Ultrasonic Fluid Path Layout for High-Power Standing Wave Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid devices face challenges in generating a standing wave with large acoustic power due to significant differences in acoustic impedance between the fluid and the flow path substrate, leading to inefficient ultrasonic wave propagation and the need for higher drive voltages and frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A fluid device design featuring a flow path substrate with a pressure chamber and communication path, where the ultrasonic wave transmitter directly contacts the fluid, allowing for efficient generation of a standing wave by minimizing wave reflection and increasing acoustic power within the flow path, while optimizing the dimensions and arrangement of the flow path and communication path to enhance wave propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the flow path substrate to the fluid, then the standing wave can be generated in the fluid, but most of the ultrasonic waves are reflected at the boundary due to large acoustic impedance difference, making it difficult to generate a standing wave with large acoustic power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure chamber as an intermediary component between the flow path substrate and the fluid. The ultrasonic wave transmitter is positioned in the pressure chamber, which acts as a mediator to transmit ultrasonic waves to the fluid through the communication path, avoiding direct transmission through the flow path substrate boundary and reducing reflection loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fluid handling system into distinct functional zones: the flow path for fluid transport, the pressure chamber for ultrasonic wave generation, and the communication path for fluid communication. This segmentation allows the ultrasonic wave transmitter to operate in the pressure chamber without being constrained by the acoustic impedance mismatch at the flow path substrate boundary.
2Power
If the drive voltage and driving frequency are increased to compensate for ultrasonic wave reflection, then the acoustic power can be increased, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using the pressure chamber as an intermediary, the system achieves efficient ultrasonic wave transmission to the fluid without requiring high drive voltages and frequencies. The pressure chamber configuration optimizes the transmission path, reducing energy loss and allowing the ultrasonic wave transmitter to operate at lower power levels while still generating sufficient acoustic power in the fluid.
3Power
If the ultrasonic wave transmitter comes into contact with the fluid in the pressure chamber, then the ultrasonic waves can be efficiently transmitted to generate a standing wave, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ultrasonic wave transmitter with the pressure chamber structure, integrating the transmission function into the existing fluid handling architecture. The communication path serves dual purposes: allowing fluid flow between chambers and enabling ultrasonic wave transmission from the transmitter to the fluid, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the added functionality.
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
This configuration enables the generation of a standing wave with increased acoustic power, allowing for a wider flow path and lower drive voltage and frequency requirements, thereby increasing the volume flow rate and improving the efficiency of fluid treatment.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic wave transmitter configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to the fluid flowing into the pressure chamber by coming into contact with the fluid
Implementation Method 2
to generate a first standing wave along the first direction for the fluid in the first flow path
Implementation Method 3
a piezoelectric element provided at the flow path substrate. An ultrasonic wave generated by the piezoelectric element is transmitted to an inside of the flow path via the flow path substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid device includes: a flow path through which a fluid flows; a pressure chamber spaced apart from the flow path in a first direction (Y direction) orthogonal to a flowing direction of the fluid in the flow path; a communication path that is formed along the Y direction and that communicates the flow path with the pressure chamber; and an ultrasonic wave transmitter configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to the fluid in the pressure chamber to generate a standing wave along the Y direction in the flow path.