Headspace Control Member for Acoustic Sample Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Acoustic energy-based sample processing devices often suffer from energy wastage due to cavitation and gas interference, leading to incomplete or inefficient processing of samples, as energy is absorbed, reflected, or wasted, and sample material can be ejected from the processing zone, resulting in longer processing times and reduced target molecule recovery.
Innovation Solution
A headspace control member is used to reduce the volume and surface area of the gas space above the sample, minimizing gas entrainment and interference, allowing for more efficient acoustic energy transmission and processing by positioning a rigid surface or porous elements near the sample interface to reflect energy and control gas interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If acoustic energy is applied to process sample material, then processing effectiveness is improved, but energy is lost to cavitation and gas interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes gas from the sample environment by using gas-tight sealing and vacuum techniques before acoustic processing. This extraction of the harmful gas phase eliminates gas bubble formation and cavitation interference, allowing acoustic energy to be fully transmitted to the liquid sample for effective processing without energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert environment by removing gas from the system and using gas-tight sealing. This prevents gas phase formation during acoustic processing, eliminating the harmful interactions between gas bubbles and acoustic waves that cause energy dissipation through cavitation and reflection.
2Quantity of substance
If acoustic processing is performed with gas present, then sample volume can be maintained, but processing time increases due to energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts gas from the system using gas-tight sealing and vacuum techniques, allowing the sample to be processed without gas interference. This enables faster processing times while maintaining the required sample volume, as acoustic energy is no longer wasted on cavitation and gas bubble formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the gas phase by removing it from the system entirely. This parameter change from having gas present to having a vacuum or gas-tight sealed environment fundamentally alters the acoustic processing dynamics, reducing processing time while maintaining sample volume integrity.
3Loss of energy
If headspace volume is reduced, then gas interference is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex headspace control mechanisms by removing gas from the system entirely through gas-tight sealing and vacuum techniques. This simple extraction approach minimizes gas interference without requiring complex mechanical systems to control or reduce headspace volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert environment by removing gas from the system, which eliminates the need for complex headspace management mechanisms. This approach simplifies the device design while effectively minimizing gas interference with acoustic energy transmission during sample processing.
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
This approach enhances the efficiency of acoustic processing by reducing processing time and improving target recovery, allowing for higher acoustic doses to be delivered, resulting in faster and more complete sample processing with reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic energy-based sample processing devices... are effective for homogenization and disruption of biological tissues, cells and other sample material
Implementation Method 2
a controlled acoustic field enables repeatable processes to be developed
Implementation Method 3
gas bubbles reflecting acoustic energy
Implementation Method 4
transfer of gas into the sample liquid (e.g., such as by dissolution or other mechanism)
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for controlling acoustic treatment of a sample including a liquid. A processing volume in which the sample is acoustically treated may be controlled, e.g., by positioning a suitable element so as to reduce and/or eliminate a headspace size at a sample/gas interface. An interaction between the acoustic energy and the sample may be controlled, e.g., by using a headspace control element positioned at least partially in the sample that helps to reduce splashing or other sample ejection that would otherwise occur.