Vibrating Membrane Protection for Aquatic Sensor Biofouling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement devices in liquid environments suffer from biological fouling by microorganisms, which disrupt or prevent accurate measurements, and current anti-fouling methods such as biocidal coatings, mechanical shutters, and vibration mechanisms are either polluting, require maintenance, or modify the sensor structure.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a membrane vibrated by an actuator to prevent deposition and growth of microorganisms, isolating the fouling surface from the liquid medium while allowing measurements through a transparent membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a biocidal chemical coating is applied to the sensor surface, then microorganisms are repelled and destroyed, but the coating becomes polluting and ineffective once the biocides are depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical biocidal coatings with a mechanical vibration system. An actuator generates vibrations that propagate through the sensor structure to create acoustic radiation pressure on the sensor window surface, mechanically preventing microorganism adhesion without using chemical substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of vibration (frequency, amplitude, duration) to optimize the acoustic radiation pressure effect. By controlling vibration parameters, the system maintains effective anti-fouling protection without chemical depletion issues.
2Reliability
If a mechanical shutter or windshield wiper mechanism is used to remove microorganism deposits, then the measuring surface is cleaned, but the mechanism itself is susceptible to biological contamination and requires regular maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor structure itself serves as the vibration transmission medium. The vibrations generated by the actuator propagate through the sensor housing and structure to create acoustic radiation pressure on the sensor window, eliminating the need for separate mechanical cleaning components like shutters or wipers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cleaning function from separate mechanical components and integrates it into the sensor structure itself through vibration-induced acoustic radiation pressure, removing the need for maintenance-prone mechanical cleaning mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the sensor window is modified to withstand vibration, then the sensor can be vibrated to dislodge microorganisms, but the watertightness and measurement accuracy are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vibration as an intermediary mechanism that acts on microorganisms through acoustic radiation pressure rather than directly contacting or modifying the sensor window. The vibration field serves as a mediator that prevents fouling without requiring structural modifications to the sensor window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to generate acoustic radiation pressure that prevents microorganism adhesion to the sensor window surface. This vibration-based approach eliminates the need to modify the sensor window structure, preserving its original watertightness and optical properties for accurate measurements.
4Reliability
If repeated vibration is applied to the sensor window, then microorganisms are dislodged, but the window structure becomes weakened and deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical vibration of the sensor window with acoustic radiation pressure generated by external vibrations. This substitution prevents direct mechanical stress on the window structure while maintaining the anti-fouling effect through acoustic forces acting on the microorganisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vibration-induced acoustic radiation pressure as a preventive measure before microorganisms can firmly attach to the sensor window. By maintaining continuous vibration, the system prevents strong adhesion bonds from forming, eliminating the need for intense repeated vibrations that would weaken the window structure.
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
Effectively prevents biological fouling without modifying the sensor structure, maintaining measurement accuracy and durability, and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator, positioned on one face of the membrane and capable of vibrating the membrane
Implementation Method 2
The membrane and the actuator are adapted to generate acoustic radiation pressure on a fouling surface of a sensor
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2
Figure 3(a)~4
Figure 5(a)~5(b)
AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a system (10) for combating biological fouling by microorganisms, adapted to cooperate with a measuring device adapted to be immersed in a liquid, the measuring device comprising a fouling surface suitable for allowing a measurement, the system (10) being configured to cover the fouling surface and comprising a membrane (11) and an actuator (12) for vibrating the membrane (11).