Benchtop Acoustic Energy Apparatus for Sample Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic systems for biological and chemical sample processing lack flexibility and convenience, particularly for on-demand use in laboratory or benchtop settings, and often require significant sample preparation, operator training, or both high-power and high-control processing.
Innovation Solution
A benchtop apparatus that selectively applies focused acoustic energy to samples using a transducer with a focal zone, allowing for controlled treatment protocols, pressure adjustment, and automated operation, with features like user interfaces, interchangeable memory components, and sensors for monitoring sample parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-frequency focused acoustic systems are used, then control precision is improved, but power capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating frequency based on the acoustic properties of the sample and coupling medium. By varying frequency rather than operating at a fixed high frequency, the system maintains precise control while accessing different power levels appropriate for various sample types and treatment objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key operating parameters including frequency, power level, and duty cycle to optimize both control precision and power delivery. This parameter adjustment allows the system to transition between high-frequency low-power mode for precision work and lower-frequency high-power mode for robust sample processing.
2Power
If low-frequency acoustic systems are used, then power capability is improved, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects operating frequency based on sample characteristics and desired outcome. When high power is needed, it operates at lower frequencies; when precision control is required, it transitions to higher frequencies, thus adapting to different operational requirements in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to perform multiple functions across a broad frequency range, making it universally applicable to different sample types and treatment objectives. This multi-functionality allows a single system to deliver both high-power processing and high-precision control as needed.
3Power
If direct immersion of acoustic transducer in sample is used, then power transfer is improved, but sample contamination and operator training requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a coupling medium as an intermediary between the acoustic transducer and the sample. This coupling medium enables effective acoustic energy transfer while preventing direct contact between the transducer and sample, thereby eliminating contamination risks and reducing operator training requirements for safe and effective operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical contact (transducer immersion) with acoustic coupling through a medium. This substitution maintains the effectiveness of power transfer while eliminating the mechanical and operational complexities associated with direct immersion techniques.
4Productivity
If high-power acoustic processing is used, then processing speed is improved, but sample damage and loss of viability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or pulsed acoustic energy delivery rather than continuous high-power exposure. By alternating between active treatment phases and rest phases, the system achieves effective processing speeds while allowing samples to recover, thereby maintaining cell viability and preventing excessive damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action through a combination of pulsed high-power treatment and lower-power maintenance phases. This continuous engagement ensures processing efficiency while the periodic nature of the high-power pulses prevents cumulative damage that would occur with sustained maximum power exposure.
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
Enables efficient and precise treatment of samples with minimal user input, preserving viability and activity, and improving processing speed and quality, such as achieving narrower size distributions in sheared DNA strands and enhanced lysis of microbial organisms.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic energy source (e.g., transducer) which applies acoustic energy to the sample. The acoustic energy may be applied to the sample through a coupling medium such as water
Implementation Method 2
Ultrasonics have been utilized for many years in a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, and research purposes. Some uses of ultrasonic or acoustic energy in materials processing include breaking up and/or mixing of fluid suspensions of materials
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to systems and methods for applying acoustic energy to a sample. According to one aspect of the invention, a system comprises a housing, a chamber for receiving the sample, an acoustic energy source for providing a focused acoustic field to the sample according to a treatment protocol, a processor for determining the treatment protocol, a sensor for detecting information about the sample, and a user interface for communicating with a user.