Mono-disperse Microbubble Generation via Pressure Release Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microbubble generation systems are not suitable for producing a limited amount of mono-disperse microbubbles targeted at a user-definable ultrasound imaging frequency, leading to suboptimal ultrasound imaging due to variance in microbubble size and resonance frequency.
Innovation Solution
A system with a microbubble generation unit connected to independent sources of pressure-regulated gaseous media, featuring release valve units controlled by a unit to quickly stop microbubble generation, allowing for patient-specific production of microbubbles with reduced poly-dispersity, enabling flexible and convenient generation near the ultrasound imaging apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If microbubbles are mass-produced prior to ultrasound examination, then a sufficient quantity of microbubbles is available, but the variance in microbubble size and resonance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pressure settings during the microbubble generation process to maintain consistent bubble size. By continuously monitoring and regulating pressure in both the dispersed and continuous phase fluids, the system produces microbubbles with uniform dimensions and resonance frequencies throughout the examination period
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from pressure sensors monitoring the dispersed and continuous phase fluids, automatically adjusting pressure settings to maintain mono-dispersity. This closed-loop control ensures consistent microbubble production characteristics while sustaining adequate quantities for imaging
2Adaptability or versatility
If microbubbles are mass-produced without considering desired frequency, then production flexibility is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes physical parameters (pressure settings of dispersed and continuous phase fluids) to control microbubble size and resonance frequency. By adjusting these parameters, the system can produce monodisperse microbubbles tailored to specific ultrasound imaging frequencies without requiring multiple production systems
Solution Approach 2:
A single microbubble generation system performs multiple functions by producing monodisperse microbubbles for different ultrasound imaging frequencies through pressure adjustment. The control unit enables the system to adapt to various imaging requirements while maintaining mono-dispersity, eliminating the need for separate production systems for different frequency ranges
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure regulated gaseous media are used to control microbubble generation, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit combines multiple pressure regulation functions into a single integrated control system that manages both the dispersed and continuous phase fluid pressures. This unified approach maintains precise control over microbubble size while reducing operational complexity compared to separate independent regulation systems
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 the rapid production of mono-disperse microbubbles tailored to specific ultrasound imaging frequencies, improving imaging results by allowing for patient-specific control of microbubble size and resonance frequency, thus enhancing imaging contrast and safety.
Implementation Method 1
sources of first and second pressure regulated gaseous media, respectively
Implementation Method 2
a first release valve unit which is configured for releasing the first pressure regulated gaseous medium, and a second release valve unit which is configured for releasing the second pressure regulated gaseous medium
Implementation Method 3
a bubble formation channel in which microbubbles are generated using the received dispersed phase fluid and the received continuous phase fluid
Implementation Method 4
At least one of the dispersed phase fluid and the continuous phase fluid may contain a surfactant suitable for populating a fluid interface between the dispersed phase fluid and the continuous phase fluid, and to thus encapsulate and stabilize the bubbles
Implementation Method 5
When the microbubble is subjected to an ultrasound wave of a suitable frequency, equaling or at least approaching the resonance frequency of the microbubble, the bubble will resonate at the resonance frequency of the microbubble
Implementation Method 6
These bubbles have a high degree of echogenicity, which is the ability of an object to reflect the ultrasound waves
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to a system and method for controlled manufacturing of mono-disperse microbubbles. According to the invention, the mono-disperse nature of the collection of generated microbubbles can be improved by releasing the pressurized gaseous medium used in the system using release valve units. This further allows the system to be embodied as a portable system. In turn, the operator of an ultrasound imaging apparatus may use the system according to the invention to generate microbubbles on a patient-by-patient basis.