A method and system for transmitting ultrasonic waves into a sterile container

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and system for transmitting ultrasonic waves into a sterile container, which belongs to the field of ultrasonic processing technology. The method includes S1, an ultrasonic transducer converts the ultrasonic electrical signal generated by an ultrasonic driver into ultrasonic waves, and transmits the ultrasonic waves to a horn; S2, the horn receives and enhances the ultrasonic waves, and transmits the enhanced ultrasonic waves to an ultrasonic tool head; S3, the ultrasonic tool head receives the ultrasonic waves and sends them upward; S4, the sterile container is fixed and pressure is applied to the sterile container, so that at least a part of the bottom of the sterile container contacts the ultrasonic tool head and maintains pressure; S5, the sterile container receives the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic tool head and acts on the liquid or biological tissue in the sterile container, so that the liquid or biological tissue undergoes ultrasonic oscillation. The present invention can realize a fully sterile sealed operation, saves the cumbersome operations such as cleaning and disinfection of the interior of the container and the ultrasonic probe, avoids the contamination of the processing solution by metal material overflow, and improves the efficiency of ultrasonic transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ultrasonic processing technology, and in particular to a method and a system for transmitting ultrasonic waves into a sterile container. Background Art

[0002] Ultrasound is used in common methods of biological tissue processing, such as crushing, emulsification and homogenization. A common method is to insert the ultrasonic tool head into the tissue mixture to be processed to generate ultrasonic vibrations, causing physical changes such as crushing, emulsification and homogenization of the tissue.

[0003] However, biological tissue processing usually has sterility requirements. The traditional method of transmitting ultrasound into a container requires that the ultrasonic transducer be permanently fixed to the container wall with glue and screws, making the container non-replaceable. Another method is to insert an ultrasonic tool head into the container from the outside to transmit ultrasound. The sterility requirements of both methods require strict disinfection of the inside of the container and the ultrasonic tool head. The process is cumbersome and has hidden dangers. Furthermore, the metal material of the inner wall of the container and the probe will overflow slightly under the long-term oscillation of ultrasound, causing slight contamination to biological tissues. In addition, there is also the ultrasonic method of water bath isolation. The water isolation method will cause the energy penetration efficiency to be very low due to the absorption of ultrasonic energy by water, thereby reducing the efficiency of ultrasonic action. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a method and system for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container, which can solve the problem of difficulty in controlling a sterile environment, eliminate the tedious operations of cleaning and disinfecting the interior of the sterile container and the ultrasonic probe, and make the overflow of metal materials extremely small under the long-term oscillation of ultrasound; and improve the efficiency of ultrasound transmission, achieving an ultrasonic effect equivalent to that of an insertion type.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container, comprising the following steps:

[0006] S1, the ultrasonic driver generates an ultrasonic electrical signal, and the ultrasonic transducer converts the ultrasonic electrical signal into an ultrasonic wave and transmits it to the horn;

[0007] S2, the horn receives and enhances the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic transducer, and transmits the enhanced ultrasonic wave to the ultrasonic tool head;

[0008] S3, the ultrasonic tool head receives the ultrasonic wave from the horn and sends it upward;

[0009] S4, fixing the sterile container and applying pressure to the sterile container, so that at least a portion of the bottom of the sterile container contacts the ultrasonic tool head and the pressure is maintained;

[0010] S5. The sterile container receives the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic tool head and acts on the liquid or biological tissue in the container, causing the liquid or biological tissue to vibrate ultrasonically.

[0011] Furthermore, in step S4, pressure is applied to the sterile container by a fixing and pressing device, wherein the fixing and pressing device can move up and down and can adjust the magnitude of the applied pressure.

[0012] Further, the existing pressure is maintained in a range of not less than 5 kg.

[0013] Further, in step S4, a partial protrusion structure is provided at the bottom of the sterile container, and the fixing and pressing device pushes the sterile container to move downward so that the partial protrusion structure at the bottom of the sterile container contacts the ultrasonic tool head.

[0014] On the other hand, to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a system for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container, comprising a fixing and pressure-applying device, a sterile container and an ultrasound-generating device;

[0015] The fixing and pressure-applying device is movably disposed above the sterile container and is used to transmit a controllable pressure to the sterile container;

[0016] The ultrasonic wave generating device is arranged below the sterile container and contacts the lower part of the sterile container, and is used for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the sterile container.

[0017] Furthermore, the ultrasonic generating device includes an ultrasonic tool head, an horn, an ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic driver connected in sequence, the ultrasonic tool head is used to contact the bottom of the sterile container; the horn is used to receive and enhance the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic tool head transmits the ultrasonic waves from the horn to the sterile container, the ultrasonic driver is used to generate ultrasonic electrical signals, and the ultrasonic transducer converts the ultrasonic electrical signals into ultrasonic waves.

[0018] Furthermore, the connection between the bottom of the sterile container and the side wall of the sterile container is an arc-shaped structure, and the diameter of the ultrasonic tool head is greater than or equal to the diameter of the sterile container.

[0019] Furthermore, the bottom of the sterile container is a partially raised structure, and the raised structure is used to contact the ultrasonic tool head.

[0020] Furthermore, the protrusion structure is an annular protrusion structure.

[0021] Furthermore, the fixing and pressurizing device comprises a sliding pressure regulating device and a pressure measuring device, wherein the pressure measuring device is arranged on the top of the sliding pressure regulating device, and the sliding pressure regulating device is arranged between the sterile container and the pressure measuring device.

[0022] Furthermore, it also includes a fixing frame, on which a track is arranged, and the sliding pressure regulating device is slidably connected to the track.

[0023] Furthermore, the sterile container is made of hard material.

[0024] The beneficial effects of the method and system for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container of the present invention are as follows:

[0025] By arranging an ultrasonic tool head outside the sterile container and making the sterile container contact with the ultrasonic tool head to transfer the ultrasonic output energy into the sterile container, a fully sterile sealed operation is achieved, solving the problem of difficult control of the sterile environment, eliminating the tedious operations of cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the sterile container and the ultrasonic probe, and avoiding the contamination of the treatment solution by the overflow of metal materials;

[0026] By providing a specific annular protrusion structure at the bottom of the sterile container, or by designing the connection between the bottom of the sterile container and the side wall of the sterile container as an arc structure, the ultrasonic transmission efficiency can be improved, and the ultrasonic effect equivalent to that of the insertion type can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the force of the ultrasonic tool head and the bottom of the sterile container under pressure contact is shown in FIG. 1 when the sterile container and the ultrasonic tool head are both cylindrical and the diameter of the sterile container is less than or equal to the diameter of the ultrasonic tool head;

[0028] Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the force of the ultrasonic tool head and the bottom of the sterile container under pressure contact is shown in FIG. 1 , when the sterile container and the ultrasonic tool head are both cylindrical in shape and the diameter of the sterile container is larger than the diameter of the ultrasonic tool head;

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the force of an ultrasonic tool head of a system for transmitting ultrasonic waves into a sterile container under pressure contact with the bottom of the sterile container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a system for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the force of an ultrasonic tool head of a system for transmitting ultrasonic waves into a sterile container according to another embodiment of the present invention being in pressure contact with the bottom of the sterile container;

[0032] Figure 6 A flow chart of a method for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container according to the present invention;

[0033] Reference figures: 1. fixing and pressure-applying device; 2. sterile container; 3. annular protrusion structure; 4. ultrasonic tool head; 5. amplitude transformer; 6. ultrasonic transducer; 7. ultrasonic driver; 8. pressure measuring device; 9. arc structure; 10. middle part of the bottom of the sterile container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed for protection, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, further definition and explanation thereof is not required in subsequent drawings.

[0037] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0038] In order to better understand the purpose, structure and function of the present invention, a method and system for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container of the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Embodiment 1:

[0040] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, a method for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container comprises the following steps:

[0041] S1, the ultrasonic driver 7 generates an ultrasonic electrical signal, and the ultrasonic transducer 6 converts the ultrasonic electrical signal into an ultrasonic wave and transmits it to the horn 5;

[0042] S2, the horn 5 receives and enhances the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic transducer 6, and transmits the enhanced ultrasonic wave to the ultrasonic tool head 4;

[0043] S3, the ultrasonic tool head 4 receives the ultrasonic wave from the horn 5 and sends it upward;

[0044] S4, fixing the sterile container 2 and applying pressure to the sterile container so that at least a portion of the bottom of the sterile container 2 contacts the ultrasonic tool head 4 and the pressure is maintained;

[0045] S5. The sterile container 2 receives the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic tool head and acts on the liquid or biological tissue in the container, causing the liquid or biological tissue to vibrate ultrasonically.

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in step S4, the sterile container 2 is pressurized by the fixing and pressurizing device 1, and the fixing and pressurizing device can move up and down, and can adjust the pressure applied; the pressure range is maintained to be not less than 5kg, specifically, the pressure range is greater than or equal to 5kg and less than or equal to 30kg, corresponding to the ultrasonic output power between 5W and 1kW;

[0047] In step S4, a partial raised structure is provided at the bottom of the sterile container 2, and the fixing and pressing device pushes the sterile container downward to make the partial raised structure at the bottom of the sterile container contact with the ultrasonic tool head 4, and the sterile container 2 is continued to be pressed downward to make the central part of the ultrasonic tool head 4 contact with the middle part 10 of the bottom of the sterile container 2. Since the amplitude of the central part of the ultrasonic tool head 4 is greater than the edge amplitude of the ultrasonic tool head 4, the solution in the sterile container 2 can obtain a higher ultrasonic coupling transmission efficiency;

[0048] Alternatively, in step S4, the place where the bottom of the sterile container 2 is connected to the side wall of the sterile container is an arc structure 9, the diameter of the ultrasonic tool head is greater than or equal to the diameter of the sterile container, and when the sterile container 2 is subjected to the pressure applied by the fixing and pressure-applying device 1, the sterile container 2 moves downward until its bottom contacts the ultrasonic tool head 4, and the force-bearing area will not be transferred to the side wall of the sterile container 2, so the central part of the ultrasonic tool head 4 can contact the middle part 10 of the bottom of the sterile container 2;

[0049] The ultrasonic output energy is transmitted into the sterile container 2 and acts on the liquid in the sterile container.

[0050] Embodiment 2:

[0051] like Figure 3 to Figure 4 As shown, a system for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container comprises a fixing and pressurizing device, a sterile container and an ultrasound generating device;

[0052] The fixing and pressurizing device 1 is movably arranged above the sterile container 2, and is used to transmit a controllable pressure to the sterile container;

[0053] The ultrasonic wave generating device is arranged below the sterile container 2 and contacts the lower part of the sterile container, and is used for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the sterile container 2 .

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the ultrasonic generating device includes an ultrasonic tool head 4, a horn 5, an ultrasonic transducer 6 and an ultrasonic driver 7 which are connected in sequence, the ultrasonic tool head 4 is used to contact the bottom of the sterile container 2, the horn 5 is used to receive and enhance the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic transducer 6, the ultrasonic tool head 4 transmits the ultrasonic wave from the horn 5 to the sterile container 2, the ultrasonic driver 7 is used to generate an ultrasonic electric signal, and the ultrasonic transducer 6 converts the ultrasonic electric signal into an ultrasonic wave;

[0055] In order to achieve a good ultrasonic propagation effect, according to the ultrasonic transmission principle, the length of the ultrasonic tool head along the ultrasonic transmission direction is an odd multiple of half the wavelength, and the bottom thickness of the sterile container 2 should be an odd multiple of half the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave, or the bottom thickness of the sterile container 2 is designed to be very thin, so that after the bottom of the sterile container 2 is coupled with the ultrasonic tool head 4, the bottom of the sterile container 2 has little effect on the geometric size of the ultrasonic tool head; therefore, considering the cost, the bottom thickness of the sterile container 2 should be designed to be extremely thin;

[0056] The force conditions and ultrasonic coupling transmission conditions between the three groups of ultrasonic tool heads and the bottom of the sterile container are qualitatively analyzed as follows:

[0057] a) If Figure 1 As shown, the diameter of the ultrasonic tool head 4 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the sterile container 2, and the sterile container 2 is flat-bottomed. Under pressure, the actual stress-bearing area of ​​the sterile container 2 is the side wall of the sterile container, while the middle part of the sterile container 2 is subjected to very little stress due to material deformation; thus, most of the ultrasonic energy is coupled to the side wall of the sterile container, and cannot be coupled to the bottom of the sterile container, and acts on the solution through the bottom, so the ultrasonic energy transmission efficiency is extremely low;

[0058] b) If Figure 2As shown, the diameter of the ultrasonic tool head 4 is smaller than the diameter of the sterile container 2, and the sterile container 2 is flat-bottomed. Under pressure, the bottom of the sterile container 2 is deformed, and the actual contact area with the sterile container 2 is only the edge ring area of ​​the ultrasonic tool head 4. The ultrasonic energy can only be coupled and transmitted to the bottom of the sterile container 2 and transmitted into the solution in the sterile container through the edge of the ultrasonic tool head 4. The coupling efficiency is much higher than that of case a). However, since the edge amplitude of the ultrasonic tool head 4 is smaller than the amplitude of the central area of ​​the tool head, the solution in the sterile container still cannot obtain a high ultrasonic coupling transmission efficiency in this way; and affected by the strength of the sterile container material, with this structure, the maximum pressure that the sterile container can withstand cannot be very high;

[0059] Therefore, in the present invention, the bottom of the sterile container 2 is a partially raised structure, and the raised structure is used to contact the ultrasonic tool head 4. Specifically, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the sterile container 2 is an annular raised structure 3, the annular raised structure 3 is connected to the side wall of the sterile container 2 by an arc surface, and the annular raised structure 3 is connected to the non-raised bottom surface of the sterile container by an arc surface; the annular raised structure 3 is used to contact the top of the ultrasonic tool head 4; the annular raised structure 3 is made of elastic material;

[0060] In this way, when the sterile container 2 is subjected to pressure and contacts the top of the ultrasonic tool head 4, the force exerted on the side wall of the sterile container 2 is transmitted to the ultrasonic tool head 4 through the annular protrusion structure 3; since the contact portion between the annular protrusion structure 3 at the bottom of the sterile container 2 and the ultrasonic tool head 4 is an arc, and the annular protrusion structure 3 is made of elastic material, when the sterile container 2 contacts the ultrasonic tool head and the bottom of the sterile container 2 is subjected to force, the arc shape can maintain the contact surface to always be an arc when deformed, and the central portion of the ultrasonic tool head 4 can contact the middle portion 10 of the bottom of the sterile container 2, so that the ultrasonic energy is coupled to the bottom of the sterile container 2 and acts on the solution through the bottom, thereby ensuring good ultrasonic coupling, thereby achieving the ultrasonic coupling transmission efficiency transmitted from the ultrasonic tool head 4 to the sterile container solution.

[0061] The results of experiments using different sterile containers (except for the different sterile containers, other experimental conditions are exactly the same) are shown in Table 1:

[0062] Table 1 Comparison of ultrasonic homogenization effects of different sterile containers

[0063]

[0064] It can be seen that under the condition of the same contact pressure, the sterile container of the present invention with an annular protrusion structure at the bottom has the best effect on ultrasonic homogenization of the fat solution.

[0065] Embodiment 3:

[0066] like Figure 3 to Figure 4 As shown, a system for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container, used for the above method for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container, the system comprises a fixing and pressure-applying device, a sterile container and an ultrasonic generating device;

[0067] The fixing and pressure-applying device is movably disposed above the sterile container 2, and is used to transmit a controllable pressure to the sterile container;

[0068] The ultrasonic wave generating device is arranged below the sterile container 2 and contacts the lower part of the sterile container, and is used for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the sterile container 2 .

[0069] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 2 is that:

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, the fixing and pressurizing device 1 includes a sliding pressure regulating device and a pressure measuring device 8, the pressure measuring device 8 is arranged on the top of the sliding pressure regulating device, and the sliding pressure regulating device is arranged between the sterile container 2 and the pressure measuring device 8; the system for transmitting ultrasonic waves into the sterile container also includes a fixing frame, the fixing frame is provided with a track, the sliding pressure regulating device and the sterile container can move up and down along the track, thereby pushing the sterile container 2 to move downward, so that the annular protruding structure 3 at the bottom of the sterile container 2 is in close contact with the top of the ultrasonic tool head 4, and the pressure applied can be adjusted by sliding up and down, the up and down movement and pressure control are connected to the controller and the pressure setting device through the pressure sensor to form a feedback loop, when the pressure reaches the set value, the pressurization stops, and automatic control is realized, and manual control can also be adopted;

[0071] Or, if Figure 5 As shown, the connection between the bottom of the sterile container 2 and the side wall of the sterile container is set as an arc structure 9, and the diameter of the ultrasonic tool head 4 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the sterile container 2; when the sterile container 2 is subjected to the pressure applied by the sliding pressure regulating device, the sterile container 2 moves downward until its bottom contacts the top of the ultrasonic tool head 4, and the force-bearing area will not be transferred to the side wall of the sterile container 2, so the middle part of the ultrasonic tool head 4 can contact the bottom of the sterile container 2, thereby realizing the ultrasonic coupling transmission efficiency transmitted by the ultrasonic tool head 4 to the sterile container solution;

[0072] Specifically, the pressure measuring device 8 is a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure applied to the sterile container 2; the sterile container 2 is in contact with the ultrasonic tool head 4 by pressure, so the sterile container 2 is preferably made of hard material.

[0073] Since the bottom of the sterile container 2 is in close contact with the ultrasonic tool head 4 by applying pressure, the contact pressure will directly affect the transmission efficiency of the ultrasonic energy. In practical applications, the greater the pressure, the greater the output power that the ultrasonic transducer 6 can achieve, as shown in the following experimental data:

[0074] Table 2 Relationship between pressure between ultrasonic transducer and sterile container and output power of ultrasonic transducer

[0075]

[0076]

[0077] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container, characterized in that: It includes a fixing and pressure-applying device, a sterile container and an ultrasonic generating device; The fixing and pressure-applying device is movably disposed above the sterile container and is used to transmit a controllable pressure to the sterile container; The ultrasonic wave generating device is arranged below the sterile container and contacts the lower part of the sterile container, and is used to transmit ultrasonic waves to the sterile container; The ultrasonic generating device comprises an ultrasonic tool head, and the bottom of the sterile container is a partially raised structure, and the raised structure is used to contact the ultrasonic tool head; The protruding structure is made of elastic material; The ultrasonic generating device comprises an ultrasonic tool head, a horn, an ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic driver which are connected in sequence, wherein the ultrasonic tool head is used to contact the bottom of the sterile container; the horn is used to receive and enhance the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic tool head transmits the ultrasonic waves from the horn to the sterile container, the ultrasonic driver is used to generate ultrasonic electrical signals, and the ultrasonic transducer converts the ultrasonic electrical signals into ultrasonic waves; The protrusion structure is an annular protrusion structure; The connection between the bottom of the sterile container and the side wall of the sterile container is an arc-shaped structure, and the diameter of the ultrasonic tool head is greater than or equal to the diameter of the sterile container.

2. The system for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing and pressurizing device comprises a sliding pressure regulating device and a pressure measuring device. The pressure measuring device is arranged on the top of the sliding pressure regulating device, and the sliding pressure regulating device is arranged between the sterile container and the pressure measuring device.

3. A method for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container, using the system of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The steps include: S1, the ultrasonic driver generates an ultrasonic electrical signal, and the ultrasonic transducer converts the ultrasonic electrical signal into an ultrasonic wave and transmits it to the horn; S2, the horn receives and enhances the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic transducer, and transmits the enhanced ultrasonic wave to the ultrasonic tool head; S3, the ultrasonic tool head receives the ultrasonic wave from the horn and sends it upward; S4, fixing the sterile container and applying pressure to the sterile container, so that at least a portion of the bottom of the sterile container contacts the ultrasonic tool head and the pressure is maintained; S5. The sterile container receives the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic tool head and acts on the liquid or biological tissue in the container, causing the liquid or biological tissue to vibrate ultrasonically.

4. The method for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step S4, pressure is applied to the sterile container by a fixing and pressing device, wherein the fixing and pressing device can move up and down and can adjust the magnitude of the applied pressure.

5. The method for transmitting ultrasound into a sterile container according to claim 3, characterized in that: Maintain the pressure range to be no less than 5kg.

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