Syringe Microbubble Generator Aerator Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating agitated saline for echocardiography are imprecise, leading to variability in bubble quality and safety concerns, requiring trained personnel and slowing productivity due to the difficulty in producing uniform and consistently sized microbubbles.
Innovation Solution
A microbubble generator device comprising a syringe, aerator, and housing that produces microbubbles by forcing a body-compatible fluid through a converging nozzle and aerator, creating a coaxial system for uniform bubble generation, which can be coupled to an intravenous line for efficient delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional agitated saline methods are used, then bubble generation can be performed, but bubble quality varies and safety concerns arise due to imprecision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the aerator components, specifically using a converging nozzle with a specific angle (15-45 degrees) and a throat section with controlled dimensions, to precisely control the bubble generation process and achieve uniform bubble sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The aerator is designed with different sections having different properties: a converging nozzle section for fluid acceleration, a throat section for bubble formation, and an outlet section for bubble discharge. Each section is optimized for its specific function to ensure consistent bubble quality throughout the device
2Ease of operation
If traditional bubble generation methods are used, then procedures can be performed, but trained personnel are required and productivity slows due to difficulty in producing uniform microbubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The aerator device is designed to automatically generate uniform microbubbles through its geometric features without requiring operator skill or adjustment. The converging nozzle and throat section self-regulate the bubble formation process, making the device easy to operate and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The aerator is divided into distinct functional sections (converging nozzle, throat, outlet) that work together to automate the bubble generation process, reducing the need for trained personnel and increasing procedure throughput
3Measurement precision
If variable sized bubbles are generated, then bubble study can be performed, but diagnostic efficacy is reduced due to lack of uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
By carefully selecting and controlling the geometric parameters of the aerator components (nozzle angle, throat diameter, outlet dimensions), the device achieves precise bubble size control without requiring complex manufacturing processes or multiple components
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
The device generates more uniform and consistently sized microbubbles with minimal training, enhancing patient safety and diagnostic efficacy by providing a reliable contrast agent for echocardiography procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The housing may (x) circumferentially surround an end of the barrel and the plurality of aerator components, (y) be characterized by a longitudinal axis, (z) have an interior surface, (aa) form a circumferential gas pocket between the interior surface and the exterior body of each of the plurality of aerator components
Implementation Method 2
Each aerator component may have (i) a generally cylindrical exterior body that is characterized by a longitudinal axis; (ii) an inlet end; (iii) an outlet end; (iv) a tapered outlet port at its outlet end, which tapered outlet end may be defined by an outlet diameter that is less than a body diameter corresponding to the exterior body, and a taper near the outlet end
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a syringe having a barrel and a syringe tip; an aerator having (i) a generally cylindrical exterior body; (ii) an inlet end; (iii) an outlet end; (iv) a tapered outlet port at its outlet end; and (v) an interior cavity comprising (A) an input port section, (B) a converging section, (C) a throat section, (D) a diverging section, (E) an outlet section, (F) a first vent that fluidly couples at least one of the throat section or the diverging section to an area outside and adjacent to the exterior body, and (G) a second vent that fluidly couples the outlet section to the area; and a housing that (x) circumferentially surrounds an end of the barrel and the aerator, (z) has an interior surface, (aa) forms a circumferential gas pocket between the interior surface and the exterior body, and (bb) has a housing discharge tip.