively activate one or more piezo-based tubes within the tube assembly. The tube assembly may form an array of tubes (e.g., tube array 303), each of which tubes may be selectively activated. For instance, each of the tubes in the array may hold different scented media, and a system selecting such media may be configured to produce different scents.

(16) Each of the tubes (e.g., tube 302) may be mounted on a mounting structure. In some embodiments, the tubes are mounted to isolate them vibrationally from other tube elements. In some cases, spacers or other elements may isolate the tube elements. In some embodiments, piezo elements of each tube (e.g. piezo element 305) are positionally separated by adjacent tubes yet are mounted by a common electrical connection (e.g., via a separate PCB). The system may have a grouping of electrical connections 304 that permits a connected system to send electrical signals that activate selected aerosol generating devices. In some cases, there may be isolation elements that isolate each tube from the mounting structure.

(17) FIGS. 4A-4E show embodiments of another type of cylindrical tube that may be used to generate aerosol. For example, the cylindrical tube 401, piezoelectric element 402, and mesh plate 403 may have different dimensions and therefore may have different resonant frequencies and operating characteristics that tubes of other sizes.

(18) In some embodiments, an adhesive such as solder or other type of material couples the tube and the piezo element associated with the tube, and substantially fills any gaps between the piezo element and the tube outer wall. Further, solder or other type of adhesive may be used to attach the mesh plate to the tube end, which may include, in some embodiments, a chamfered front edge to permit a larger solder bonding surface.

(19) FIGS. 5A-5D show further embodiments of an example assembly having an array of cylindrical tube elements. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, multiple ones of tube structures shown in FIGS. 4A-4E may be combined into an assembly similar in structure to that shown in FIGS. 3A-3F. In particular, multiple aerosol generators that include a tube (e.g., a brass or stainless tube 501), a ring-shaped piezo element (e.g., piezo ring 502), and aperture plate (e.g., a nickel palladium aperture plate 503), may be mounted on a structure (e.g., a circuit board (PCB)) having power and control circuitry that is used to selectively activate one or more piezo-based tubes within the tube assembly. In particular, the tubes may be positioned on the PCB to form a tube array 506 on assembly 504. Assembly 504 includes a set of electrical connectors 505 that are used to pass electrical activation signals to the piezo-based tubes. As discussed above, the electrical signal may be, in some embodiments, an alternating signal that is applied to contacts of the piezoelectric element (e.g., which is applied to electrical connectors 505 to selectively activate generators in the array). Although such assemblies are shown by way of example, it should be appreciated that the assemblies can take any number of forms, and may include more or less piezo-based aerosol generators.

Example Implementations

(20) One example use of such a device according to various embodiments includes aerosol generation of scented liquids (such as for an AR/VR application described in an example application as discussed with more particularity in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/219,028, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING OLFACTORY STIMULI” filed on Dec. 13, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety), but it can also be for turning any liquid (e.g., aqueous and non-aqueous) into a mist. In particular, the device may be used to atomize scented material, i.e., the ability to turn scented liquids into mist using vibration and micro-pores to allow the scent permeate in the air in specific quantities. As discussed, the device may be used to generate scented liquid media (e.g., such as nanoemulsions) into aerosols which can be perceived by users.

(21) In other examples, the device may be used to atomize media such as liquid forms of cannabis into aerosol for inhalation: For instance, liquid forms of cannabis or cbd oils, waters or other aqueous solutions may be atomized and inhaled by users. Other media that may be used could include emulsions, solutions, mixtures, and inclusions. In such a case, the generator device may be part of a larger delivery mechanism (e.g., an e-cigarette, vaporizer, or other device) that allows users to inhale atomized liquids or other media types.

(22) In some other applications, the device may be used for dispersing medical liquids (e.g., dispersing certain medicines in an atomized form for inhalation using conventional VMT technology. For instance, VMT devices used in nebulizers could be adapted using some of the embodiments described herein for that purpose.

(23) Some other applications include: gel to liquid conversion: certain theoretic gels have attributes where vibration turns them from a gel into a liquid which would allow for atomization through the device. This could be used primarily to do gel coatings as after vibration, the liquid would coalesce back into a gel. volatile liquid atomization—alcohol, ethanol, gasoline, Benzine: For instance, it may be beneficial to able to atomize various less common liquids for reasons like combustion engines. water humidification

(24) In some embodiments, the size specification for the device may be relatively small, especially in applications where multiple devices may be used in parallel, such as within a larger device. Other applications (such as an e-cigarette application), the permitted dimension and/or may be limited to a relatively small form factor. Other applications may use a larger form factor, such as a large mist “cannon” that could be used to vaporize large amounts of water or scent or used as part of an engine.

(25) One implementation includes a tube having a rectangular or square in shape. In some conventional piezo elements, they may use a pinching/squeezing mechanism to deliver liquids, however, in some embodiments as disclosed herein, a medium (e.g., a liquid) is aerosolized is via perpendicular acoustical waves induced by a piezo element.

(26) In some implementations, there are a few ways that the medium can come into contact with the plate. Free in housing: the liquid is just free in the tube and capped at the end opposite the aperture plate end to seal the liquid inside. The vibration pattern forces the liquid in contact with the plate. Wick: A wick is placed in the tube and capped in with the liquid to force the correct capillary action to move the liquid to plate in conjunction with the vibration. In some embodiments, the wick may be shaped to fill the area within the tube (e.g., a rectangular, tubular, or square shape). In some implementations, the wick element may be a replaceable item, and may be accessible to be replaced. The wick may also be part of or coupled to a reservoir that holds liquid to be dispersed. The wick may be, in some embodiments, bidirectional or unidirectional wicking material made out of, for example, natural fibers and/or synthetic fibers including cotton, polyethylene, nylon, metal, graphene, among others. Further, the wick may be sized to form a gap between the wick and the tube which permits the tube to vibrate. In some embodiments, a straw-like structure may be provided that surrounds the wick, is inserted into the tube to provide liquid to the tube, and maintains a gap distance to permit the tube to vibrate. In some embodiments, the wick may contact the aperture plate, and in some embodiments, a mechanical action (e.g., a rear compression action) may push the wick to contact the aperture plate, allowing fluid to wick towards the aperture plate). Cartridge: A cartridge of custom design is inserted into the back to the tube with a connection point to the tube and plate. The cartridge may, or may not, use a wick or material that has a wicking property. In some embodiments, the cartridge may be a removable item, the cartridge in some embodiments containing the liquid(s) and/or wick material and may be easily replaced. In some implementations, the wick and liquid-containing chamber may be removable from the aerosol generating devices to ease replacement and reduce overall operating cost of the device.

(27) For example, various embodiments as described herein may be used alone or in combination with any other feature or aspect, such as those shown by way of example in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/219,028, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING OLFACTORY STIMULI” filed on Dec. 13, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, such aerosol devices may be used in association with XR (e.g., AR, VR) applications and/or devices, or other types of control systems.

(28) Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.