Acoustic Wave Particle Agglomeration for Uniform Cell Clusters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques for forming cell agglomerates are not viable for high-volume production of quality cell agglomerates, as they often result in inconsistent sizes and are cost-prohibitive due to technical complexities.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus using acoustic waves generated by a piezoelectric material to induce acoustic streaming in a suspension, forming uniformly sized cell agglomerations by converting electric energy into acoustic waves and delivering them through a couplant material to create a vortex that agglomerates cells into larger, more viable test specimens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional techniques are used to form cell agglomerates, then the process is simple, but the agglomerates have inconsistent sizes and are not viable for high-volume production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveagglomerate size consistencyVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical mixing methods with acoustic wave-based agglomeration. Acoustic waves generated by a piezoelectric transducer create acoustic streaming and vortex flows that uniformly aggregate cells, eliminating the need for complex mechanical mixers while achieving consistent agglomerate sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes parameters including acoustic wave frequency (typically 20-100 kHz), power intensity, and exposure duration to control agglomerate formation. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves uniform agglomerate sizes suitable for high-volume production while maintaining process simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If complex techniques are used to form cell agglomerates, then the agglomerate size consistency improves, but the cost and technical complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveagglomerate size uniformityVSAvoidproduction feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex mechanical agglomeration systems with a simple acoustic wave-based system. The piezoelectric transducer converts electrical energy to acoustic waves, creating uniform vortex flows that aggregate cells without requiring complex mechanical components, thereby reducing costs while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic waves automatically generate the necessary vortex flows and streaming patterns that drive agglomeration. The system self-regulates the aggregation process through the inherent properties of acoustic wave propagation in the suspension medium, eliminating the need for external mechanical intervention or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If acoustic waves are used to induce acoustic streaming, then uniformly sized agglomerates are formed, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveagglomerate size uniformityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic or pulsed acoustic wave application rather than continuous operation. By applying acoustic waves in controlled cycles, the system achieves uniform agglomeration while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous mechanical mixing or constant acoustic exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes acoustic wave parameters including frequency, power intensity, and exposure duration to achieve the minimum effective energy input for uniform agglomeration. By carefully tuning these parameters, the system achieves consistent agglomerate sizes while minimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method produces uniformly sized cell agglomerations that are substantially larger than those formed using conventional techniques, making them more viable for clinical and research applications.

Implementation Method 1

The acoustic wave device may include a piezoelectric material configured to convert electric energy into the plurality of acoustic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The plurality of acoustic waves may induce acoustic streaming within the suspension. The acoustic streaming may agitate the suspension to form an agglomerate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic streaming:

Data Source

PatentUS11560557B2Acoustic wave based particle agglomeration

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

Articles of manufacture, including an apparatus for acoustic wave based agglomeration, are provided. The apparatus may include a well and an acoustic wave device. The well may be configured to hold a suspension that includes a plurality of particles. The acoustic wave device may be configured to generate a plurality of acoustic waves. The plurality of acoustic waves inducing acoustic streaming within the suspension. The acoustic streaming agitating the suspension to form an agglomerate comprising at least a portion of the plurality of particles. Methods for acoustic wave based agglomeration are also provided.