Ultrasonic Phased Array Acoustic Levitation for High Refresh Rate Animation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-contact levitation technologies, such as magnetic levitation and air jets, are limited by material constraints, unsatisfactory refresh rates, and insufficient spatial resolution, hindering the control of spatial position and animation of real-world objects.
Innovation Solution
The creation of an acoustic-potential field using phased arrays of ultrasonic transducers to generate standing waves, allowing for the three-dimensional manipulation and animation of objects without physical contact, enabling a wide range of materials, high refresh rates, and sufficient spatial resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If magnetic levitation or air jets are used for non-contact manipulation, then objects can be levitated without contact, but the refresh rate is unsatisfactory and spatial resolution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical systems (air jets) and electromagnetic systems (magnetic levitation) with an acoustic field-based system. By using ultrasonic standing waves to create acoustic potential fields, the system achieves non-contact manipulation with high refresh rates and spatial resolution, resolving the contradiction between speed and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manipulates acoustic field parameters (frequency, phase, amplitude) of ultrasonic waves to dynamically control the acoustic potential field. By changing these parameters, the system can rapidly reposition objects with high spatial resolution, achieving both high refresh rates and precise spatial control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic levitation is used, then non-contact manipulation is achieved, but material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic potential field system serves multiple functions across different material types. Unlike magnetic levitation which only works with magnetic materials, the acoustic field can manipulate diverse materials including water droplets, particles, and small objects regardless of their magnetic properties, achieving both versatility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts acoustic field parameters such as frequency and intensity to adapt to different material densities and sizes. This allows reliable manipulation of various materials by optimizing the acoustic radiation pressure and acoustic streaming effects for each specific material type.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional non-contact levitation techniques are used, then objects can be levitated, but spatial position control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the acoustic field into multiple independent controllable regions using phased arrays of ultrasonic transducers. Each transducer element can be independently controlled to create localized acoustic potential wells, enabling precise spatial position control of multiple objects simultaneously while managing system complexity through modular control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses phase and amplitude modulation of ultrasonic waves to precisely control the position and depth of acoustic potential wells. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system achieves high spatial position control precision without requiring mechanically complex positioning systems.
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 method enables the precise control and animation of objects in three-dimensional space, expanding applications in computer graphics and beyond by allowing for the use of various materials and achieving high refresh rates and spatial resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a method by which the distribution of an acoustic-potential field is changed to levitate and animate objects/particles
Implementation Method 2
generating a first common focal line of ultrasound using a first phased array of ultrasonic transducers and a second phased array of ultrasonic transducers to provide a first beam of standing waves
Data Source
AI summary
A novel system and method based on three-dimensional acoustic-manipulation technology is disclosed. By changing the distribution of an acoustic-potential field generated by ultrasonic phased arrays, objects can be levitated and animated. Various distributions of acoustic-potential fields can be generated in accordance with the present invention, including acoustic-potential fields having arbitrary shapes, including any three-dimensional shapes. One or more ultrasonic phased arrays surrounding a workspace can be used to generate standing waves of various shapes to provide the acoustic-potential fields. Objects can be suspended at the nodes of the acoustic-potential field so that the ultrasound distribution (i.e., the desired arbitrary shape) is visualized. The system and method can be used to realize floating screen or mid-air raster graphics, mid-air vector graphics, and interaction with levitated objects. The system and method can also be used in other applications, including cleaning applications.