Spiral Electroacoustic Layout for Independent Object Rotation Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electroacoustic devices for manipulating nano- and micro-sized objects in fluid media face challenges such as limited selectivity, unwanted rotation during translation, and inability to control object orientation, particularly when using standing wave acoustophoresis methods.

Innovation Solution

An electroacoustic device with spirally arranged electrodes on a piezoelectric substrate generates counter-rotating acoustic waves through separate groups of electrodes, allowing independent control of object translation and rotation by adjusting electrical signals to synchronize or counteract wave intensities and torques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standing wave acoustophoresis methods are used to manipulate objects, then objects can be manipulated in liquid media, but all objects move toward nodes or anti-nodes and selective manipulation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective manipulation capabilityVSAvoidobject selection control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the acoustic field by using multiple independent piezoelectric substrates (first substrate and second substrate) that can generate acoustic waves with different characteristics. This allows different regions of the liquid medium to have different acoustic properties, enabling selective manipulation of specific objects while leaving others unaffected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the acoustic field configuration by independently controlling the excitation of first and second piezoelectric substrates. By varying the amplitude, frequency, or phase of signals applied to each substrate, the acoustic radiation forces can be dynamically modified to achieve selective manipulation of objects based on their position, size, or material properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If SSAW is used to translate an object, then the object can be entrapped and manipulated, but rotation comes along with translation and cannot be decoupled or controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject translation controlVSAvoidrotation control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric substrate is segmented into multiple electrode groups with different spiral winding directions (first group with first winding direction, second group with second winding direction). This segmentation allows independent control of counter-rotating acoustic vortex components, enabling separate control of translational and rotational movements of trapped objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses asymmetric electrode configurations with electrodes winding in opposite directions to generate acoustic vortices with controllable rotational characteristics. By adjusting the relative excitation of asymmetric electrode groups, the system can independently control the translation and rotation of trapped objects, decoupling these two degrees of freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If direct contact method is used to manipulate objects, then objects can be displaced through tool movement, but the tool can alter the manipulated object or create system disturbance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject manipulation capabilityVSAvoidobject alteration and system disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces direct mechanical contact manipulation with acoustic field-based manipulation. Acoustic radiation forces from the piezoelectric substrates act on objects in the liquid medium without physical contact, eliminating tool-induced alterations and system disturbances while maintaining effective manipulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 precise manipulation of objects by controlling rotation and translation independently, enhancing control over object orientation and reducing unwanted rotation, with improved trapping forces and selective manipulation capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an electroacoustic device with spirally arranged electrodes on a piezoelectric substrate generates counter-rotating acoustic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The object which is submitted to the radiation pressure of the vortex is therefore entrapped and can be manipulated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic radiation pressure: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Data Source

PatentUS12533671B2Electroacoustic device for manipulating objects in a liquid

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 UNIV DE LILLE

AI summary

An electroacoustic device for generating an acoustic wave includes: a piezoelectric substrate; first electrodes arranged on the piezoelectric substrate, each first electrode including first tracks that spiral around a spiral axis in a first winding direction; and second electrodes arranged on the piezoelectric substrate, each second electrode including second tracks that spiral around the spiral axis in a second winding direction opposite to the first winding direction.