Ultrasonic transducer array, ultrasonic transducer array application method and related product
By using an ultrasonic transducer array with arc-shaped elements and a pre-designed array pattern, the problem of insufficient sound field superposition in planar arrays is solved, achieving efficient focusing and low-temperature operation, and reducing equipment cost and complexity.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511904688.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing HIFU transducers based on planar arrays suffer from insufficient sound field superposition, resulting in poor focusing, overheating, and high cost.
The design employs an arc-shaped emitting surface with multiple array elements, combined with a preset array arrangement, to achieve coordinated convergence of sound waves, reduce the driving voltage, and control the temperature through a cooling device.
It improves the energy density and focusing accuracy at the focal point, reduces the temperature rise on the transducer surface, reduces reliance on high-cost cooling systems, and enhances energy utilization and equipment integration.
Smart Images
Figure CN121665901A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of ultrasonic technology, and in particular to an ultrasonic transducer array, an ultrasonic transducer array application method, and related products. Background Technology
[0002] In recent years, with the continuous advancement of ultrasound technology, its application in non-invasive techniques has become increasingly widespread. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and micro-focused ultrasound (MFU) have become among the non-invasive methods. Typical HIFU devices operate in the frequency range of 1–7 MHz and can form a high-energy focusing point at a depth of 3–13 mm. However, existing HIFU transducers based on planar arrays still face several technical bottlenecks: due to insufficient superposition of the sound fields of each unit in the planar array, ideal focusing is difficult to achieve, resulting in excessively high sound pressure on the transducer surface. This not only causes significant heat generation during use but also places higher demands on materials and heat dissipation design, thereby increasing manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention
[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides an ultrasonic transducer array, an application method for the ultrasonic transducer array, and related products, with the aim of reducing the cost of ultrasonic transducer arrays.
[0004] The embodiments of this application disclose the following technical solutions:
[0005] The first aspect of this application provides an ultrasonic transducer array, the ultrasonic transducer array comprising: a plurality of array elements;
[0006] The transmitting surface of each array element is arc-shaped, which allows the sound waves emitted by multiple arrays to converge; the multiple arrays are arranged according to a preset array pattern.
[0007] Optionally, the ultrasonic transducer array further includes:
[0008] A cooling device is disposed on the back of multiple arrays; the cooling device includes thermoelectric cooling elements.
[0009] Optionally, the preset array may include a honeycomb shape, an arc shape, or a fan shape.
[0010] Optionally, the frequency range of the array elements includes 8 to 12 MHz; the focal length range of the array elements includes 2 to 8 mm.
[0011] Optionally, the array is rectangular in shape on the horizontal plane.
[0012] A second aspect of this application provides a method for applying an ultrasonic transducer array, the method comprising:
[0013] Determine the target location of the ultrasonic transducer array;
[0014] Based on the target location, the parameters of multiple array elements in the ultrasonic transducer array are adjusted to obtain the adjusted ultrasonic transducer array; the parameters include at least frequency and focal length.
[0015] The adjusted ultrasonic transducer array synchronously and in phase emits sound waves to the target location.
[0016] Optionally, the method for applying the ultrasonic transducer array further includes:
[0017] The temperature of the ultrasonic transducer array is controlled using a cooling device.
[0018] A third aspect of this application provides a computer device comprising: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, the processor executing the computer program to implement the ultrasonic transducer array application method provided in the second aspect.
[0019] The fourth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the ultrasonic transducer array application method provided in the second aspect.
[0020] The fifth aspect of this application provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the ultrasonic transducer array application method provided in the second aspect.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:
[0022] This application includes multiple array elements; the emitting surface of each array element is arc-shaped, causing the sound waves emitted by the multiple arrays to converge; the multiple arrays are arranged according to a preset array pattern. This application, by setting multiple array elements, each with an arc-shaped emitting surface, enables each array element to possess a certain focusing capability; based on this, arranging the multiple array elements according to a preset array pattern further allows the sound waves emitted by each array element to synergistically superimpose and precisely converge in space. This effectively overcomes the problems of energy dispersion, excessively high surface sound pressure, and low focusing efficiency caused by incomplete sound field superposition in traditional planar arrays. The synergistic focusing of multiple array elements under the preset array pattern significantly improves the uniformity and controllability of energy density at the focal point, avoids the risk of local overheating, and simultaneously improves energy conduction efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a traditional planar array arrangement;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a traditional planar array XZ sound field;
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the YZ sound field of a traditional planar array;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the XZ sound field of a traditional planar array with a depth of -6dB.
[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the YZ sound field of a traditional planar array at -6dB.
[0029] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic transducer array provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0030] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the XZ acoustic field of the ultrasonic transducer array provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0031] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the YZ acoustic field of the ultrasonic transducer array provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0032] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the XZ acoustic field of the ultrasonic transducer array -6dB provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0033] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the YZ acoustic field of the ultrasonic transducer array at -6dB provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0034] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an application method for an ultrasonic transducer array, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0035] As described above, current non-invasive technologies mainly adopt focusing or micro-focusing forms, and their transducer structures can be divided into two main categories: single-element and array. Figure 1This illustrates a typical planar array arrangement in the prior art: each element is rectangular, with its long side parallel to the z-axis and perpendicular to the x-axis, and its short side parallel to the x-axis and perpendicular to the y-axis, all uniformly arranged in the same horizontal plane. The operating frequency of a single element in this type of planar array micro-focusing transducer is typically 10–12 MHz.
[0036] However, adopting Figure 1 The transducers arranged in a planar configuration shown have significant limitations in sound field focusing performance. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the sound field distribution in the XZ plane is basically parallel, lacking effective axial convergence; as Figure 3 As shown, within the YZ plane, the sound pressure intensity decreases approximately symmetrically towards both sides of y=0, and a compact focal point is not formed. Furthermore, this problem can be observed more clearly from the -6 dB sound field distribution diagram: Figure 4 The XZ plane shows a wide and diffuse -6 dB sound field region. Figure 5 This indicates that the -6 dB sound field in the YZ plane also exhibits a dispersion characteristic of rapid decay from the central axis (y=0) to both sides. In summary, such planar arrays are difficult to achieve efficient energy convergence, resulting in a large amount of acoustic energy remaining in the near field of the transducer, causing excessively high sound pressure on the transducer surface. This not only reduces energy utilization efficiency but also easily leads to risks such as device heating, increased power consumption, and local overheating.
[0037] In contrast, another common approach is to use a single-element self-focusing transducer, which utilizes a specific geometric design to precisely focus ultrasound waves onto a target location at a predetermined depth. This design highly concentrates energy at a single point, improving treatment accuracy and effectiveness. However, to cover a larger treatment area, it is usually necessary to manually adjust or use an external motor to move the focal point for point-by-point scanning. While this method has the advantages of simple structure and concentrated energy, manual operation is inefficient, while mechanical scanning often results in a bulky treatment head and inconvenient operation, limiting its flexibility and operational efficiency in clinical applications.
[0038] In view of the above problems, this application provides an ultrasonic transducer array, an ultrasonic transducer array application method and related products. The ultrasonic transducer array includes: multiple array elements; the emitting surface of each array element is arc-shaped, so that the sound waves emitted by the multiple arrays converge; the multiple arrays are arranged according to a preset array pattern.
[0039] This application comprises multiple array elements, each with an arc-shaped emitting surface, giving it primary focusing capability. Furthermore, these array elements are spatially arranged according to a preset array pattern (such as a spherical, ring-shaped, or curved confocal arrangement), ensuring that the ultrasonic waves emitted by each element are phase-coordinated and their energy is precisely superimposed and converged during propagation. This effectively overcomes the problems of sound field dispersion and blurred focus caused by insufficient parallel emission or superposition of sound waves in traditional planar arrays. On one hand, the arc-shaped emitting surface combined with the optimized array pattern significantly enhances the energy density and focusing sharpness at the focal point, improving the accuracy of the effect. On the other hand, because energy is more efficiently concentrated in the target area, acoustic energy deposition in non-focal areas is reduced, thereby reducing the temperature rise of the transducer surface and surrounding tissues, and lessening the dependence on high excitation voltage and forced cooling systems.
[0040] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.
[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic transducer array arrangement provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, an ultrasonic transducer array includes multiple array elements.
[0042] The transmitting surface of each array element is arc-shaped, which allows the sound waves emitted by multiple arrays to converge; the multiple arrays are arranged according to a preset array pattern.
[0043] This application does not limit the parameters of the array elements, and can be configured accordingly based on actual conditions. For example, the frequency range of the array elements includes 8 to 12 MHz; the focal length range of the array elements includes 2 to 8 mm.
[0044] like Figure 6 As shown, the array elements are rectangular in the horizontal direction, and the emission surface of each element is designed as an arc-shaped structure. Each curved element is equivalent to a linear cylindrical lens. Taking the array shown in the figure as an example, its short side is parallel to the x-axis and perpendicular to the z-axis, while the long side forms a curved surface (e.g., an arc), giving each individual element focusing capability. Multiple such elements are arranged side by side along the short side direction (i.e., the x-axis direction) to form a transducer array with a synergistic focusing effect. It should be noted that... Figure 6This is merely one specific implementation example of this application and does not constitute a limitation on the arrangement. In fact, the preset array pattern can be flexibly configured according to actual sound field requirements, the shape of the effective area, or the device structure, including but not limited to honeycomb, concentric ring, fan, spherical, or other curved surface confocal arrangements. This dual optimization in array element geometry and overall spatial layout not only improves the phase consistency of sound wave superposition but also enhances the focal energy concentration and three-dimensional controllability.
[0045] use Figure 6 The ultrasonic transducer array arrangement shown exhibits significantly better sound field focusing performance than traditional planar array designs. This improvement effectively overcomes the problems of sound field dispersion and focus blurring commonly found in traditional planar arrays.
[0046] like Figure 7 As shown, a distinct focusing region can be observed in the XZ plane, indicating that the sound waves achieve effective convergence in this direction. Further observation of the YZ plane ( Figure 8 As can be seen, the sound pressure forms a clear focal point near y=0 and z=4, which shows that the sound wave can not only be focused in one dimension, but also accurately concentrate energy in three-dimensional space.
[0047] More specifically, the focusing effect can be evaluated more intuitively by analyzing the -6 dB sound field distribution map. Figure 9 The -6 dB sound field on the XZ plane is shown, with the focal region clearly visible, indicating that the sound pressure level remains high within this region, ensuring the effectiveness of the effect. Similarly, Figure 10 The -6 dB sound field on the YZ plane was displayed, confirming the focusing characteristics of the sound wave at y=0, z=4, i.e., the sound energy is highly concentrated at this specific location, while attenuating rapidly away from the focal point. This result demonstrates that the present application can generate a compact and efficient focal point at the target depth, greatly improving energy utilization and reducing the impact on non-target tissues.
[0048] In traditional planar arrays, the sound waves emitted by each element are essentially parallel and difficult to converge naturally. To achieve a high sound pressure level sufficient to ablate tissue in the target area, a very high driving voltage is often required. This not only leads to low energy efficiency at the focal point but also significantly increases the sound pressure level on the transducer surface, resulting in a substantial increase in temperature in the action area and increasing the risk of thermal damage. In contrast, this application achieves natural focusing of sound waves through structural geometry design, eliminating the need for complex electronic delay control. The arc-shaped emitting surface of each element, combined with the overall pre-defined array shape, allows sound waves to spontaneously converge at the target focal point during propagation, achieving high sound pressure focusing with a lower driving voltage and effectively suppressing the temperature rise on the transducer surface. This not only reduces the need for high-power drive and the risk of overheating under high-power operation but also significantly reduces system power consumption while achieving the same effect. Furthermore, due to reduced heat generation, the size and cost of the cooling system can be reduced, resulting in higher overall integration and a more compact structure. Furthermore, this application enables continuous spatial distribution of the focal area, forming a row of focal points with a single excitation, significantly improving coverage efficiency and avoiding the cumbersome process of relying on a motor to drive the probe for point-by-point scanning in traditional solutions, thereby simplifying operation.
[0049] The above describes the main technical solution of this application. Further implementations of the main technical solution are now introduced. Details are as follows:
[0050] Considering that the temperature of the working area may rise during practical applications, this application provides an optional embodiment for addressing this situation:
[0051] The ultrasonic transducer array also includes a cooling device disposed on the back of the array.
[0052] This application does not impose any restrictions on the amount of refrigeration device. For example, a thermoelectric cooling element (TEC) can be installed on the back of the piezoelectric array, or a liquid circulation cooling module can be used to achieve constant temperature control.
[0053] Each element's emission surface is arc-shaped, but its curvature can be specifically designed according to the location of the target area. For example, if the target area is located on the outer side of the entire target surface, the curvature of the ultrasonic transducer array can be set to a larger value, meaning the elements have greater curvature. Conversely, if the target area is located on the inner side of the target surface (closer to the center), the curvature of the ultrasonic transducer array can be set to a smaller value, meaning the elements have less curvature. This achieves a multi-focal-length composite focusing effect, thereby simultaneously forming effective focal points at multiple depths within the same excitation cycle. This design eliminates the need for additional electronic control or mechanical scanning, enabling simultaneous heating and stratification of target tissues at different depths, significantly improving operational efficiency.
[0054] This application achieves multi-focal collaborative focusing based on geometric structure by designing an arc curvature along the long side of the array elements, enabling each element to possess physical focusing capabilities. The emitted ultrasonic waves naturally converge to the same target depth during propagation. Multiple array elements are arranged side-by-side along the short side, maintaining a consistent arc curvature and focal direction. The coverage area of this strip-shaped focal zone can be flexibly customized according to treatment needs. By adjusting the curvature angle of the array elements and the overall array layout, different action areas and depths can be accommodated, significantly improving the applicability and ease of operation of the device. Thanks to the geometric focusing mechanism, sound field energy is efficiently concentrated in the focal zone, not only enhancing the sound pressure intensity at the focal point but also effectively reducing the sound pressure and temperature rise on the transducer surface, minimizing energy deposition in non-target areas, and resulting in a more uniform energy distribution in the focal region. This reduces reliance on high-cost electronic control modules and cooling systems, facilitating the realization of miniaturized, highly integrated ultrasonic transducer arrays.
[0055] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an application method for an ultrasonic transducer array, as provided in this application embodiment, is shown below. Figure 11 As shown, based on the ultrasonic transducer array provided in the preceding embodiments, this application also provides a corresponding method for applying the ultrasonic transducer array, including:
[0056] S1101: Determine the target location of the ultrasonic transducer array.
[0057] This application does not limit the method for determining the target location. For example, a certain location can be determined as the target location based on the actual situation.
[0058] S1102: Adjust the parameters of multiple array elements in the ultrasonic transducer array based on the target position to obtain the adjusted ultrasonic transducer array; the parameters include at least frequency and focal length.
[0059] S1103: Use the adjusted ultrasonic transducer array to synchronously and in phase emit sound waves to the target location.
[0060] As an optional embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer array application method further includes:
[0061] The temperature of the ultrasonic transducer array is controlled using a cooling device.
[0062] During excitation, all array elements are synchronously transmitted using drive signals of the same frequency and phase. Without the need for complex multi-channel delay control or phase adjustment algorithms, a continuous and uniform strip-shaped focal area can be formed at the target depth.
[0063] This application provides a computer device, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement an ultrasonic transducer array application method.
[0064] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements a method for applying an ultrasonic transducer array.
[0065] This application provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements an ultrasonic transducer array application method.
[0066] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.
[0067] The above description is merely one specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An ultrasonic transducer array, characterized in that, The ultrasonic transducer array includes: multiple array elements; The transmitting surface of each array element is arc-shaped, which allows the sound waves emitted by multiple arrays to converge; the multiple arrays are arranged according to a preset array pattern.
2. The ultrasonic transducer array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic transducer array further includes: A cooling device is disposed on the back of multiple arrays; the cooling device includes thermoelectric cooling elements.
3. The ultrasonic transducer array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset array includes honeycomb, arc, or fan-shaped patterns.
4. The ultrasonic transducer array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frequency range of the array elements includes 8 to 12 MHz; the focal length range of the array elements includes 2 to 8 mm.
5. The ultrasonic transducer array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The array is rectangular in shape on the horizontal plane.
6. A method for applying an ultrasonic transducer array, characterized in that, The method for applying the ultrasonic transducer array includes: Determine the target location of the ultrasonic transducer array; Based on the target location, the parameters of multiple array elements in the ultrasonic transducer array are adjusted to obtain the adjusted ultrasonic transducer array; the parameters include at least frequency and focal length. The adjusted ultrasonic transducer array synchronously and in phase emits sound waves to the target location.
7. The method for applying an ultrasonic transducer array according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method for applying the ultrasonic transducer array further includes: The temperature of the ultrasonic transducer array is controlled using a cooling device.
8. A computer device, comprising: The memory, the processor, and the computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor are characterized in that the processor executes the computer program to implement the ultrasonic transducer array application method of claim 6.
9. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the ultrasonic transducer array application method as described in claim 6.
10. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the ultrasonic transducer array application method as described in claim 6.