Sensor Apparatus Using Ultrasonic Vibration for Phase Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas sensor devices require heating elements to convert condensate back into the gas phase, which can damage heat-labile substances and are energy-intensive, limiting their ability to analyze large gas volumes efficiently and requiring switching between cooling and heating modes.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a piezoelectrically actuated functional element, cooled by a Peltier element, that induces condensation and uses mechanical vibrations to convert the condensed liquid back into the gas phase at room temperature, eliminating the need for heating and allowing for energy-saving operation and efficient analysis of large gas volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating elements are used to convert condensate back into the gas phase, then the phase conversion is effective, but heat-labile substances are damaged and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ultrasonic vibration of a functional element to convert condensed liquid into fine droplets and facilitate phase transition to gas phase. The mechanical vibration energy replaces thermal energy, avoiding damage to heat-labile substances while maintaining effective phase conversion. The ultrasonic vibrations create cavitation and mechanical disruption that promotes rapid evaporation without excessive heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition from liquid to gas through mechanical energy input rather than thermal energy. The functional element's vibration induces phase change in the condensed substance, enabling heat-labile compounds to transition to gas phase without exposure to damaging temperatures, thus resolving the contradiction between effective phase conversion and substance integrity.
2Productivity
If heating elements are used to convert condensate back into the gas phase, then the phase conversion is effective, but the device becomes energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic vibration mechanism provides an alternative energy input method that achieves phase conversion with lower overall energy consumption. The high-frequency mechanical vibrations directly facilitate the liquid-to-gas transition through cavitation and surface effects, bypassing the need for sustained thermal heating, thus improving productivity while reducing energy intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heating element) with a mechanical field (ultrasonic vibration source). This substitution fundamentally changes the energy conversion pathway from thermal to mechanical, achieving phase transition through mechanical energy rather than thermal energy, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining conversion efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cooling and heating modes are used, then phase transitions can be achieved, but the device requires mode switching and has limited portability
Solution Approach 1:
The functional element serves multiple functions: it acts as a cooling surface for condensation, then as a ultrasonic vibration source for atomization and phase transition. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to analyze various substances including heat-labile compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using heating to achieve phase transition as in conventional devices, the patent inverts the approach by using mechanical vibration and ambient temperature conditions. This inversion simplifies the device structure by eliminating heating elements and mode-switching mechanisms, making the device more suitable for portable applications while expanding adaptability to heat-labile substances.
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 enables the sensitive detection of heat-labile substances without damage, reduces energy consumption, and allows for continuous analysis of gases and liquids with increased throughput and sensitivity, expanding the device's range of use, including in portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a functional element, in particular piezoelectrically actuated, whose temperature can be lowered by a cooling element, in particular a Peltier element
Implementation Method 2
a functional element, in particular piezoelectrically actuated
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor apparatus (100) for capturing substances in a fluid. The sensor apparatus (100) has a functional element (120) for condensing and atomizing fluid. The sensor apparatus (100) also has a vibration generating device (130) for causing the functional element (120) to mechanically vibrate. The sensor apparatus (100) furthermore has a cooling device (140) for cooling the functional element (120). The sensor apparatus (100) also has a gas sensor device (150) for capturing gaseous substances in fluid atomized by the functional element (120). The sensor apparatus (100) moreover has a housing (110) for accommodating the functional element (120), the vibration generating device (130), the cooling device (140) and the gas sensor device (150). At least one passage opening (115) for the fluid is formed in the housing (110).