The addition of an O-ring to the atomization plate is a critical process in the production and application of piezoelectric ceramic atomization plates. Its primary functions are sealing, shock absorption, and fixation, while also addressing various issues related to the compatibility of the atomization plate with the atomizer chamber. This ensures stable atomization results, extends the lifespan of the atomization plate, and accommodates different assembly requirements for various atomization devices. Below are the specific benefits of adding an O-ring, categorized by the priority of its core functions:
1. Sealed to prevent leaks, ensuring the effectiveness of the atomization core.
When the atomization plate is in operation, it is essential to maintain a stable water level and water pressure within the atomization chamber. The gasket (typically made of food-grade silicone/butyl rubber) can tightly adhere to the edges of the atomization plate and the mounting position within the device chamber, thereby preventing water leaks.
Prevent water in the water tank from leaking out through the gaps between the atomization plate and the cavity, thereby avoiding internal short circuits and moisture accumulation within the device.
Ensure that the atomization surface of the atomization film continuously comes into contact with sufficient water to prevent dry burning of the atomization film due to lack of water, and to prevent the atomization film from being burned away or the piezoelectric crystal from being damaged due to excessive temperature.
Some of the atomizers employ ultrasonic resonance atomization. The sealed chamber allows the ultrasonic energy to focus on the water surface, enhancing atomization efficiency and reducing energy loss.
2. Shock-absorbing cushioning to protect the piezoelectric ceramic core structure.
The core component of the atomizer is a piezoelectric ceramic wafer. By generating high-frequency vibrations (typically 108kHz/1.7MHz, etc.), water is atomized. During operation, continuous high-frequency micro-vibrations are produced, and the elastic properties of the gasket play a crucial role in dampening these vibrations.
Absorbing vibration shocks: Avoid direct hard contact between the hard ceramic edges of the atomization plate and the metal/plastic cavities of the equipment to prevent the ceramic from developing frayed edges or cracks due to prolonged vibration and friction. This protects the adhesive layer between the piezoelectric crystal and the metal substrate from peeling off.
Reduce resonant noise: reduce the transmission of the vibration of the atomization element to the device’s chamber, thereby decreasing the noise during operation and enhancing the user experience (particularly suitable for devices that are sensitive to noise, such as humidifiers, aromatherapy machines, and medical atomizers).
Buffer assembly stress: The twisting and clamping during equipment assembly generates certain mechanical stress. The elasticity of the gasket can counteract this stress, preventing the ceramic chip from shattering due to hard compression caused by the atomizer.
3. Fixed positioning to ensure assembly precision and stability.
The atomization plate is a thin, flat-sheet structure (typically 16/20/25 mm in diameter and 1-3 mm thick). Without an adhesive ring, it is prone to displacement and loosening at the mounting site. The over-matching characteristics of the adhesive ring ensure precise fixation.
Precise positioning: The size of the rubber ring precisely matches the edges of the atomization plate and the installation groove of the device, ensuring that the atomization surface of the atomization plate is aligned with the water channels in the cavity, thereby preventing blockages and uneven atomization due to misalignment of the atomization plate.
Anti-loosening and anti-displacement: During equipment transportation, movement, or prolonged vibration during operation, the elastic frictional force of the gasket prevents the atomization plate from sliding out of its mounting position, ensuring stable operation and preventing contact with other components of the chamber, which could cause short circuits or damage due to displacement.
Compatibility with varying assembly tolerances: There are slight tolerances in the cavity processing of different equipment manufacturers. The elasticity of the gasket can compensate for these tolerances, enhancing the universal compatibility of the atomization film and reducing the defect rate of assembly.
4. Dust and water-resistant, extending the lifespan.
The sealing characteristics of the gasket not only prevent water leakage but also block the accumulation of mineral deposits and impurities in the water tank from entering the gaps between the atomizer plate and the chamber, thereby preventing poor contact and short circuits caused by the buildup of impurities. Additionally, it prevents the water vapor generated during device operation from seeping into the electrode soldering points of the atomizer plate (positive and negative terminals), thereby avoiding oxidation and rust of the soldering points, ensuring stable electrical conduction of the atomizer plate, and reducing faults caused by poor contact and short circuits at their root cause.
5. Food-grade compatibility to meet safety requirements for essential household equipment.
Humidifiers, essential oil diffusers, and other household devices that come into direct contact with drinking water/vaporizing liquid use gaskets made of food-grade silicone, which comply with safety standards such as FDA/ROHS. These gaskets do not emit any odor or release harmful substances. They meet the requirements for safe use and can also adapt to long-term water environment work scenarios due to their temperature resistance and water resistance properties (silicone gaskets can withstand temperatures from –40°C to 200°C, are water-resistant and aging-resistant, and have a long lifespan).