Acoustic Waveguide Intermediate Layer Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic detection methods for obstructions in liquid-filled tubes face challenges due to varying tube sizes and materials, leading to radiation of acoustic energy through the tube, which complicates signal analysis and interpretation.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic waveguide with an intermediate layer having a significant difference in acoustic impedance compared to the liquid, combined with acoustic transducers and specialized algorithms to process and analyze reflections, effectively reduces energy radiation and enhances obstruction detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If acoustic detection is used to detect obstructions in liquid-filled tubes, then obstruction detection capability is provided, but acoustic energy radiates through the tube causing signal analysis difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate layer is introduced between the liquid-filled tube and the external environment. This intermediate layer acts as an acoustic barrier that prevents acoustic energy from radiating through the tube wall, thereby reducing energy loss and improving signal quality for obstruction detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic impedance of the intermediate layer is specifically designed to be significantly different from that of the liquid (at least one order of magnitude difference). This parameter change creates strong acoustic reflection at the interface, preventing acoustic energy from penetrating through the tube wall and radiating outward.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tube size and material vary, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but acoustic signal radiation increases affecting analysis accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate layer serves as a universal acoustic barrier that can be applied to tubes of various sizes and materials. It mediates between the diverse tube configurations and the acoustic detection system, consistently preventing acoustic radiation regardless of the specific tube parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
By controlling the acoustic impedance parameter of the intermediate layer to be significantly different from the liquid, the system achieves consistent acoustic isolation across different tube types. This parameter control ensures that acoustic energy reflection remains effective regardless of variations in tube size or material properties.
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 solution effectively determines and continuously monitors the degree, location, and type of obstructions in liquid-filled tubes by minimizing energy loss and improving signal analysis, enabling accurate and reliable obstruction detection.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate layer has a material having a difference in acoustic impedance of at least one order of magnitude with respect to that of the liquid present in or outside the waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an acoustic waveguide for determining and continuously monitoring the degree, location and type of obstructions in liquid-filled tubes or catheters using acoustic waves. The tube's wall has an intermediate layer positioned between a tube outer wall and a tube inner wall of the tubea and the intermediate layer is made of a material having a difference in acoustic impedance of at least one order of magnitude with respect to that of the liquid present in or outside the waveguide reducing or eliminating the amount of acoustic energy that radiates through the tube.