Acoustic Particle Separation Using Non-Perpendicular Pressure Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustophoretic systems face challenges in achieving high throughput and long-term operational stability for the separation of whole blood components due to insufficient particle separation and poor device design, particularly in two-dimensional separation channels.
Innovation Solution
The development of a device and method for high throughput separation using a reservoir with a transducer generating a pressure field not perpendicular to the fluid flow, featuring an array of openings and acoustic coupling layers, allowing for non-perpendicular orientation of nodal and antinodal planes within the reservoir to enhance particle focusing and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional two-dimensional separation channels are used for acoustophoretic separation, then the device structure is simple, but the throughput is insufficient and operational stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional separation channels to a three-dimensional reservoir structure with non-perpendicular nodal and antinodal planes. This dimensional change enables increased throughput by allowing particles to be separated in multiple spatial directions simultaneously, while the reservoir geometry maintains structural simplicity. The 3D acoustic field configuration with opening arrays enables high-throughput separation without significantly complicating the device design.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional perpendicular pressure field orientation is used, then the acoustic field generation is straightforward, but particle separation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs non-perpendicular orientation of the pressure field relative to the fluid flow direction, creating an asymmetric acoustic field configuration. This asymmetry enables more effective particle separation by generating acoustic radiation forces that act at angles to the flow, improving the efficiency of particle focusing and separation. The asymmetric field orientation is achieved through strategic transducer placement and resonance frequency selection, without requiring complex field generation mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If acoustic radiation force is increased for better separation, then separation efficiency improves, but device stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes resonant oscillation dynamics to generate strong acoustic radiation forces for efficient particle separation. By operating at resonant frequencies of the fluid-loaded reservoir, the system amplifies acoustic effects and enhances separation efficiency. The dynamic resonant operation maintains operational stability through self-sustaining oscillations that naturally regulate the acoustic field strength, preventing the instability that would result from continuously increasing static acoustic force.
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 enables efficient and stable separation of particles and cells by increasing the acoustic radiation force and throughput, allowing for the isolation of rare cells from whole blood and other fluids, overcoming limitations of traditional 2D microchannel acoustophoresis.
Implementation Method 1
Attractive or repulsive acoustic radiation forces (ARFs) arise due to differences in the acoustic properties of suspended particles and surrounding medium (acoustic contrast, Φ), as well as the particle size and shape. Because the magnitude and direction of these forces are functions of particle size and a material-dependent contrast factor, this phenomenon can be utilized to trap objects locally over an ultrasonic transducer, to concentrate them within a fluidic channel, and to align, sort or separate different types of objects.
Implementation Method 2
A device for high throughput separation may include a channel or reservoir for receiving a fluid comprising an array of openings on at least one side of the channel or reservoir, a transducer or actuator for generating a pressure field
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices and methods of high throughput separation. A device comprises a reservoir for receiving a fluid in a flow direction and a transducer for generating a pressure field that is not perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid through the reservoir. A method comprises receiving a fluid in a flow direction into a reservoir comprising an array of openings on at least one side of the channel or reservoir, generating a pressure field that is not perpendicular to the flow of the fluid through the reservoir, wherein at least one node and at least one antinode of the pressure field are within the reservoir, and separating the plurality of objects within the fluid, wherein at least a first object is retained within the reservoir and at least a second object is passed from the reservoir through the array of openings.