Ultrasonic Particle Aggregation in Rectangular Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating sub-micron particles, such as viruses and nanoparticles, from the air are inefficient due to their small size and high mobility, which makes traditional filtration and centrifugation methods ineffective for removing suspended micro-organisms and particulate matters in the sub-micron size range.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing ultrasonic standing waves to aggregate sub-micron particles in air by generating specific standing wave fields in rectangular separation channels with antimicrobial coatings, allowing for effective aggregation and collection of particles within the 80 nm to 1.2 µm diameter range, using the agglomeration theory to trap and sterilize these particles on the channel surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional filtration or inertial centrifugation is used to separate particles from air, then particles larger than 1 μm can be separated, but sub-micron particles such as viruses and nanoparticles cannot be effectively separated due to their small size and good motion followability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the air flow by introducing ultrasonic standing waves, which create acoustic radiation pressure that acts differently on sub-micron particles compared to traditional filtration or centrifugation. This parameter change enables the separation mechanism to be effective for particles as small as 80 nm that were previously impossible to separate efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration or centrifugal separation mechanisms with an acoustic field-based separation mechanism. The ultrasonic standing wave field creates acoustic radiation pressure that pushes particles toward specific regions, substituting the need for physical filters or centrifugal forces and enabling effective separation of sub-micron particles
2Productivity
If filtration methods are used to remove sub-micron particles, then the system structure becomes complex, but the separation efficiency remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical filtration systems with a simpler acoustic field-based separation system. The ultrasonic standing wave field can be generated by relatively simple transducers, and the separation process occurs naturally through acoustic radiation pressure without requiring complex mechanical structures, thereby improving productivity while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the physical state and behavior of air flow through ultrasonic vibration, the patent creates a separation mechanism that is both simple in structure and highly effective. The acoustic parameters (frequency, amplitude) can be adjusted to optimize separation efficiency without adding mechanical complexity
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 effectively aggregates and removes sub-micron suspended particles from the air, including viruses and nanoparticles, by using ultrasonic standing waves to trap them on the channel surfaces, enhancing the efficiency of particle separation and sterilization within the specified diameter range.
Implementation Method 1
the first vibration sound source is used to generate a first standing wave field in the y direction, the first standing wave field is used to aggregate particles with a first diameter d p1
Implementation Method 2
based on the agglomeration theory of suspended particles in the air by ultrasonic standing waves
Implementation Method 3
the first antimicrobial coating layer is used to adsorb particles aggregated on the inner surface of the upper wall and the inner surface of the lower wall of the first separation channel
Data Source
Figure 1~2(b)
Figure 2(c)~2(e)
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a device for separating sub-micron particles in the air, comprising a first separation channel, a second separation channel and a collection device which are connected in sequence, wherein each of the first separation channel and the second separation channel is of a rectangle structure with two open ends, the height H1 of the first separation channel is greater than the height H2 of the second separation channel, and each separation channel is provided with a vibration sound source and an antimicrobial coating layer. Based on the agglomeration theory of suspended particles in the air by ultrasonic standing waves, the device can aggregate sub-micron suspended particles flowing into each channel of the device on the upper and lower wall surfaces and the centerline of the channel, and sterilize the aggregated particles, thereby effectively removing the sub-micron suspended particles in the air.