Compact Acoustic Waveguide Device for Medium Property Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for determining physical, chemical, and biological properties of media, such as liquids or soft materials, face challenges due to their large design, which limits their accessibility in various applications, particularly in measuring density and composition.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing surface waves that propagate through a waveguide with a connecting piece, allowing for the excitation and reflection of surface waves to determine properties of a medium within an interior space, using a single transmitter-receiver unit and a reflection element to analyze the waves' propagation and reflection for property determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing devices for determining physical, chemical, and biological properties of media are used, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but device size becomes large which limits accessibility in various applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested waveguide structure where multiple wall sections are arranged in a compact configuration, with each wall section containing functional elements. The waveguide itself is nested within a housing, creating a space-efficient design that maintains measurement capabilities while reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional linear or planar device layouts to a three-dimensional waveguide structure that utilizes spatial arrangement of wall sections. By arranging wall sections in specific geometric configurations and using surface waves that propagate along multiple dimensions, the device achieves compact form factor without sacrificing measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing devices with large design are used, then measurement functionality is comprehensive, but assembly complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the waveguide structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously: the wall sections act as both structural components and acoustic transmission media, the connecting pieces serve as both mechanical joints and acoustic waveguides, and the same structure enables measurement of multiple properties including speed of sound, density, and composition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into integrated components. The wall sections integrate structural support with acoustic wave propagation functions, the connecting pieces merge mechanical assembly with acoustic transmission, and the housing integrates device structure with acoustic isolation. This merging of functions reduces the total number of separate parts and simplifies assembly.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact waveguide design is implemented, then device accessibility is improved, but maintaining measurement accuracy becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the waveguide structure. Specific wall sections have optimized thicknesses and materials tailored to their local acoustic requirements, connecting pieces have geometries optimized for their specific transmission paths, and the housing provides localized acoustic isolation where needed. This local optimization ensures measurement accuracy is maintained despite the compact overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in acoustic parameters such as wave frequency, wavelength, and propagation mode to maintain measurement precision in the compact structure. By operating at specific frequencies where surface waves propagate efficiently along the shortened path lengths, and by adjusting waveguide dimensions to match acoustic wavelengths, the device maintains measurement accuracy despite reduced physical size.
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
Enables precise determination of physical, chemical, and biological properties of media with a compact design, improving accessibility and reducing costs and assembly complexity, while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first surface wave is excited by means of a transmitter on an outer surface of a first wall section of the waveguide bordering the interior space, which wave propagates along a first propagation direction on the first wall section
Implementation Method 2
the at least one first surface wave excites an acoustic wave propagating in the medium on an inner surface of the first wall section facing the medium
Implementation Method 3
the acoustic wave propagating in the medium is at least partially coupled as a second surface wave on an inner surface of a second wall section of the waveguide opposite the first wall section
Implementation Method 4
at least one reflection element is provided on one of the wall sections and/or the connecting piece, on which at least part of the at least one first surface wave is reflected as a third surface wave
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
AI summary
The invention relates in particular to a method for determining physical, chemical, and/or biological properties of a medium (M) located in the interior (30) of a waveguide (3) using at least one acoustic wave which has propagated at least partly through the medium (M). According to the invention, a first wall section (31a) and a second wall section (31b) of the waveguide (3) are connected together via a connection piece (31c) such that a second surface wave (OW2) propagates to the first wall section (31a) at least partly via the connection piece (31c). One of the wall sections (31a, 31b) and/or the connection piece (31c) is provided with at least one reflective element (4) on which at least one part of at least one first surface wave (OW1) that is excited on the first wall section (31a) by means of a transmitter (SE) is reflected as a third surface wave (OW1'). A receiver (SE) is used to receive second and third surface waves (OW2, OW1') on the first wall section (31a), and the second and third surface waves are used to determine physical, chemical, and/or biological properties of the medium (M).