Ultrasonic Fluid Device with Concave Reflection for Stable Particle Capture

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid devices struggle to stably capture micro-particles at a desired position due to variations in standing wave generation conditions caused by disturbances.

Innovation Solution

A fluid device with a flow path and ultrasonic elements, featuring an ultrasonic wave application surface and a reflection surface with a concave curved shape, such as a parabolic or concentric arc shape, to concentrate ultrasonic waves and create a focal point for capturing micro-particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a standing wave is generated using a flat reflection surface, then micro-particles can be captured in the flow path, but the capture position cannot be stably controlled due to variations in standing wave generation conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of micro-particle capture positionVSAvoidcomplexity of flow path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflection surface is designed with a concave curved shape (parabolic or spherical) instead of a flat surface. This curvature focuses the ultrasonic waves to a specific focal point, creating a stable capture position for micro-particles that is insensitive to disturbances in standing wave generation conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The shape parameter of the reflection surface is changed from flat to concave curved. This geometric parameter change fundamentally alters the ultrasonic wave propagation characteristics, creating a focused acoustic field with a well-defined focal point where particles are stably captured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the flow path width is reduced to improve particle capture efficiency, then capture precision improves, but the flow path becomes more sensitive to disturbances affecting standing wave generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of micro-particle capture positionVSAvoidrobustness against disturbances

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The concave curved reflection surface creates a focused acoustic field that maintains stable particle capture even in narrow flow paths. The curvature provides geometric focusing that compensates for the reduced space, allowing precise particle positioning without increasing sensitivity to disturbances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If ultrasonic waves are applied to generate standing waves for particle capture, then particles converge to capture positions, but the standing wave generation conditions vary due to disturbances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of micro-particle separationVSAvoidconsistency of ultrasonic wave application

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The concave curved reflection surface focuses ultrasonic waves to a well-defined focal point, creating a robust acoustic field for particle separation. This geometric focusing ensures consistent particle capture efficiency while reducing sensitivity to disturbances in ultrasonic wave generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 allows for stable capture of micro-particles at a desired position without requiring strict standing wave conditions, enabling efficient separation of micro-particles in various fluids, including domestic wastewater and industrial products.

Implementation Method 1

An ultrasonic wave generated by the piezoelectric element is transmitted into the flow path via the flow path substrate, and a standing wave is generated in the fluid in the flow path. The micro-particles in the fluid are captured within a predetermined range in the flow path due to a pressure gradient of the fluid formed by the standing wave.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic radiation pressure: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Implementation Method 2

a piezoelectric element provided on the flow path substrate. An ultrasonic wave generated by the piezoelectric element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a reflection surface that reflects the ultrasonic wave applied to the fluid from the ultrasonic wave application surface, and the reflection surface has a concave curved surface shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wave reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12397251B2Fluid device

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A fluid device includes: a flow path through which a fluid flows; and an ultrasonic wave application device including an ultrasonic element that transmits an ultrasonic wave, in which the flow path has, as flow path wall surfaces, an ultrasonic wave application surface that applies, to the fluid, the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic element, and a reflection surface that reflects the ultrasonic wave applied to the fluid from the ultrasonic wave application surface, and the reflection surface has a concave curved surface shape.