Acoustic Droplet Generation for Liquid Sample Introduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current liquid sample introduction systems for analytical instruments, such as nebulizers and droplet generators, are inefficient due to the need for sample handling and mixing processes that lead to memory effects, reduced sample throughput, and the requirement for additional liquid handling devices, which increase analysis time and cost.

Innovation Solution

An acoustic droplet generation system that applies acoustic energy to a liquid sample on a solid surface to eject droplets, which are then entrained in a gas stream for direct transport into an analysis device without contacting any surfaces, eliminating the need for sample handling and mixing devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a nebulizer is used to generate droplets, then a stream of droplets is produced for analysis, but droplet size control is poor and large droplets reduce analysis efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedroplet size uniformityVSAvoidanalysis throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical nebulizer system with an acoustic field-based droplet generation system. Acoustic energy is used to precisely control droplet formation and ejection, eliminating the size distribution problems of mechanical nebulization while maintaining high throughput capability through controlled acoustic pulsing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of droplet generation by using acoustic frequency and amplitude control instead of mechanical flow control. By adjusting acoustic parameters, monodisperse droplets with precise size control are generated, resolving the contradiction between size uniformity and production rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a spray chamber is placed between the nebulizer and torch, then large droplets are filtered out, but only 1-2% of nebulized sample is efficiently utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsample throughput time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by generating monodisperse droplets of appropriate size before they enter the analysis system. Acoustic droplet generation creates droplets with precise size control from the start, eliminating the need for subsequent filtration and size selection in spray chambers, thereby achieving near 100% sample utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If additional liquid handling devices are used for sample preparation and mixing, then sample processing is enabled, but memory effects increase and analysis time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample processing capabilityVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the liquid handling and mixing devices from the sample introduction system. By using acoustic droplet generation directly from the sample container, the system removes intermediate handling steps that cause memory effects and time delays, while maintaining full sample processing capability through direct acoustic ejection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Device complexity

If droplets contact surfaces during transport, then droplet generation is simplified, but memory effects occur and wash cycles are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedroplet generation simplicityVSAvoidsample introduction purity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a pneumatic approach by employing a gas stream to transport droplets through the system. The droplets are carried by the gas flow without contacting solid surfaces, eliminating memory effects and wash cycle requirements while maintaining simple droplet generation through acoustic means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach significantly increases sample throughput by eliminating surface contact and reducing analysis time, while minimizing the need for additional devices and wash cycles, thereby improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of sample introduction.

Implementation Method 1

applying acoustic energy to a quantity of liquid sample located on a solid surface of a sample support so as to eject a droplet of sample from the quantity of sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic energy: Acoustics

Implementation Method 2

entraining the droplet of sample in a gas stream; transporting the droplet of sample into the analysis device using the gas stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEntrainment: Entrainment

Data Source

PatentUS9804183B2Apparatus and method for liquid sample introduction

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 THERMO ELECTRON MFG

AI summary

A method and apparatus for introducing droplets of liquid sample into an analysis device using a gas stream, the droplets being produced by the application of acoustic energy to a quantity of liquid sample. Acoustic energy may be applied to a quantity of liquid sample located on a solid surface of a sample support so as to eject a droplet of sample from the quantity of sample; the droplet of sample may be entrained in a gas stream; and the droplet of sample may be transported into the analysis device using the gas stream.