Ultrasonic Levitation for Airway Humidification

Sensors (Basel). 2024 Jul 19;24(14):4691. doi: 10.3390/s24144691.

Abstract

This study employs the transmitter part of an ultrasonic proximity sensor to generate a powerful ultrasonic field for medical humidification. This field is created using an arrangement of small ultrasonic transmitter transducers configured in an acoustic levitator-style setup. As droplets pass through this ultrasonic field, they undergo disintegration, leading to an accelerated evaporation process. The research findings highlight a significant change in droplet size distribution due to ultrasonics, resulting in a notable increase in the rate of evaporation. As a result, this study presents a conceptual framework for reimagining humidification devices for lung therapeutic purposes through the utilization of simple sensor technology.

Keywords: airway humidification; high intensity ultrasound; humidifier; two stage ultrasonic humidifier; ultrasonic levitator; ultrasonic transducers.

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.