Ultrasonic Rotating Element for Contactless Pump Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotating apparatuses face limitations in utilizing vibrators for various applications due to lack of durability and efficiency in rotating mechanisms, particularly in submerged environments where contact between components can lead to wear and damage.

Innovation Solution

A rotating apparatus comprising a vibrator with a vibrating surface perpendicular to the vibration direction and an opposing element with parallel and impeller regions, allowing for self-centering and rotation without direct contact, utilizing ultrasonic waves to generate rotational force and pressure for fluid manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rotating mechanism with direct contact between components is used, then rotational motion can be achieved, but wear and damage occur reducing durability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidwear and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based rotation mechanisms with an ultrasonic vibration-based system. The vibrator generates ultrasonic vibrations that create acoustic radiation pressure and acoustic streaming effects, enabling the opposing element to rotate without direct mechanical contact, thereby eliminating wear and damage associated with conventional bearings and contact surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an ultrasonic vibration field as an intermediary between the vibrator and the opposing element. This vibration field mediates the interaction, transmitting rotational force through acoustic radiation pressure and acoustic streaming without requiring direct physical contact, thus preventing wear while maintaining rotational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If ultrasonic vibration is used to rotate the opposing element, then wear is reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibrator serves multiple functions: it generates ultrasonic vibrations for rotation, creates acoustic radiation pressure for contactless actuation, and produces acoustic streaming for fluid manipulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, offsetting the complexity of the ultrasonic mechanism with functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes ultrasonic mechanical vibration as the core mechanism to achieve rotation without contact. By exciting the vibrator at ultrasonic frequencies, the system generates acoustic radiation pressure and acoustic streaming effects that drive the opposing element's rotation, replacing complex mechanical transmission systems with a simpler vibration-based approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Reliability

If the opposing element rotates without contact, then durability improves, but generating sufficient rotational force becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidrotational force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The vibrator generates periodic ultrasonic vibrations that create oscillating acoustic radiation pressure. This periodic action, at high frequency, accumulates to produce sufficient rotational force on the opposing element. The rapid oscillations create a net force through rectification effects, enabling contactless rotation with adequate torque.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency and amplitude parameters of the ultrasonic vibration to optimize the acoustic radiation pressure and acoustic streaming effects. By operating at specific ultrasonic frequencies and adjusting vibration amplitude, the system generates sufficient rotational force without direct contact, balancing force requirements with contactless operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 apparatus achieves high durability and efficient rotation of the opposing element, reducing wear and enhancing operational stability, with potential applications in both water and air environments, including pump effects through fluid manipulation.

Implementation Method 1

when an object is brought close to a vibrator, the object is attracted to the vibrator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic radiation pressure: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Implementation Method 2

utilizing ultrasonic waves to generate rotational force and pressure for fluid manipulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic streaming:

Data Source

PatentUS20240200575A1Rotating apparatus, motor, and pump

Publication Date: 2024.06.20 SAITAMA UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Provided is a novel technique that utilizes a vibrator and is applicable to various uses. This rotating apparatus comprises a vibrator having a vibrating surface that is perpendicular to a direction of vibration, and an opposing element that has an opposing surface facing the vibrating surface and rotates about the vibration direction of the vibrator. The vibrating surface and the opposing surface have parallel regions that face each other in parallel, and an impeller region formed in a three-dimensional manner on at least one of the surfaces.