Laser-Induced Acoustic Waveguide Defoaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional defoaming methods using light irradiation and ultrasonic waves are inefficient at high filling speeds, and methods like arc discharge have issues with electrode longevity and contamination, while laser-induced breakdown is effective but faces challenges with focal distance and energy utilization.
Innovation Solution
The method involves condensing a pulsed laser beam inside an acoustic waveguide to generate pulsed sound waves that propagate through the waveguide and destroy foam, with the waveguide design enhancing energy efficiency and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional light irradiation methods are used to defoam, then foam destruction is achieved, but the defoaming rate is too low to match high filling speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed laser irradiation instead of continuous irradiation, delivering high-intensity energy in periodic bursts that coincide with the foam generation cycle during high-speed filling, thereby achieving effective defoaming at production rates of 1000-2000 cans per minute
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal and spatial parameters of light delivery by using focused pulsed laser beams with specific pulse widths and repetition rates, transforming the insufficient continuous low-power irradiation into effective high-power intermittent irradiation that matches high filling speeds
2Reliability
If substantial light energy is supplied to the entire liquid surface to destroy foam, then defoaming effect is improved, but the required high power light source becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid surface into multiple zones and irradiates them sequentially with a focused laser beam that scans across the surface, or uses multiple lower-power laser sources arranged to cover different areas, replacing the need for a single impractical high-power source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal dimension by using pulsed irradiation and spatial scanning, transforming the problem from requiring high power at any instant to distributing the same total energy over time and space, making the system practical
3Productivity
If arc discharge is used for defoaming, then foam destruction is achieved, but electrode life is short and contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical arc discharge system with a non-contact optical system using laser irradiation, eliminating physical electrodes that wear out and contaminate the filling space, while maintaining effective foam destruction capability
4Productivity
If laser beam is directly irradiated onto the liquid surface for defoaming, then foam destruction is achieved, but the liquid content may be affected by high power laser beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the foam layer from the liquid content by selective irradiation, targeting only the foam bubbles at the surface while avoiding penetration into the bulk liquid, thereby destroying foam without affecting the beverage quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies localized irradiation specifically to the foam layer with controlled laser parameters that provide sufficient energy for foam destruction while preventing excessive heating or damage to the underlying liquid content
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 allows for efficient defoaming at high speeds with improved energy utilization and reduced contamination risks, effectively targeting foam on both the liquid surface and inner container surfaces without directly irradiating the liquid.
Implementation Method 1
a pulsed laser beam is condensed and irradiated onto a gas portion above the liquid surface, so as to generate pulsed sound waves from an illumination point as a sound source
Implementation Method 2
a pulsed laser beam is condensed and irradiated onto an internal space of an acoustic waveguide, so as to generate pulsed sound waves from an illumination point
Implementation Method 3
foam outside an open end of the acoustic waveguide is destroyed by the pulsed sound waves propagating through the acoustic waveguide
Implementation Method 4
foam is destroyed by the pulsed sound waves which propagate as spherical waves
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a deforming method and device that use laser-induced breakdown. The provided method and device make it possible to shorten the focal distance, thereby improving laser beam convergence, and increase the utilization efficiency of sound waves that contribute to defoaming. Pulsed laser light is focused and irradiated into a space inside an acoustic waveguide (4), thereby generating pulsed sound waves from the illumination point (7). The pulsed sound waves propagate down the acoustic waveguide as plane waves, then propagate beyond an open end (16) as spherical waves, and break up a foam outside the open end of the acoustic wave guide.