Ultrasonic Probe Contacting Sample Container Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic mixing probes erode due to repeated contact with samples, leading to contamination, frequent replacement, and increased cleaning time, which affects analysis accuracy and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system where an ultrasonic probe contacts the outer surface of a sample container, transmitting vibrations to mix the sample without direct contact, minimizing contamination and reducing the need for frequent probe replacement and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an ultrasonic probe is inserted into the sample vessel and vibrated at ultrasonic frequency to mix the sample, then complete and homogeneous mixing is achieved, but the probe erodes and contaminates the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sample container as an intermediary between the ultrasonic probe and the sample material. The probe vibrates the container wall, which then transmits the ultrasonic energy to the sample through the container wall. This mediator approach allows effective mixing while preventing direct contact between the probe and sample, thereby eliminating probe erosion and contamination.
2Productivity
If the ultrasonic probe is used repeatedly to mix multiple samples, then productivity is maintained, but the probe requires frequent replacement due to erosion
Solution Approach 1:
By using the sample container as a mediator that receives ultrasonic vibrations from the probe and transmits them to the sample, the probe is protected from direct contact with the sample material. This significantly reduces wear and erosion, extending the probe's operational lifespan and reducing replacement frequency, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the ultrasonic probe is cleaned between each sample mixing to avoid contamination, then sample purity is maintained, but the processing time significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container serves as a protective barrier that prevents sample material from adhering to the probe surface. Since the probe only contacts the container exterior and never the sample interior, contamination is eliminated at the source. This removes the need for cleaning operations entirely, maintaining sample purity while eliminating time loss.
4Productivity
If the ultrasonic probe directly contacts the sample material to provide effective mixing, then mixing efficiency is improved, but the amount of cleaning required between samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains high mixing efficiency by using the sample container wall as a mediator that transmits ultrasonic vibrations to the sample. The probe vibrates the container, which in turn vibrates the sample material, achieving effective mixing without direct probe-sample contact. This eliminates contamination and the associated cleaning time, resolving the contradiction between mixing efficiency and cleaning requirements.
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 approach prevents probe erosion, reduces replacement frequency, and eliminates the need for post-use cleaning, enhancing sample purity and processing efficiency by maintaining probe integrity and streamlining sample preparation.
Implementation Method 1
a converter which converts AC electricity to mechanical vibrations in the ultrasonic range
Implementation Method 2
Such vibration, typically between 20 kHz and 40 kHz, causes 'cavitation' to occur in the liquid sample. Cavitation refers to the rapid formation and collapse of vapor pockets in a liquid in regions of very low pressure.
Implementation Method 3
vibrating the probe at an ultrasonic frequency. Such vibration, typically between 20 kHz and 40 kHz
Implementation Method 4
The ultrasonic probe is in communication with the converter and transmits the mechanical vibrations in the ultrasonic range to the wall of the sample container and thereby to the inner volume, thereby mixing the sample material
Data Source
AI summary
A system for ultrasonic sample preparation includes a sample container having a wall defining an outer surface and an inner volume for containing a sample material, a converter which converts AC electricity to mechanical vibrations in the ultrasonic range, and an ultrasonic probe in contact with the outer surface of the sample container. The ultrasonic probe is in communication with the converter and transmits the mechanical vibrations in the ultrasonic range to the wall of the sample container and thereby to the inner volume, thereby mixing the sample material.