Modular Acoustic Levitation Trap with Interchangeable Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustic resonators are complex to assemble, prone to fluid leakage, and not easily disassembled or reusable, limiting their ability to handle large particles such as cells or particle clusters, and require precise control of cavity thickness for resonance.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base with a protruding part, a spacer with a complementary aperture, and a reflector, where the base, spacer, and housing are held together without glue, allowing easy access and replacement of the spacer to adjust cavity size, and featuring a gasket for fluid tightness, enabling manipulation of larger particles and easier cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional acoustic resonators use screw assembly to define cavity thickness, then the resonance frequency can be precisely controlled, but the assembly becomes complicated and prone to fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components (base, spacer, housing, reflector) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The spacer acts as a separate element that defines cavity thickness without requiring complex screw assembly, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer serves as an intermediary element between the base and housing that precisely defines the cavity thickness. This intermediate component eliminates the need for direct screw-to-surface contact, reducing assembly complexity and preventing fluid leakage paths.
2Strength
If conventional acoustic resonators use glue to assemble spacer between layers, then the structure is held together, but the device cannot be reused and the spacer cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure is segmented into removable components connected by friction-fit interfaces rather than permanent adhesive bonds. This allows the spacer to be independently removed and replaced while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly transitions from a static, permanent bonded structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure. The friction-fit interfaces enable the spacer to be inserted and removed multiple times, providing adaptability for different experimental configurations while maintaining strength during use.
3Reliability
If conventional acoustic resonators are tightly sealed to prevent leakage, then fluid tightness is achieved, but the device cannot be easily disassembled for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is designed to be dynamic rather than permanent. The friction-fit interfaces provide sufficient fluid tightness during operation but allow easy disassembly when needed for cleaning or maintenance, eliminating the trade-off between sealing reliability and serviceability.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional acoustic resonators are designed for microfluidic devices, then small particles can be handled, but large particles such as cells cannot be effectively manipulated
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator design is universal and scalable, capable of handling particles across a wide size range from microfluidic scales to large cell clusters. The modular architecture and adjustable cavity volume allow the same device structure to be adapted for different particle sizes and quantities by simply changing the spacer thickness.
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
The device provides a simple, leak-proof, and versatile acoustic resonator capable of handling thousands of particles, including large living cells, with adjustable cavity size and easy cleaning, enhancing particle manipulation and analysis without complex assembly or leakage issues.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic wave generator and the opposing wall serves as passive reflector. The ultrasonic wave generated is reflected and the wave superposition is known as a standing wave
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic wave generated is reflected and the wave superposition is known as a standing wave
Implementation Method 3
the wave superposition is known as a standing wave: at least one acoustic pressure node is created at a given position along a dimension of a cavity of an acoustic resonator by providing a resonance condition for the acoustic wave
Implementation Method 4
Particles manipulation with ultrasonic standing waves is known as a powerful tool for handling, moving or trapping particles in microfluidics devices
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device, suitable for use as an acoustic resonator, including a base adapted to be coupled to at least one acoustic wave generator, a spacer including an aperture and a reflector, wherein the base includes a protruding part having a thickness t; the aperture of the spacer is complementary to the protruding part of the base; the device further includes a housing having an aperture complementary to the protruding part of the base and wherein the inner edge of the aperture has the same thickness t than the protruding part; and the housing is positioned between the spacer and the reflector, such that the thickness of the inner edge of the spacer defined the thickness of a cavity between the protruding part and the reflector. Also disclosed is a method of trapping particles in a fluid.