Ultrasonic Antenna for Algae Elimination

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for eliminating algae and microorganisms in water bodies rely on chemical additives that leave residues, and existing ultrasound devices face limitations due to moisture issues and limited range, affecting their effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic wave antenna designed with enamelled copper wire, a hollow PVC tube, and a ferrite or iron bar, capable of generating a sine-wave with consistent positive and negative peaks across a 4500-meter range, using a frequency of 50 to 90 kHz, which is more durable and resistant to moisture, allowing for effective algae elimination without chemical residues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chemical additives are used to eliminate algae and microorganisms, then effective elimination is achieved, but chemical residues remain in the water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealgae elimination efficiencyVSAvoidchemical residues
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical elimination methods with a mechanical/physical ultrasound-based system. The antenna generates ultrasonic waves that mechanically disrupt algae and microorganisms through cavitation and vibration, eliminating the need for chemical additives and their associated residues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameters of ultrasound devices by using a resonant frequency antenna design that operates at specific frequencies (20-100 kHz) to maximize cavitation effects on algae while minimizing impact on aquatic life. The antenna's dimensional parameters are specifically calculated to achieve full wave amplitude generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If existing ultrasound devices are used, then algae elimination is achieved, but moisture issues and limited range reduce effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealgae elimination efficiencyVSAvoidmoisture resistance and range
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a hollow PVC cylindrical tube as a protective shell for the antenna elements. This flexible yet durable enclosure protects the internal components from moisture and condensation while allowing ultrasonic waves to propagate effectively through the water environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna uses composite construction combining enamelled copper wire (conductive element), ferrite or iron bar (magnetic core), and PVC tube (protective housing). This composite structure provides both the necessary electromagnetic properties for ultrasound generation and protection against moisture, extending operational reliability and range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Power

If full wave amplitude is generated with positive and negative peaks, then ultrasound effectiveness is maximized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveultrasound wave amplitudeVSAvoidantenna structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is designed to generate periodic ultrasonic waves with equal positive and negative peaks at frequencies between 20-100 kHz. This periodic oscillation creates consistent cavitation patterns in the water, maximizing the mechanical disruption of algae while maintaining a relatively simple continuous operation mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention directly generates mechanical vibrations through the ultrasonic antenna elements that propagate through the water medium. The vibration mechanism is simplified by using resonant frequency operation, where the antenna structure itself vibrates at its natural frequency to produce full-amplitude waves without requiring complex amplification systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 antenna achieves efficient algae elimination with a longer range and durability, preventing moisture-related issues and chemical residue problems, ensuring the process is environmentally friendly and compliant with legislative requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The present descriptive report refers to an invention relating to an ultrasonic wave antenna, the configuration of which enables the full amplitude of the wave to be generated from the emitting source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

A sound wave is initiated in a generator source and is propagated by a mechanical vibration in an elastic medium such as air or water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 3

The latter waves, of high frequency and short wavelength (between 20, 30 and 40 kHz), are the ones that have an application in sanitisation processes, thanks to their ability to produce the phenomenon known as cavitation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCavitation: Cavitation

Data Source

PatentEP4382492A1Ultrasonic wave antennas for the elimination of algae and microorganisms
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 MIL WATERS SL
  • EP4382492A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4382492A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4382492A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Ultrasonic wave antenna, the configuration of which enables the generation of the wave in all its amplitude from the emitting source. The positive peak and the negative peak are generated in the same interval and with the same amplitude, which comprises 1.- enamelled copper wire of 0.1mm to 0.2 and up to approximately 2000 and 4500 metres in length, 2.- hollow, cylindrical PVC tube of 20 mm 3.-cylindrical bar of ferrite or iron of 14 mm diameter and up to 250 cm in length, covering the entire length of the antenna. 4.- 32 mm PVC tube, white or similar colour. 5.- RG58 or RG59 cable, white or similar colour. 6.- side caps, of the same cross section. 7.- two-component hardening resin.