Acoustic Sample Cooling via Peak Incident Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for sample preparation, such as environmental and microbial analysis, face inefficiencies in heat transfer due to slow convection-based diffusion processes, which hinder rapid cooling of samples after thermal energy application.
Innovation Solution
Applying focused acoustic energy with increased peak incident power (PIP) to enhance heat transfer from the sample to a thermal transfer medium, allowing for rapid cooling despite potential initial heating from acoustic friction, by adjusting PIP and duty cycle to maintain or increase total energy delivery while enhancing cooling rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional convection-based diffusion processes are used for heat transfer, then the sample can be cooled, but the cooling rate is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal convection-based diffusion processes with acoustic energy-based heat transfer. Acoustic waves are applied to the sample to enhance heat transfer from the sample to the vessel wall and thermal transfer medium, achieving rapid cooling without relying on slow natural convection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pulsed acoustic energy delivery with specific duty cycles to the sample. By applying acoustic energy in controlled pulses rather than continuously, the system enhances heat transfer during active phases while allowing cooling during off phases, achieving rapid overall cooling rates.
2Productivity
If acoustic energy is applied to heat the sample, then extraction and disruption processes are enhanced, but the sample temperature increases requiring subsequent cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pulsed acoustic energy delivery with controlled duty cycles to heat the sample during active phases for enhanced extraction and disruption, then allows cooling during off phases. This periodic application enables thermal processing benefits while managing temperature buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts acoustic energy parameters including peak incident power, duty cycle, and pulse duration to control the heating effect on the sample. By modifying these parameters, the system optimizes extraction efficiency while controlling the degree of temperature increase to match subsequent cooling capabilities.
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 method enables faster cooling of samples, stabilizing them for handling and analysis, while maintaining or increasing total energy delivery, counterintuitively achieving higher cooling rates with increased PIP without inhibiting heat transfer during initial heating phases.
Implementation Method 1
heat is transferred from the sample to the thermal transfer medium
Implementation Method 2
the acoustic energy may introduce friction in the sample and/or a vessel wall that holds the sample, thereby heating the sample
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for transmitting acoustic energy to a liquid sample within a vessel are described. The acoustic energy may have a peak incident power to enhance cooling of the sample.