Apparatus and method for producing PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling

Abstract

An apparatus for producing PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a solvent maker which prepares at least one of a first mixed solvent in which water and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are mixed, and a second mixed solvent in which water and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are mixed; a stirrer into which a solvent discharged from the solvent maker is introduced, and into which polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is introduced through a route different from the introduction route of the solvent, and which then stirs the solvent and the PVA to thereby produce a PVA solution; a deaerator which receives the PVA solution from the stirrer to remove air from inside the PVA solution; a mold into which the PVA solution discharged from the deaerator is injected into the inner space thereof; and a chamber in which, when the mold is inserted thereinto, the mold undergoes a curing process so that PVA hydrogel is molded in the inner space of the mold, wherein the PVA hydrogel may be neutralized through a neutralization process depending on the type of solvent constituting the PVA solution.

Description

Apparatus and method for manufacturing PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and method for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, and more particularly, to a device and method for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling that can manufacture a semi-solid state PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling so that ultrasonic waves generated from an ultrasonic generator are not scattered and are easily transmitted to living tissue.

[0002] Ultrasound refers to sound waves with a frequency range above the audible range of humans, and is currently used in various medical diagnoses.

[0003] For example, it is used for the therapeutic purpose of non-invasively heating and necroticizing tumor tissue, or focused ultrasound, which means concentrating the ultrasound energy at the point where it is to be delivered, is used to non-invasively control the function of the brain or peripheral nervous tissue.

[0004] At this time, the focused ultrasound waves used are generated by an ultrasound generator, and when the ultrasound generator is used on the human body, a space may be created between the device and the human skin, and as a result, the ultrasound waves cannot penetrate the space, so a bag filled with degassed water (degassed water) or a method of immersing the human body in degassed water is used to fill the space.

[0005] However, when using degassed water in this way to transmit ultrasound from an ultrasonic generator to living tissue, there was a problem that it took a long time to generate the degassed water, so a lot of time was required before treating the living tissue, and at the same time, there was a problem that the degassed water was inconvenient to handle due to its characteristics.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention has been made to improve the problems of the degassed water as described above, and according to one embodiment of the present invention, an object of the present invention is to provide a device and method for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, which can manufacture a semi-solid state PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling so that the ultrasonic waves generated from an ultrasonic generator are not scattered and are easily transmitted to living tissues, by replacing the conventional degassed water that causes inconvenience in production time and handling.

[0007] In particular, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a device and method for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, which can manufacture a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling with various degrees of ultrasonic transmission and transparency by subjecting an environmentally friendly and human-safe polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based PVA solution to a curing process and a neutralization process at various temperatures.

[0008] However, the technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a device for producing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling comprises: a solvent generator for producing at least one of a first mixed solvent of water and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and a second mixed solvent of water and polyethylene glycol (PEG); a stirrer into which a solvent discharged from the solvent generator is introduced, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is introduced through an introduction path different from an introduction path of the solvent, and then the solvent and polyvinyl alcohol are stirred to produce a PVA solution; a deaerator for receiving the PVA solution from the stirrer and removing internal air of the PVA solution; a mold into which the PVA solution discharged from the deaerator is injected into an internal space; And when the mold is inserted, the mold undergoes a hardening process so that PVA hydrogel is formed in the internal space of the mold; and the PVA hydrogel can be neutralized through a neutralization process depending on the type of solvent forming the PVA solution.

[0010] In addition, the method for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling performed by the above-described device for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling comprises the steps of: a) a step in which a solvent generator manufactures at least one of a first mixed solvent of water and dimethyl sulfoxide and a second mixed solvent of water and polyethylene glycol; b) a step in which a stirrer stirs a solvent input from the solvent generator and polyvinyl alcohol input through an input path different from an input path of the solvent to generate a PVA solution; c) a step in which a deaerator receives the PVA solution from the stirrer and removes internal air of the PVA solution; d) a step in which the PVA solution discharged from the deaerator is injected into an internal space of a mold; e) a step in which, when the mold is input into a chamber, the chamber causes the mold to undergo a curing process so that a PVA hydrogel is formed in the internal space of the mold; And f) a step of neutralizing the PVA hydrogel after it is discharged from the mold through a neutralization process depending on the type of solvent forming the PVA solution;

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention has the effect of providing a user with an apparatus and method for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, which can manufacture a semi-solid state PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling so that ultrasonic waves generated from an ultrasonic generator are not scattered and are easily transmitted to living tissues, replacing conventional degassed water that causes inconvenience in generation time and handling.

[0012] In addition, the present invention has the effect of providing a user with a device and method for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, which can manufacture a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling with various degrees of ultrasonic transmission and transparency by subjecting an environmentally friendly and human-safe polyvinyl alcohol-based PVA solution to a curing process and a neutralization process at various temperatures.

[0013] However, the effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing components of a PVA hydrogel manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the types of solvents and components of the solvents that can be produced from the solvent generator illustrated in Figure 1.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the process of producing a first PVA solution based on the first mixed solvent illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the process of producing a second PVA solution based on the second mixed solvent illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0018] Figure 5 is a drawing showing an example of the mold shown in Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the types of components and operating modes of the chamber illustrated in Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the neutralization process of PVA hydrogel molded from the mold shown in Figure 5.

[0021] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the state of use of PVA hydrogel molded from the mold shown in Figure 5.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a PVA hydrogel manufacturing method performed by a PVA hydrogel manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 10 is a drawing showing a detailed process of a solvent preparation step for producing a first mixed solvent.

[0024] Figure 11 is a drawing showing a detailed process of a solvent preparation step for producing a second mixed solvent.

[0025] Figure 12 is a drawing showing the detailed process of the PVA solution production step illustrated in Figure 9.

[0026] Figure 13 is a drawing showing the detailed process of the hardening step illustrated in Figure 9.

[0027] Figure 14 is a drawing showing the detailed process of the neutralization step illustrated in Figure 9.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. However, the description of the present invention is merely an embodiment for structural and functional explanation, and therefore the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the embodiments described in the text. That is, since the embodiments can be modified in various ways and can have various forms, the scope of the present invention should be understood to include equivalents that can realize the technical idea. In addition, the purposes or effects presented in the present invention do not mean that a specific embodiment must include all of them or only such effects, and therefore the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereby.

[0029] The meanings of terms described in the present invention should be understood as follows.

[0030] Terms such as "first" and "second" are intended to distinguish one component from another, and the scope of the rights should not be limited by these terms. For example, a first component could be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component could also be referred to as a first component. When a component is referred to as being "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to that other component, but there may also be other components in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. Meanwhile, other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between" and "immediately between" or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to", should be interpreted similarly.

[0031] Singular expressions should be understood to include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and terms such as "comprises" or "has" should be understood to specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but not to exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to be consistent with their meaning within the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted as having ideal or overly formal meanings unless explicitly defined herein.

[0033]

[0034] PVA hydrogel manufacturing device for ultrasonic acoustic coupling

[0035] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing components of a PVA hydrogel manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, a PVA hydrogel manufacturing device (1, hereinafter referred to as 'PVA hydrogel manufacturing device (1)') for ultrasonic acoustic coupling according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a solvent manufacturing device (10), a stirrer (20), a defoamer (30), a mold (40), and a chamber (50) to manufacture a semi-solid PVA hydrogel (43).

[0037] In one embodiment, the solvent generator (10) manufactures a solvent to be fed into the stirrer (20) by a method such as heat treatment, and the type of solvent to be manufactured in the solvent generator (10) is as shown in FIG. 2.

[0038] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the types of solvents and components of the solvents that can be produced from the solvent generator illustrated in Figure 1.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the solvents that can be manufactured from the solvent generator (10) may be a first mixed solvent (11) and a second mixed solvent (12).

[0040] That is, in one embodiment, the solvent generator (10) can produce at least one solvent among the first mixed solvent (11) and the second mixed solvent (12), and it is preferable that the solvent mentioned below be understood as at least one among the first mixed solvent (11) and the second mixed solvent (12).

[0041] In one embodiment, the first mixed solvent (11) can be produced from the solvent production device (10) when water (11a), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, hereinafter referred to as '11b') and a preservative (11c) are introduced into the solvent production device (10).

[0042] In one embodiment, the water (11a) may be purified water (or ultrapure water) from which all impurities, such as dissolved ions, solid particles, microorganisms, organic matter, and dissolved gases contained in the water, have been removed.

[0043] In one embodiment, dimethyl sulfoxide (11b) is a colorless liquid and an industrial solvent that has been proposed as an effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent for arthritis and bursitis, as well as a penetrating solvent that enhances the absorption of therapeutic agents into the skin.

[0044] The preservative (11c) may be at least one of hexanediol, parabens, phenoxyethanol, imidazolidinyl urea, sorbic acid, and salicylic acid to prevent shrinkage and decay of the PVA hydrogel (43).

[0045] In one embodiment, the preservative (11c) may be prepared as hexanediol, which is an effective preservative that is both biologically safe and good for the skin.

[0046] In one embodiment, the weight ratio of the first mixed solvent (11) may be 40 to 60 wt% of water (11a), 40 to 60 wt% of dimethyl sulfoxide (11b), and the remainder may be a preservative (11c) based on 100 wt%.

[0047] In one embodiment, the second mixed solvent (12) can be produced from the solvent production device (10) when water (12a), polyethylene glycol (PEG, hereinafter referred to as '12b') and a preservative (12c) are introduced into the solvent production device (10).

[0048] In one embodiment, the water (12a) may be purified water identical to the water (11a) used to prepare the first mixed solvent (11).

[0049] In one embodiment, polyethylene glycol (12b) is produced by polycondensation of ethylene glycol and is an amphiphilic polymer that is soluble in organic solvents and water.

[0050] In one embodiment, the preservative (12c) may be at least one of hexanediol, parabens, phenoxyethanol, imidazolidinyl urea, sorbic acid, and salicylic acid, similar to the preservative (11c) for preparing the first mixed solvent (11).

[0051] In one embodiment, the weight ratio of the second mixed solvent (12) may be 70 to 95 wt% of water (12a), 5 to 30 wt% of polyethylene glycol (12b), and the remainder may be a preservative (12c) based on 100 wt%.

[0052] In one embodiment, the stirrer (20) generates a PVA solution by stirring the solvent discharged from the solvent generator (10) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, hereinafter referred to as '21'). The process of generating the PVA solution in the stirrer (20) is as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a process for producing a first PVA solution based on the first mixed solvent shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a process for producing a second PVA solution based on the second mixed solvent shown in FIG. 2.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, when the solvent discharged from the solvent generator (10) is a first mixed solvent (11), the stirrer (20) can input polyvinyl alcohol (21) through an input path different from the input path of the first mixed solvent (11), and then stir the first mixed solvent (11) and polyvinyl alcohol (21) to produce a first PVA solution (22).

[0055] Referring to FIG. 4, when the solvent discharged from the solvent generator (10) is a second mixed solvent (12), the stirrer (20) can input polyvinyl alcohol (21) through an input path different from the input path of the second mixed solvent (12), and then stir the second mixed solvent (12) and polyvinyl alcohol (21) to produce a second PVA solution (23).

[0056] In one embodiment, the stirrer (20) can add 5 to 10 wt% of polyvinyl alcohol (21) based on the total weight of the solvent input from the solvent generator (10), and then stir the solvent and polyvinyl alcohol (21) for 90 minutes or more at a temperature between 90° C. and 130° C. to produce a first PVA solution (22) or a second PVA solution (23).

[0057] That is, in one embodiment, the stirrer (20) can produce at least one PVA solution among the first PVA solution (22) and the second PVA solution (23), and it is preferable that the PVA solution mentioned below be understood as at least one among the first PVA solution (22) and the second PVA solution (23).

[0058] In one embodiment, when 100 L or more of the first mixed solvent (11) or the second mixed solvent (12) is introduced into the stirrer (20), an antifoaming agent (24) is introduced to remove air bubbles (or foam) generated in the PVA solution during the stirring process of the first mixed solvent (11) or the second mixed solvent (12) and polyvinyl alcohol (21).

[0059] In one embodiment, the stirrer (20) prevents the generation of bubbles in the PVA hydrogel (43) by removing bubbles in the PVA solution through the defoaming agent (24), and at the same time improves the subsequent molding process of the PVA hydrogel (43) by destroying bubbles generated in the PVA solution.

[0060] In one embodiment, the stirrer (20) does not necessarily add the antifoaming agent (24) when 100 L or more of the first mixed solvent (11) or the second mixed solvent (12) is added. If the addition is determined based on the amount of bubbles generated in the PVA solution, the antifoaming agent (24) may be added to the PVA solution.

[0061] In one embodiment, whether or not to add a foaming agent (24) to the stirrer (20) can be determined based on the amount of bubbles confirmed through a process in which a user visually checks bubbles generated in the PVA solution from the upper side of the stirrer (20) or through a process in which the PVA solution is photographed using a photographing means (e.g., a video camera, etc.) installed in the stirrer (20).

[0062] In one embodiment, the defoaming agent (24) may be at least one of a silicone defoaming agent, a mineral oil defoaming agent, and a polymer defoaming agent.

[0063] Referring again to FIG. 1, the deaerator (30) removes internal air of the PVA solution discharged from the agitator (20) when the PVA solution is injected into the internal space.

[0064] In one embodiment, the PVA solution may be stabilized by adding a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of urea, thiourea, creatinine, cyanuric acid, alkyl hydantoin, mono- or di-ethanolamine, organic sulfonamide, biuret, sulfamic acid, organic sulfamate, and melamine before being discharged from the stirrer (20) and then introduced into the internal space of the deaerator (30).

[0065] In one embodiment, the stabilization time of the PVA solution may be at least 10 minutes or more, and the PVA solution may be maintained at a temperature between 90° C. and 130° C. during the stabilization process.

[0066] In one embodiment, the deaerator (30) may be a vacuum deaerator for removing internal air from the PVA solution. However, the deaerator (30) is not limited to the vacuum deaerator described above, and may be replaced with another device capable of removing internal air from the PVA solution.

[0067] The mold (40) is injected with a PVA solution, from which internal air is removed and discharged from a defoamer (30), into its internal space. The structure of the mold (40) for injecting the PVA solution into the internal space is as shown in Fig. 5.

[0068] Figure 5 is a drawing showing an example of the mold shown in Figure 1.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 5, the mold (40) is formed (or converted) into a PVA hydrogel (43) when the PVA solution injected into the internal space undergoes a curing process within the chamber (50). In order to mass-produce such a PVA hydrogel (43), a plurality of mold bodies, each having an internal space into which the PVA solution is injected, may be formed into a stack structure in which they are stacked.

[0070] In one embodiment, the mold (40) may be formed in a stack structure in which a first mold body (41) is placed at the bottom layer and a second mold body (42) is stacked on top of the first mold body (41).

[0071] Here, the mold (40) is described as having the first and second mold bodies (41, 42) stacked for convenience in explaining the stack structure, but is not limited thereto. In order to mass-produce PVA hydrogel (43), it would be preferable to have a stack structure in which not only the first and second mold bodies (41, 42) but also a plurality of mold bodies provided separately are stacked, although not shown in the drawing.

[0072] In one embodiment, the mold (40) is provided with a first mold body (41) of the lowest layer forming a stack structure, a second mold body (42) excluding the mold body of the highest layer, and a PVA solution flow unit for receiving PVA solution from the upper mold body and injecting the PVA solution into the lower mold body in the form of an opening on the upper and lower sides of the remaining mold bodies, thereby allowing the PVA solution to be injected into the internal space of each mold body (41, 42) through a single PVA solution injection process.

[0073] In one embodiment, the mold (40) may be provided with an air removal unit having a structure that is connected to the internal space of each mold body (41, 42), although not shown in the drawing.

[0074] In one embodiment, the air removal unit of the mold (40) removes air within the internal space of each mold body (41, 42) before the PVA solution is injected into the internal space of each mold body (41, 42), thereby making the internal space of each mold body (41, 42) into a vacuum state.

[0075] This configuration is to prevent bubbles from being generated in the PVA solution due to air remaining in the internal space of each mold body (41, 42) when the PVA solution is injected into the internal space of each mold body (41, 42), and to prevent a dead space from being generated in the internal space of each mold body (41, 42) where the PVA solution is not injected into the internal space of each mold body (41, 42) due to air.

[0076] In one embodiment, the mold (40) may be connected to a bubble removal unit for removing residual bubbles of the PVA solution injected into the internal space of each mold body (41, 42) when the internal space of each mold body (41, 42) is made vacuum by an air removal unit, although not shown in the drawing.

[0077] In one embodiment, the bubble removal unit may be equipped with a vacuum pump for treating the PVA solution in a low vacuum state (e.g., 1 / 1000 mmHg), and when the vacuum pump is in communication with the internal space of each mold body (41, 42), the PVA solution injected into the internal space of each mold body (41, 42) is treated in a low vacuum state so that bubbles in the PVA solution injected into the internal space of each mold body (41, 42) are removed.

[0078] In one embodiment, the mold (40) is introduced into the internal space of the chamber (50) for molding the PVA hydrogel (43) when the bubbles in the PVA solution injected into the internal space of each mold body (41, 42) are removed by the bubble removal unit.

[0079] In one embodiment, the mold (40) may be provided with a discharge means in each mold body (41, 42) for discharging the PVA hydrogel (43) that has been molded by the chamber (50) to the outside.

[0080] It is preferable that the chamber (50) be provided with a means for introducing the mold (40) into the internal space so that the mold (40) can be introduced into the internal space.

[0081] In one embodiment, the chamber (50) performs a curing process depending on the type of solvent forming the PVA solution so that a semi-solid PVA hydrogel (43) is formed in the internal space of each mold body (41, 42). The components for forming the PVA hydrogel (43) are as shown in FIG. 6.

[0082] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the types of components and operating modes of the chamber illustrated in Figure 1.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 6, the chamber (50) includes an input unit (51) capable of inputting a signal, operates in a curing mode (52) according to a signal input from the input unit (51), and includes a temperature control unit (53) for controlling the temperature of the internal space of the chamber (50) into which a mold (40) is inserted so that a curing process according to the curing mode (52) is implemented, and a control unit (54) for controlling the operation of the temperature control unit (53).

[0084] The input unit (51) is equipped with a signal input means for operating the chamber (50) in a curing mode (52), and the signal input means may be composed of a first signal input means for operating the chamber (50) in a frozen curing mode (52a), a second signal input means for operating the chamber (50) in a low-temperature curing mode (52b), and a third signal input means for operating the chamber (50) in a room-temperature curing mode (52c).

[0085] In one embodiment, the input unit (51) may be additionally provided with a fourth signal input means for inputting information on the type of solvent forming the PVA solution injected into the internal space of the mold (40) as well as the operation input of the curing mode (52).

[0086] In one embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth signal input means of the input unit (51) may be a device (e.g., a button) that allows direct signal input by a user, or a communication device that communicates with a terminal provided by the user and operates the chamber (50) in a curing mode (52) remotely based on a signal transmitted from the terminal (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, computer, etc.).

[0087] In one embodiment, when information on the curing mode (52) is input from at least one of the first, second, and third signal input means before the PVA hydrogel (43) is molded, and information on the type of solvent is input from the fourth signal input means, the control unit (54) performs a simulation to provide the user with the degree of ultrasonic penetration and transparency of the PVA hydrogel (43) to be molded when the mold (40) undergoes a curing process based on the information input from each signal input means, and then the mold (40) undergoes a curing process within the chamber (50).

[0088] In one embodiment, the control unit (54) may be configured with an algorithm for simulating the degree of ultrasound penetration and transparency of the PVA hydrogel (43), and the chamber (50) may be equipped with a display for outputting the degree of ultrasound penetration and transparency of the PVA hydrogel (43), which is the result of the simulation, although not shown in the drawing.

[0089] In one embodiment, the display of the chamber (50) can provide information on the degree of ultrasound transmission and transparency of the PVA hydrogel (43) to the user by outputting the degree of ultrasound transmission and transparency of the PVA hydrogel (43) according to the results of the simulation.

[0090] In one embodiment, the chamber (50) may be configured to omit the simulation process of the control unit (54) via the input unit (51). That is, the simulation process of the control unit (54) may not necessarily be performed.

[0091] In one embodiment, the curing mode (52) can be divided into a freezing curing mode (52a), a low-temperature curing mode (52b), and a room-temperature curing mode (52c) to produce PVA hydrogels (43) having different degrees of ultrasonic permeability and transparency, respectively.

[0092] In one embodiment, the freeze-hardening mode (52a) may be an operation mode of the chamber (50) to cause the mold (40) inserted into the internal space of the chamber (50) to undergo a freeze-hardening process of -5 to -20°C.

[0093] In one embodiment, the low-temperature curing mode (52b) may be an operation mode of the chamber (50) to cause the mold (40) inserted into the internal space of the chamber (50) to undergo a low-temperature curing process of 1 to 5° C.

[0094] In one embodiment, the room temperature curing mode (52c) may be an operation mode of the chamber (50) to allow the mold (40) inserted into the internal space of the chamber (50) to undergo a room temperature curing process of 18 to 25° C.

[0095] The temperature control unit (53) controls the temperature of the internal space of the chamber (50) so that the chamber (50) operates in at least one of the freezing curing mode (52a), the low-temperature curing mode (52b), and the room-temperature curing mode (52c) when a signal is input to at least one of the first, second, and third signal input means of the input unit (51).

[0096] In one embodiment, the temperature control unit (53) can be controlled in operation by a control unit (54) that receives a signal from the signal input means when a signal is input to at least one of the first, second, and third signal input means of the input unit (51).

[0097] It is preferable to understand that the control unit (54) is a device that not only controls the operation of the temperature control unit (53), but also controls the entire operation of the chamber (50), including power on / off (oN / off) of the chamber (50) and insertion of the mold (40).

[0098] In one embodiment, the control unit (54) may be provided in the chamber (50) or may be provided as a terminal (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, computer, etc.) that communicates with the communication means of the chamber (50) to remotely control the entire operation of the chamber (50).

[0099] In one embodiment, the chamber (50) is configured to mold PVA hydrogels (43) having different degrees of ultrasonic penetration and transparency in the mold (40) inserted into the internal space according to the curing mode (52) set by the control unit (54).

[0100] Hereinafter, the degree of ultrasonic penetration of PVA hydrogel (43) with a thickness of 0.1 to 30 mm in the internal space of the mold (40) through the chamber (50) will be described.

[0101] In one embodiment, when the chamber (50) is operated in the freeze-curing mode (52a), a PVA hydrogel (43) in a transparent or opaque state (e.g., white) that reduces the degree of ultrasonic transmission to less than 0.1% depending on the type of PVA solution injected into the internal space of the mold (40) is formed.

[0102] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the PVA hydrogel (43) will be described by dividing it into a first PVA hydrogel (43a) formed from a first PVA solution (22) and a second PVA hydrogel (43b) formed from a second PVA solution (23). It is preferable that the PVA hydrogel (43) mentioned below be understood as at least one of the first PVA hydrogel (43a) and the second PVA hydrogel (43b).

[0103] As a specific example, the chamber (50) of the freeze-curing mode (52a) is configured such that when the first PVA solution (22) is injected into the internal space of the mold (40), a transparent first PVA hydrogel (43a) is formed that reduces the ultrasonic transmission degree in the mold (40) to less than 0.1%, and on the other hand, when the second PVA solution (23) is injected into the internal space of the mold (40), an opaque second PVA hydrogel (43b) is formed that reduces the ultrasonic transmission degree in the mold (40) to less than 0.1%.

[0104] In one embodiment, when the chamber (50) is operated in the low-temperature curing mode (52b), an opaque PVA hydrogel (43) is formed that reduces the degree of ultrasonic transmission to less than 2% depending on the type of PVA solution injected into the internal space of the mold (40).

[0105] As a specific example, the chamber (50) of the low-temperature curing mode (52b) causes an opaque first PVA hydrogel (43a) that reduces the ultrasonic transmission rate in the mold (40) to less than 2% when the first PVA solution (22) is injected into the internal space of the mold (40), and, on the other hand, causes an opaque second PVA hydrogel (43b) that has a polyethylene glycol content of 20% or more to be molded while reducing the ultrasonic transmission rate in the mold (40) to less than 2%.

[0106] In one embodiment, when the chamber (50) is operated in the room temperature curing mode (52c), the degree of ultrasonic transmission is reduced to less than 5% depending on the type of PVA solution injected into the internal space of the mold (40), thereby forming a PVA hydrogel (43) that is more opaque than the PVA hydrogel (43) formed in the low temperature curing mode (52b).

[0107] As a specific example, the chamber (50) of the room temperature curing mode (52c) reduces the ultrasonic transmission rate in the mold (40) to less than 5% when the first PVA solution (22) is injected into the internal space of the mold (40), thereby forming a first PVA hydrogel (43a) that is more opaque than the first PVA hydrogel (43a) that is molded in the low temperature curing mode (52b). On the other hand, when the second PVA solution (23) is injected into the internal space of the mold (40), thereby forming a second PVA hydrogel (43b) that is more opaque than the second PVA hydrogel (43b) that is molded in the low temperature curing mode (52b) while reducing the ultrasonic transmission rate in the mold (40) to less than 5% and having a polyethylene glycol content of 20% or more.

[0108] In one embodiment, when the molding of the PVA hydrogel (43) is completed through at least one of the freezing curing mode (52a), the low-temperature curing mode (52b), and the room-temperature curing mode (52c) in the internal space of the chamber (50), the mold (40) causes the PVA hydrogel (43) to be discharged to the outside through the discharge means.

[0109] PVA hydrogel (43) can be neutralized through a neutralization process depending on the type of solvent that makes up the PVA solution before molding.

[0110] In one embodiment, when the PVA hydrogel (43) is formed from the first PVA solution (22) based on the first mixed solvent (11), it can be neutralized through a neutralization process as shown in FIG. 7.

[0111] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the neutralization process of PVA hydrogel molded from the mold shown in Figure 5.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 7, when the first PVA hydrogel (43a) formed from the first PVA solution (22) is formed in the mold (40) by the chamber (50), it is discharged from the discharge means of the mold (40) and is sequentially stored in a first container (61) containing acetone, a second container (62) containing ether, and a third container (63) containing the first container (61) or acetone for a certain period of time, and then can be neutralized through a neutralization process in which it is stored in a fourth container (64) containing liquid carbon dioxide heated to 60° C.

[0113] In one embodiment, the time for which the first PVA hydrogel (43a) is immersed in acetone and ether from the first container (61) to the third container (63) may be 1 to 24 hours.

[0114] The reason why the first PVA hydrogel (43a) must be neutralized through a neutralization process is that when the first PVA hydrogel (43a) in which dimethyl sulfoxide (11b) is used as a solvent is exposed to the air, the dimethyl sulfoxide (11b) rapidly evaporates, reducing the overall volume size of the first PVA hydrogel (43a). By alleviating the volatility of the dimethyl sulfoxide (11b) of the solid gel through neutralization, the volume size of the first PVA hydrogel (43a) is prevented from decreasing.

[0115] In addition, the reason why the first PVA hydrogel (43a) must be neutralized through a neutralization process is that the smell of dimethyl sulfoxide (11b) is unpleasant, and when the first PVA hydrogel (43a) is used as a medical device together with an ultrasonic generator (100), the smell causes discomfort to the patient. This is to prevent this by removing (or deodorizing) the smell of dimethyl sulfoxide (11b) through neutralization.

[0116] And the reason why the first PVA hydrogel (43a) must be neutralized through a neutralization process is that when the first PVA hydrogel (43a) is used as a medical device, a biological stability test is conducted to check whether it is safe for humans. Depending on the method of use, a sample test (In Vitro), which is a very accurate test method that measures the concentration of trace substances in the body by labeling a substance or its antibody with a radioisotope to determine the presence or severity of a disease, or a biocompatibility test (In Vivo Biocompatibility test) is conducted to determine whether the device operates as intended without causing any abnormalities or harmful effects to patients or users and while mitigating biological risks caused by the device. The sample test tests cytotoxicity, skin sensitization, and skin irritation, etc. to check whether the semi-solid first PVA hydrogel (43a) can be used as a medical device. In the case of dimethyl sulfoxide (11b), a problem may occur when used in large quantities, so a neutralization process is conducted to pass the biological stability test (sample test). The goal is to transform the work into a biologically safe substance.

[0117] In one embodiment, the second PVA hydrogel (43b) formed from the second PVA solution (23) can be formed without a neutralization process.

[0118] In one embodiment, the first PVA hydrogel (43a) or the second PVA hydrogel (43b) can be used for the treatment of biological tissue (not shown) together with the ultrasonic generator (100) illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0119] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the state of use of PVA hydrogel molded from the mold shown in Figure 5.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 8, the PVA hydrogel (43) can be positioned between the ultrasonic generator (100) and the living tissue so that the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic generator (100) are not scattered and are easily transmitted to the living tissue.

[0121] In one embodiment, the PVA hydrogel manufacturing device (1) can provide a user with a PVA hydrogel (43) that allows ultrasound generated from an ultrasound generator (100) to be easily transmitted to a biological tissue according to the type of biological tissue to be treated by manufacturing PVA hydrogels (43) having various ultrasound transmittances and transparencies, thereby allowing ultrasound-based biological tissue treatment to proceed efficiently.

[0122]

[0123] Method for preparing PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling

[0124] Hereinafter, the process of a PVA hydrogel manufacturing method for ultrasonic acoustic coupling (S10, hereinafter referred to as 'PVA hydrogel manufacturing method (S10)') performed by a PVA hydrogel manufacturing device (1) will be described in detail.

[0125] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a PVA hydrogel manufacturing method performed by a PVA hydrogel manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 9, a method for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel (S10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a solvent manufacturing step (S11), a PVA solution production step (S12), a defoaming step (S13), a PVA solution injection step (S14), a curing step (S15), a neutralization step (S16), and a PVA hydrogel manufacturing completion step (S17).

[0127] First, the solvent generator (10) can produce at least one solvent among a first mixed solvent (11) in which water (11a) and dimethyl sulfoxide (11b) are mixed, and a second mixed solvent (12) in which water (12a) and polyethylene glycol (12b) are mixed (S11).

[0128] After this, the stirrer (20) can stir the solvent and polyvinyl alcohol (21) input from the solvent generator (10) to produce at least one PVA solution among the first PVA solution (22) and the second PVA solution (23) (S12).

[0129] After this, the deaerator (30) can receive the PVA solution from the stirrer (20) and remove the internal air of the PVA solution (S13).

[0130] After this, the mold (40) can be injected with the PVA solution discharged from the degassing device (30) into the internal space (S14).

[0131] After this, the chamber (50) causes the mold (40) to undergo a hardening process so that the PVA hydrogel (43) is formed in the internal space of the mold (40) (S15).

[0132] After this, the PVA hydrogel (43) is discharged from the mold (40) and can be neutralized through a neutralization process depending on the type of solvent forming the PVA solution (S16).

[0133] In one embodiment, the neutralization process of the neutralization step (S16) is not essential, and the PVA hydrogel (43) molded in the inner space of the mold (40) may be omitted in the case of the second PVA hydrogel (43b).

[0134] In one embodiment, the PVA hydrogel (43) can be manufactured by going through a curing step (S15) and a neutralization step (S16), or by going through only the curing step (S15) with the neutralization step (S16) omitted (S17), depending on the type of solvent forming the PVA solution.

[0135]

[0136] First mixed solvent manufacturing method

[0137] Hereinafter, the first mixed solvent manufacturing method for producing the first mixed solvent (11) in the solvent manufacturing step (S11) will be described in detail.

[0138] Figure 10 is a drawing showing a detailed process of a solvent preparation step for producing a first mixed solvent.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 10, in the solvent manufacturing step (S11), the solvent manufacturing device (10) can mix 40 to 60 wt% of purified water (11a) and 40 to 60 wt% of dimethyl sulfoxide (11b) based on a weight ratio of 100 wt% of the first mixed solvent (11) (S11a).

[0140] After this, the solvent generator (10) can additionally add a preservative (11c) to prevent shrinkage and decay of the PVA hydrogel (43) in the remaining weight ratio based on the weight ratio of 100 wt% of the first mixed solvent (11) (S11b).

[0141] After this, the solvent generator (10) generates the first mixed solvent (11) by heat treatment or the like (S11c).

[0142]

[0143] Second mixed solvent manufacturing method

[0144] Hereinafter, a second mixed solvent manufacturing method for producing a second mixed solvent (12) in the solvent manufacturing step (S11) will be described in detail.

[0145] Figure 11 is a drawing showing a detailed process of a solvent preparation step for producing a second mixed solvent.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 11, in the solvent manufacturing step (S11), the solvent manufacturing device (10) can mix 70 to 95 wt% of purified water (12a) and 5 to 30 wt% of polyethylene glycol (12b) based on a weight ratio of 100 wt% of the second mixed solvent (12) (S11d).

[0147] After this, the solvent generator (10) can additionally add a preservative (12c) to prevent shrinkage and decay of the PVA hydrogel (43) in the remaining weight ratio based on the weight ratio of 100 wt% of the second mixed solvent (12) (S11e).

[0148] After this, the solvent generator (10) generates a second mixed solvent (12) by heat treatment or the like (S11f).

[0149]

[0150] How to make PVA solution

[0151] Below, the PVA solution generation method for generating a PVA solution in the PVA solution generation step (S12) will be described in detail.

[0152] Figure 12 is a drawing showing the detailed process of the PVA solution production step illustrated in Figure 9.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 12, in the PVA solution production step (S12), at least one of the first mixed solvent (11) and the second mixed solvent (12) produced in the solvent generator (10) is introduced into the stirrer (20), and when the introduction of the solvent is completed, 5 to 10 wt% of polyvinyl alcohol (21) based on the total weight of the solvent can be introduced through an introduction path different from the introduction path of the solvent (S12a).

[0154] After this, the stirrer (20) can stir the solvent and polyvinyl alcohol (21) at a temperature between 90° C. and 130° C. for more than 90 minutes (S12b), thereby generating at least one PVA solution among the first PVA solution (22) and the second PVA solution (23) (S12c).

[0155] At this time, if bubbles are generated in the PVA solution during the stirring process while at least one of the first mixed solvent (11) and the second mixed solvent (12) of 100 L or more is injected into the stirrer (20) (S12d-YES), the stirrer (20) can remove the bubbles generated in the PVA solution by injecting a defoaming agent (24) into the PVA solution (S12e).

[0156] In contrast, if less than 100 L of the first mixed solvent (11) or the second mixed solvent (12) is injected into the stirrer (20), or if at least one of the first mixed solvent (11) and the second mixed solvent (12) of 100 L or more is injected, and no bubbles are generated in the PVA solution during the stirring process (S12d-NO), the stirrer (20) can omit the injection of the antifoaming agent (24) into the PVA solution (S12f).

[0157]

[0158] Hardening method

[0159] Below, the curing method for forming the PVA hydrogel (43) in the curing step (S15) will be described in detail.

[0160] Figure 13 is a drawing showing the detailed process of the hardening step illustrated in Figure 9.

[0161] Referring to Fig. 13, in the curing step (S15), the mold (40) can be inserted into the internal space of the chamber (50) to undergo a curing process (S15a).

[0162] After this, information on the curing mode (52) for carrying out the curing process can be input through at least one of the first, second, and third signal input means in the input unit (51), and information on the type of solvent forming the PVA solution injected into the internal space of the mold (40) can be input through the fourth signal input means (S15b).

[0163] After this, the chamber (50) can be operated in the curing mode (52) based on the case where the simulation process of the control unit (54) is performed, but the temperature control unit (53) can control the internal space temperature of the chamber (50).

[0164] At this time, if the temperature of the internal space is controlled so that the chamber (50) operates in the freezing hardening mode (52a) by the temperature control unit (53) (S15c-YES), the PVA hydrogel (43) that has undergone the freezing hardening process can be molded in the internal space of the mold (40) (S15f).

[0165] In one embodiment, the PVA hydrogel (43) by the freeze-curing mode (52a) can be formed into a transparent first PVA hydrogel (43a) that reduces the degree of ultrasonic transmission in the mold (40) to less than 0.1% when the first PVA solution (22) is injected into the internal space of the mold (40), and on the other hand, when the second PVA solution (23) is injected into the internal space of the mold (40), the PVA hydrogel (43b) can be formed into an opaque second PVA hydrogel (43b) that reduces the degree of ultrasonic transmission in the mold (40) to less than 0.1%.

[0166] In contrast, if the temperature of the internal space is not controlled so that the chamber (50) is operated in the cold curing mode (52a) by the temperature control unit (53) (S15c-NO), the chamber (50) can be operated in the low-temperature curing mode (52b) or the room-temperature curing mode (52c) by the temperature control unit (53).

[0167] At this time, if the temperature of the internal space is controlled so that the chamber (50) operates in a low-temperature curing mode (52b) by the temperature control unit (53) (S15d-YES), a PVA hydrogel (43) that has undergone a low-temperature curing process can be molded in the internal space of the mold (40) (S15f).

[0168] In one embodiment, the PVA hydrogel (43) by the low-temperature curing mode (52b) can be formed into a first PVA hydrogel (43a) in an opaque state that reduces the degree of ultrasonic transmission in the mold (40) to less than 2% when the first PVA solution (22) is injected into the internal space of the mold (40), and on the other hand, when the second PVA solution (23) is injected into the internal space of the mold (40), the PVA hydrogel (43) can be formed into a second PVA hydrogel (43b) in an opaque state that has a polyethylene glycol content of 20% or more and reduces the degree of ultrasonic transmission in the mold (40) to less than 2%.

[0169] In contrast, if the temperature of the internal space is not controlled so that the chamber (50) is operated in the low-temperature curing mode (52b) by the temperature control unit (53) (S15d-NO), the chamber (50) can be operated in the room-temperature curing mode (52c).

[0170] At this time, if the temperature of the internal space is controlled so that the chamber (50) operates in a room temperature curing mode (52c) by the temperature control unit (53) (S15e-YES), a PVA hydrogel (43) that has undergone a room temperature curing process can be molded in the internal space of the mold (40) (S15f).

[0171] In one embodiment, when the first PVA solution (22) is injected into the internal space of the mold (40), the PVA hydrogel (43) formed in the room temperature curing mode (52c) can be formed into a first PVA hydrogel (43a) that is more opaque than the first PVA hydrogel (43a) formed in the low temperature curing mode (52b) by reducing the degree of ultrasonic transmission in the mold (40) to less than 5%, and, on the other hand, when the second PVA solution (23) is injected into the internal space of the mold (40), the PVA hydrogel (43b) that is more opaque than the second PVA hydrogel (43b) formed in the low temperature curing mode (52b) while reducing the degree of ultrasonic transmission in the mold (40) to less than 5% and having a polyethylene glycol content of 20% or more.

[0172] In contrast, if the temperature of the internal space is not controlled so that the chamber (50) is operated in the room temperature curing mode (52c) by the temperature control unit (53) and thus is not operated in the curing mode (52) (S15e-NO), the chamber (50) can communicate with a terminal provided by the user through a display or control unit (54) to inform the user of an operation error and request re-operation of the input unit (51) (S15g).

[0173]

[0174] How to neutralize

[0175] Hereinafter, a neutralization method for neutralizing the first PVA hydrogel (43a) that has undergone a curing step (S15) in a neutralization step (S16) will be described in detail.

[0176] Figure 14 is a drawing showing the detailed process of the neutralization step illustrated in Figure 9.

[0177] Referring to Fig. 14, the first PVA hydrogel (43a) formed through a curing process in the curing step (S15), which is a previous step to the neutralization step (S16), can be discharged to the outside through the discharge means of the mold (40) (S16a).

[0178] After this, the first PVA hydrogel (43a) can be sequentially contained in a first container (61) containing acetone, a second container (62) containing ether, and a third container (63) containing the first container (61) or acetone for a certain period of time (e.g., 1 to 24 hours) (S16b).

[0179] After this, the first PVA hydrogel (43a) is placed in a fourth container (64) storing liquid carbon dioxide heated to 60° C. (S16c), and can be neutralized through this neutralization process.

[0180]

[0181] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, mixing polyethylene glycol PEG using PEG400 showed better results.

[0182] Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a chemical substance belonging to the polyether group of compounds, a polymer formed by the polymerization of ethylene oxide. PEG exists in various forms (liquid, gel, solid) depending on its molecular weight. PEGs with lower molecular weights are more water-soluble and have lower viscosity, while higher molecular weights result in higher viscosity and decreased water solubility.

[0183] PEG400 is a PEG with a molecular weight of approximately 400, and is a liquid with good water solubility and low viscosity.

[0184] PEG400 can improve the following effects:

[0185] - Role as a solvent: PEG400 enables various drugs and active ingredients to dissolve, allowing them to be better absorbed in the body.

[0186] - Improved wettability: PEG400 retains moisture in the skin and hair and improves the feel of the product by making the texture smooth.

[0187] - Drug delivery system: Enables specific drugs to reach the target area more effectively, improves drug stability, and increases the efficiency of drug delivery by controlling the viscosity of the formulation.

[0188] - Lubricity and viscosity control: PEG400 has low viscosity and good lubricity, so it is used to provide desired texture and fluidity in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations.

[0189] - Skin compatibility: PEG400 is less irritating to the skin and tends not to cause allergic reactions, so it can be safely used in products that are applied directly to the skin.

[0190]

[0191] Additionally, to pass biocompatibility testing for subsequent use of medical devices, it is important to confirm that there is no bacterial contamination.

[0192] In the present invention, in order to prevent bacterial contamination of PVA hydrogel after the neutralization process, it was additionally confirmed that there was no bacterial infection during distribution when the PVA hydrogel was diluted by 2% in bacteria-removing ethanol water and then subjected to gamma ray treatment after storage or packaging.

[0193] Because hydrogels can provide an environment conducive to bacterial growth, measures to prevent bacterial contamination are essential.

[0194] Neutralization processes are often used to modify the physical properties of hydrogels, and can leave the product susceptible to bacteria.

[0195] Therefore, to prevent bacterial contamination, it is diluted 2% in bacteria-removing ethanol water and then gamma-ray treated after storage or packaging.

[0196] That is, by storing or packaging the hydrogel using a 2% diluted ethanol solution, the product can be prevented from being contaminated with bacteria.

[0197] Additionally, gamma rays are high energy radiation that can be used to kill bacteria by damaging their DNA, and gamma irradiation can be performed after storage or packaging, which provides additional assurance that the product is free of bacteria before it reaches the user.

[0198]

[0199] Furthermore, the PVA hydrogel applied to the present invention has a Shore A durometer hardness value of 40A or less.

[0200] PVA hydrogel is a material with a hydrated network structure based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and the term "hydrogel" refers to a gel-like material that maintains a solid structure while containing a lot of water. PVA hydrogel can be swelled by water in particular, but does not completely dissolve in water.

[0201]

[0202] PVA hydrogels with a Shore A durometer hardness of 40A or less may exhibit beneficial properties in various ways, particularly in the medical field. The Shore A hardness scale is used to measure the surface hardness of a material, with lower numbers indicating softer materials. PVA hydrogels with a hardness of 40A or less may have the following advantages:

[0203] - Improved biocompatibility: Soft materials have properties more similar to human tissue, which means they tend to cause less irritation and inflammatory reactions when inserted into the body.

[0204] - Better flexibility and elasticity: Hydrogels with a hardness value of 40A or less exhibit high flexibility and elasticity, allowing them to follow the body's movements well, making them ideal for medical patches or implants used in areas with a lot of movement.

[0205] - Reduced pressure points: Soft materials can improve pressure distribution, which is important in medical devices or wound dressings that are meant to be worn for long periods of time, and helps prevent problems such as pressure ulcers.

[0206] - Improved wound healing: Especially when used as a wound dressing, soft hydrogels maintain appropriate moisture in the wound area, supporting the wound healing process while providing mechanical protection to the wound.

[0207] - Comfortable to wear: Softness can significantly improve comfort, which can increase patient satisfaction and treatment compliance, especially important for products that come into direct contact with the skin or devices that need to be worn for long periods of time.

[0208]

[0209] The detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above has been provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement and practice the present invention. While the above description has been made with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art can utilize the individual components described in the above-described embodiments in combination with each other. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0210] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the technical spirit and essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes coming within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included therein. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Furthermore, claims that are not explicitly cited in the claims may be combined to form an embodiment or incorporated into a new claim by post-application amendment.

[0211] 1: PVA hydrogel manufacturing device, 10: solvent manufacturing device,

[0212] 11: 1st mixed solvent, 11a, 12a: water,

[0213] 11b: Dimethyl sulfoxide, 11c, 12c: Preservatives,

[0214] 12b: polyethylene glycol, 12: second mixed solvent,

[0215] 20: Stirrer, 21: Polyvinyl alcohol,

[0216] 22: 1st PVA solution, 23: 2nd PVA solution,

[0217] 24: Defoamer, 30: De-foamer,

[0218] 40: Mold, 41: First mold body,

[0219] 42: Second mold body, 43: PVA hydrogel,

[0220] 43a: First PVA hydrogel, 43b: Second PVA hydrogel,

[0221] 50: Chamber, 51: Input,

[0222] 52: Hardening mode, 52a: Freezing hardening mode,

[0223] 52b: Low temperature curing mode, 52c: Room temperature curing mode,

[0224] 53: Temperature control unit, 54: Control unit,

[0225] 61: First container, 62: Second container,

[0226] 63: Third container, 64: Fourth container,

[0227] 100: Ultrasonic generator.

Claims

1. In a device for manufacturing PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, A solvent manufacturing device for manufacturing at least one of a first mixed solvent comprising water and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and a second mixed solvent comprising water and polyethylene glycol (PEG); A stirrer into which the solvent discharged from the solvent generator is injected, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is injected through an injection path different from the injection path of the solvent, and then the solvent and polyvinyl alcohol are stirred to produce a PVA solution; A deaerator that receives the PVA solution from the agitator and removes the internal air of the PVA solution; A mold into which the PVA solution discharged from the above-mentioned defoamer is injected into the internal space; and When the mold is inserted, a chamber is included that causes the mold to undergo a hardening process so that PVA hydrogel is formed in the internal space of the mold; The above PVA hydrogel is, Depending on the type of solvent that makes up the above PVA solution, it is neutralized through a neutralization process. In order to prevent contamination of the PVA hydrogel after the neutralization process, the PVA hydrogel is diluted with at least one of ethanol and water after the neutralization process and then subjected to gamma ray treatment after storage or packaging. A device for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that the above PVA hydrogel has a Shore A durometer hardness value of 40A or less.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first mixed solvent is, A device for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that the solvent is a mixture of 40 to 60 wt% of water and 40 to 60 wt% of dimethyl sulfoxide, and a preservative is additionally added to prevent shrinkage and decay of the PVA hydrogel.

3. In paragraph 1, The above second mixed solvent is, A device for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that the solvent is a mixture of 70 to 95 wt% of water and 5 to 30 wt% of polyethylene glycol, and a preservative is additionally added to prevent shrinkage and decay of the PVA hydrogel.

4. In paragraph 1, The above stirrer, A device for producing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that 5 to 10 wt% of polyvinyl alcohol is added to the total weight of the solvent input from the solvent generator, and then the solvent and polyvinyl alcohol are stirred for 90 minutes or more at a temperature between 90°C and 130°C to produce a PVA solution.

5. In paragraph 1, The above chamber, A device for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that when a mold having the PVA solution based on the first mixed solvent or the PVA solution based on the second mixed solvent injected into the internal space is inserted, a PVA hydrogel is formed in the internal space of the mold through each of the freezing, low-temperature, and room-temperature curing processes.

6. In paragraph 5, The above chamber, The PVA solution based on the first mixed solvent is formed into a transparent PVA hydrogel that reduces the ultrasonic transmission level to less than 0.1% during a freeze-hardening process at -5 to -20°C, In a separate curing method, a low-temperature curing process of 1 to 5 ℃, the gel is formed into an opaque PVA hydrogel that reduces the ultrasonic transmission rate to less than 2%. A device for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that, in a separate curing process at room temperature of 18 to 25 ℃, the gel is formed into a more opaque PVA hydrogel that reduces the degree of ultrasonic transmission to less than 5%.

7. In paragraph 6, The above PVA hydrogel is, When the molding is completed by the above chamber, it is discharged from the mold and sequentially immersed in acetone, ether, and the acetone for a certain period of time, and then neutralized through a neutralization process in which it is immersed in a container storing liquid carbon dioxide heated to 60°C. A device for manufacturing PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight of 400 and a water-soluble and low-viscosity form of PEG400 is used.

8. In paragraph 5, The above chamber, The PVA solution based on the second mixed solvent is formed into an opaque PVA hydrogel that reduces the ultrasonic transmission level to less than 0.1% during the freeze-hardening process at -5 to -20°C, In a separate curing method, a low-temperature curing process of 1 to 5 ℃, the gel is formed into an opaque PVA hydrogel with a polyethylene glycol content of 20% or more while reducing the ultrasonic permeability to less than 2%. A device for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that, in a separate curing process at room temperature of 18 to 25 ℃, the gel is formed into a more opaque PVA hydrogel having a polyethylene glycol content of 20% or more while reducing the ultrasonic transmittance to less than 5%.

9. In a method for manufacturing PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, a) a step of a solvent generator producing at least one of a first mixed solvent comprising water and dimethyl sulfoxide and a second mixed solvent comprising water and polyethylene glycol; b) A step of generating a PVA solution by stirring the solvent introduced from the solvent generator and polyvinyl alcohol introduced through an introduction path different from the introduction path of the solvent; c) A step of removing internal air of the PVA solution by receiving the PVA solution from the agitator; d) A step in which the PVA solution discharged from the defoamer is injected into the internal space of the mold; e) When the mold is placed in the chamber, the chamber causes the mold to undergo a curing process so that PVA hydrogel is formed in the internal space of the mold; f) a step of neutralizing the PVA hydrogel after it is discharged from the mold, through a neutralization process depending on the type of solvent that makes up the PVA solution; and g) In order to prevent contamination of the PVA hydrogel after the neutralization process, a step of diluting the PVA hydrogel with at least one of ethanol and water after the neutralization process and performing gamma ray treatment after storage or packaging; A method for producing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that the above PVA hydrogel has a Shore A durometer hardness value of 40A or less.

10. In paragraph 9, Step a) above, A method for producing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that the first mixed solvent is a mixture of 40 to 60 wt% of water and 40 to 60 wt% of dimethyl sulfoxide, and a preservative is additionally added to prevent shrinkage and decay of the PVA hydrogel.

11. In paragraph 9, Step a) above, A method for producing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that the second mixed solvent is a mixture of 70 to 95 wt% of water and 5 to 30 wt% of polyethylene glycol, and a preservative is additionally added to prevent shrinkage and decay of the PVA hydrogel.

12. In paragraph 9, Step b) above, A method for producing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that the agitator adds 5 to 10 wt% of polyvinyl alcohol to the total weight of the solvent added from the solvent generator and then stirs the solvent and polyvinyl alcohol for 90 minutes or more at a temperature between 90°C and 130°C to produce a PVA solution.

13. In paragraph 9, Step e) above, A method for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that when a mold having a PVA solution based on the first mixed solvent or a PVA solution based on the second mixed solvent injected into the internal space of the mold is inserted into the chamber, the PVA hydrogel is formed in the internal space of the mold through a curing process at each of freezing, low temperature, and room temperature.

14. In paragraph 13, Step e) above, The above chamber is formed into a transparent PVA hydrogel that reduces the ultrasonic transmission degree to less than 0.1% during the freeze-curing process of the first mixed solvent-based PVA solution at -5 to -20°C, In a separate curing method, a low-temperature curing process of 1 to 5 ℃, the gel is formed into an opaque PVA hydrogel that reduces the ultrasonic transmission rate to less than 2%. A method for manufacturing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that, in a separate curing process at room temperature of 18 to 25 ℃, the gel is formed into a more opaque PVA hydrogel that reduces the degree of ultrasonic transmission to less than 5%.

15. In paragraph 14, Step f) above, When the above PVA hydrogel is completed by molding by the chamber, it is discharged from the mold and sequentially immersed in acetone, ether, and the acetone for a certain period of time, and then neutralized through a neutralization process in which it is immersed in a container storing liquid carbon dioxide heated to 60°C. A method for producing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight of 400 and a water-soluble and low-viscosity form of PEG400 is used.

16. In paragraph 13, Step e) above, The above chamber is formed into an opaque PVA hydrogel that reduces the ultrasonic transmission degree to less than 0.1% during the freeze-curing process of the second mixed solvent-based PVA solution at -5 to -20°C, In a separate curing method, a low-temperature curing process of 1 to 5 ℃, the gel is formed into an opaque PVA hydrogel with a polyethylene glycol content of 20% or more while reducing the ultrasonic permeability to less than 2%. A method for producing a PVA hydrogel for ultrasonic acoustic coupling, characterized in that in a separate curing process at room temperature of 18 to 25 ℃, the gel is formed into a more opaque PVA hydrogel having a polyethylene glycol content of 20% or more while reducing the ultrasonic transmittance to less than 5%.

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