Fluid Device Acoustic Particle Classification Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid devices struggle to classify particles of varying sizes in a fluid and require larger setups to achieve efficient separation, as they rely on increased acoustic radiation force which limits the size range of particles that can be captured.
Innovation Solution
A fluid device with a chamber that generates standing waves along multiple axes, using ultrasonic elements to focus particles at specific nodes, and a control system that adjusts drive voltages and flow velocities over time to capture and classify particles based on size, allowing for efficient concentration and separation of fine particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple fluid devices are coupled together to increase acoustic radiation force, then particle classification capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the acoustic radiation force variable over time rather than static. The drive voltage to the ultrasonic element is reduced over time, causing the acoustic radiation force to decrease dynamically. This allows the same device to capture different particle sizes at different time points, achieving classification without requiring multiple devices coupled together.
2Quantity of substance
If acoustic radiation force is increased to capture smaller particles, then particle capture capability is improved, but the size range of capturable particles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the drive voltage applied to the ultrasonic element over time. This causes the acoustic radiation force parameter to change dynamically, enabling the device to capture particles of different sizes at different time points. Initially, higher voltage captures smaller particles, and as voltage decreases, larger particles are captured, thus expanding the adaptable particle size range.
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 effectively captures and classifies particles of multiple sizes by adjusting acoustic radiation forces and flow velocities, improving particle concentration and recovery efficiency while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic element configured to generate a standing wave in a direction along a first axis in a fluid in the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a first ultrasonic element configured to generate a first standing wave in a direction along the first axis in the fluid in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid device includes a chamber that is provided with an inlet and an outlet opened at different positions on an X axis and is formed with a flow path space in which a fluid is caused to flow from the inlet to the outlet, a first ultrasonic element configured to generate a standing wave in a direction along an X axis in the fluid in the chamber, a driver configured to drive the first ultrasonic element, and a drive controller configured to control the driver such that a drive voltage applied to the first ultrasonic element is reduced over time.