Gas-Supersaturated Liquid Bubble Generation via Flow Shear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating bubbles for medical and non-medical procedures, such as echogenic contrast agents, are inefficient and require complex agitation techniques or stabilization of bubbles, which can lead to bubble coalescence and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a container with a gas-saturated liquid and a delivery tube coated with a nucleation material, allowing for the formation of small bubbles through high-velocity flow, which are sheared off at nucleation sites within the tube, preventing coalescence and maintaining viability without external coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex agitation techniques are used to generate bubbles, then bubble generation is achieved, but device complexity and preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical agitation systems with a simple flow-based system. Gas-supersaturated liquid flows through a tube at controlled flow rates, and bubbles form naturally through gas diffusion and hydrodynamic effects. This eliminates the need for mechanical agitators, reciprocating syringes, or other complex mechanical devices while maintaining efficient bubble generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows bubbles to form self-organizing structures through natural hydrodynamic processes. The gas-supersaturated liquid automatically generates bubbles as it flows through the tube, and these bubbles naturally arrange into chains or strings without external intervention. The system serves itself by utilizing the inherent properties of gas-supersaturated flow to create the desired bubble structures.
2Device complexity
If bubbles are generated without external surface coating, then device complexity is reduced, but bubble stability and viability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls bubble stability by adjusting flow rate parameters rather than adding external coatings. By optimizing the flow rate of gas-supersaturated liquid through the tube, the system produces bubbles with appropriate size and stability characteristics. The flow rate parameters control bubble formation, detachment, and chain formation, ensuring stability without requiring phospholipid or lipid coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates natural bubble chain structures that replicate the desired contrast agent properties without requiring artificial stabilization layers. The bubbles form intrinsic chains through hydrodynamic interactions, copying the stable structure needed for medical applications without the complexity of external coatings.
3Productivity
If bubble chains are formed through flow, then bubble delivery efficiency is improved, but control precision over bubble size and distribution may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses flow rate feedback control to maintain precise bubble size and distribution. By monitoring and adjusting the flow rate of gas-supersaturated liquid through the tube, the system maintains consistent bubble chain formation with controlled bubble sizes. The feedback mechanism ensures that flow conditions remain within the optimal range for producing uniform bubble chains suitable for medical applications.
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 system efficiently generates small, stable bubbles for use as contrast agents, enhancing imaging techniques and allowing for rapid, sterile, and efficient delivery without the need for extensive preparation or stabilization, while minimizing coalescence and maintaining bubble viability.
Implementation Method 1
A flow of gas-supersaturated liquid is directed through a tube
Implementation Method 2
formation of bubbles in a flow of the liquid
Implementation Method 3
small bubbles that are sheared off at nucleation sites within the tube
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system to generate bubbles. The bubbles may be formed to include a substantially or medically pure gas. The bubbles may be formed on demand and in a selected small size.