Vibration wave output structure of a transducer holder for a high intensity focused ultrasound generator and a high intensity focused ultrasound generator including the same

Abstract

In the high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to the present invention, a plurality of transducers are mounted on a transducer holder, and the transducer holder is detachably coupled to an ultrasound emission frame, so that each transducer can be easily replaced and repaired individually, and at least a part of a side of the transducer holder is cut to form an opening, so that vibration wave energy radiated forward from the transducer mounted on the transducer holder is maximized, thereby improving output. In addition, the transducer is mounted on a support protrusion of the transducer holder, and a flexible glue is bonded between the transducer holder and the transducer, so that the transducer can vibrate while the position of the transducer is fixed, and therefore loss of vibration wave energy of the transducer can be reduced.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for maximizing a vibration wave output of a transducer holder of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator, and more particularly, to a structure for maximizing a vibration wave output of a transducer holder of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator, in which a plurality of transducers are individually mounted on an ultrasound radiation frame by a transducer holder, and the vibration wave energy of the transducers mounted on the transducer holder can be maximized. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) generator is a device that can treat an affected area without surgery by focusing ultrasound generated from a transducer to generate high-intensity ultrasonic energy, irradiating the affected area of ​​a patient with the energy and increasing the temperature of the affected area.

[0003] When tens or hundreds of transducers are used in a conventional high intensity focused ultrasound generator, a large number of transducers are attached to the front surface of an ultrasound emitting frame, and then the entire front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame is coated with glue to form a waterproof layer, thereby fixing the large number of transducers and preventing leakage through the waterproof layer.

[0004] However, there is a problem that the ultrasonic energy generated forward from the transducer is absorbed by the waterproof layer, and therefore the input voltage must be increased to compensate for this. In addition, there is a problem that the ultrasonic emitting frame must be replaced if any one of the transducers breaks down. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a structure for maximizing the vibration wave output of a transducer holder of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator, which can maximize the vibration wave energy of a transducer to improve the output. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vibration wave output maximization structure of the transducer holder of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to the present invention includes an ultrasound emitting frame having a concave front surface and a plurality of coupling holes formed therein, a plurality of transducer holders each inserted into the plurality of coupling holes at the front of the ultrasound emitting frame and detachably coupled through the ultrasound emitting frame, and a plurality of transducers each mounted on the plurality of transducer holders such that their front surfaces are exposed, and at least a portion of a side of the transducer holder is cut to form an opening in order to maximize the vibration wave energy generated and radiated from the transducers.

[0007] A flexible glue layer filled with flexible glue is formed between the transducer and the transducer holder.

[0008] The transducer holder is mounted on the front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame, and includes a head portion having a mounting groove formed therein into which the transducer is inserted and the opening formed therein, and a body portion extending rearward from the head portion, passing through the coupling hole, and configured to be coupled to the rear of the ultrasound emitting frame by a fastening member.

[0009] At least one support protrusion is provided on a side surface of the mounting groove to support a lower surface of the transducer and form a separation space between the transducer and a bottom surface of the mounting groove.

[0010] At least one support protrusion is provided on the bottom surface of the mounting groove to support a lower surface of the transducer and form a separation space between the transducer and the bottom surface of the mounting groove.

[0011] Between the lower surface of the transducer and the upper surface of the support protrusion, a flexible glue layer is formed, which is filled with flexible glue to reduce the loss of vibration wave energy of the transducer.

[0012] The body portion includes a power supply hole extending in a longitudinal direction thereof so that a power supply portion coupled to the transducer can pass through the power supply hole.

[0013] A waterproof glue layer filled with waterproof glue is formed between the power supply part and the power supply hole.

[0014] The body portion includes a shaft portion extending rearward from the head portion and being pressed into the connecting hole, and a screw portion extending rearward from the shaft portion, passing through the connecting hole, and then connecting to the fastening member at the rear of the ultrasonic emitting frame.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structure for maximizing a vibration wave output of a transducer holder of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator, comprising: an ultrasound emitting frame having a concave front surface and a plurality of coupling holes; a plurality of transducer holders inserted into the plurality of coupling holes at a front portion of the ultrasound emitting frame and detachably coupled to the ultrasound emitting frame through the ultrasound emitting frame; and a plurality of transducers mounted on the plurality of transducer holders such that their front surfaces are exposed, the transducer holder being mounted on a front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame and having mounting grooves into which the transducers are inserted. a head portion formed in a groove at a rear end thereof; a body portion formed to extend rearward from the head portion, pass through the coupling hole, and be coupled to the rear of the ultrasonic radiation frame by a fastening member; at least a portion of a side of the head portion is cut to form an opening in order to maximize vibration wave energy generated from the transducer; a support protrusion is formed on a bottom surface of the mounting groove so as to support a lower surface of the transducer and form a separation space between the transducer and the bottom surface; and a flexible glue layer filled with flexible glue is formed between the transducer and the support protrusion. Effect of the Invention

[0016] In the high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to the present invention, a plurality of transducers are respectively mounted on a transducer holder, and the transducer holder is detachably connected to an ultrasound emission frame, so that each transducer can be easily replaced and repaired individually. Furthermore, at least a portion of a side of the transducer holder is cut to form an opening, so that the vibration wave energy radiated forward from the transducer mounted on the transducer holder is maximized, thereby improving the output.

[0017] In addition, the transducer is placed on the support protrusion of the transducer holder, and the transducer holder and the transducer are attached with flexible glue, so that the transducer can vibrate even while the position of the transducer is fixed, thereby reducing loss of vibration wave energy of the transducer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a head module of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure between an ultrasound radiation frame and a transducer holder according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupled state of a transducer and a transducer holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a transducer holder according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the transducer holder shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a transducer holder according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] The high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that uses high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The high intensity focused ultrasound generator includes a transducer array in which tens or hundreds of transducers are radially arranged, and can not only treat affected areas of patients with tumors, but also stimulate the brain to treat Alzheimer's disease, depression, etc., and can apply heat to specific areas to enhance immunity.

[0021] 1 is a perspective view showing a head module of a high intensity focused ultrasound generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure between an ultrasound radiation frame and a transducer holder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] 1 and 2, the head module of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator includes an ultrasound radiation frame 10, a plurality of transducers 20, and a plurality of transducer holders 100.

[0023] The ultrasound emitting frame 10 has a probe 11 coupled to the center of a front surface 10a, and a plurality of coupling holes 12 are radially arranged around the probe 11. The ultrasound emitting frame 10 is formed in a dish shape with a concave front surface so that the ultrasound waves radiated from the plurality of transducers 20 can be focused and radiated to one point.

[0024] The plurality of coupling holes 12 are through holes spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. The number of the coupling holes 12 is determined according to the number of the transducers 20.

[0025] The plurality of transducers 20 may include piezoelectric elements. When a voltage is applied to the transducers 20, the transducers 20 generate ultrasonic waves. The transducers 20 are described as being formed in a disk shape as an example. The transducers 20 are radially arranged in tens or hundreds to form a transducer array. The number of the transducers 20 may be set according to the ultrasonic energy to be emitted.

[0026] A power supply unit is connected to the upper and lower ends of the transducer 20. The power supply unit will be described as a first electrode wire 21 and a second electrode wire 22. The first electrode wire 21 is connected to the transducer 20 by soldering at the center of the front surface of the transducer 20, and the second electrode wire 22 is connected to the transducer 20 by soldering at the center of the rear surface of the transducer 20. The first electrode wire 21 and the second electrode wire 22 are pulled out to the rear of the ultrasound emission frame 10 through electrode wire holes of the transducer holder 100 and connected to a separate circuit board. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the power supply unit may be any one that can supply power, such as a pin or a connector.

[0027] The transducer holders 100 are detachably coupled to the respective coupling holes 12. The transducers 20 are coupled to the transducer holders 100, respectively.

[0028] 3 to 6, the transducer holder 100 includes a head portion 110 having a mounting groove 110a into which the transducer 20 is inserted and mounted, and a body portion 120 extending rearward from the head portion 110 and coupled to the coupling hole 12.

[0029] The head portion 110 is formed to have a diameter larger than that of the coupling hole 12 so as to be placed on the front surface 10a of the ultrasound emitting frame 10. The head portion 110 is formed with the mounting groove 110a, the supporting protrusion 110b, the locking protrusion 110c, and the opening 110d.

[0030] The mounting groove 110a is formed in the front of the head part 110 so as to have an open front surface, and is a groove in which the transducer 20 is mounted.

[0031] The support protrusion 110b is a step portion formed to protrude at a predetermined height from the side of the mounting groove 110a and support the lower surface of the transducer 20. The support protrusion 110b forms a separation space S between the lower surface of the transducer 20 and the bottom surface of the mounting groove 110a, forming a passage through which the electrode wire 180 connected to the transducer 20 passes, and not only stably realizing the electrode structure, but also enabling the transducer 20 to vibrate and preventing the loss of vibration wave energy of the transducer 20. The support protrusion 110b is described as an example in which a plurality of support protrusions 110b are formed to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. The support protrusions 110b may be formed integrally with the head portion 110, or may be formed by applying a non-conductive material, for example, glue, to the bottom surface of the mounting groove 110a.

[0032] The locking protrusion 110c protrudes from the bottom surface of the mounting groove 110a and is formed so that the tip is bent inward to prevent the transducer 20 inserted into the mounting groove 110a from falling off. The tip of the locking protrusion 110c can be changed to a shape such as a hook shape as long as it can prevent the transducer 20 from falling off. A plurality of the locking protrusions 110c are formed at predetermined intervals from each other. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which some of the plurality of locking protrusions 110c protrude from the support protrusion 110b.

[0033] The opening 110d is a portion formed by cutting and opening the side of the mounting groove 110a. The opening 110d has an advantage that assembly is easy. In addition, the opening 110d can maximize the vibration wave energy generated from the transducer 20 and radiated forward.

[0034] It is preferable that the body part 120 is formed to extend rearward from the head part 110 and to pass through the coupling hole 12. The body part 120 is formed to have a diameter smaller than that of the head part 110. A power supply hole is formed at the center of the body part 120 so that the power supply part passes through. The power supply hole will be described as an example being an electrode wire hole 120a formed so that the first electrode wire 21 and the second electrode wire 22 pass through.

[0035] The body portion 120 includes a shaft portion 121 and a threaded portion 122 .

[0036] The shaft portion 121 extends rearward from the head portion 110 and is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to be pressed into the coupling hole 12 .

[0037] The screw portion 122 extends rearward from the shaft portion 121 and has a thread formed on its outer circumferential surface so as to be fastened by a fastening member 150 .

[0038] The fastening member 150 is preferably a nut, but is not limited to this.

[0039] An electrode wire hole 120a is formed at the center of the body part 120 so that the first electrode wire 21 and the second electrode wire 22 can be inserted therethrough.

[0040] A waterproof glue layer 250 is formed between the electrode wire hole 120a and the first and second electrode wires 21 and 22. The waterproof glue may be a silicone or epoxy-based glue, and any non-conductive adhesive material may be used. The waterproof glue is the same as a flexible glue, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the waterproof glue layer 250 is provided only on the upper side of the electrode wire hole 120a, but the waterproof glue may be formed to fill all of the separation spaces S.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 4, a flexible glue layer 200 is formed between at least one of the rear surface and the side surface of the transducer 20 and the transducer holder 30 .

[0042] The flexible glue layer 200 is a layer filled with an adhesive material such as flexible glue. The flexible glue may be a silicone or epoxy-based glue, and any adhesive material that is flexible and non-conductive may be used.

[0043] In this embodiment, the flexible glue layer 200 is described as being formed between the rear surface of the transducer 20 and the supporting protrusion 110b. However, without being limited thereto, the flexible glue layer 200 may also be formed between the side surface of the transducer 20 and the inner surface of the locking protrusion 110c. That is, the flexible glue layer 200 may be applied to any position as long as it does not block the front surface of the transducer 20. Also, the flexible glue layer 200 may be formed to fill all of the separation spaces S with the flexible glue.

[0044] Since the transducer 20 is adhered and fixed to the transducer holder 100 by the flexible glue, the transducer 20 can vibrate even though the position of the transducer 20 is fixed inside the transducer holder 100, so that the loss of vibration wave energy of the transducer 20 can be minimized. Also, since no glue is applied to the front surface of the transducer 20, the loss of ultrasonic energy radiated forward from the transducer 20 is prevented. That is, since the flexible glue layer 200 is formed only on the back surface or side surface of the transducer 20 and does not cover the front surface of the transducer 20, there is no restriction on the radiation of ultrasonic energy through the front surface.

[0045] Meanwhile, the transducer holder 100 and the ultrasound radiation frame 10 are sealed by a sealing member.

[0046] The sealing member includes a first sealing member 210 that seals between the head portion 110 of the transducer holder 100 and the front surface 10a of the ultrasound emitting frame 10, and a second sealing member 220 that seals between the body portion 120 and the rear surface 10b of the ultrasound emitting frame 10.

[0047] The first sealing member 210 will be described as including two O-rings, a first O-ring 211 and a second O-ring 212, which are inserted on the rear surface of the head part 110. However, the present invention is not limited to this and the number of the first sealing members 210 may be changed in various ways. In addition, the first sealing member 210 may be made of various materials such as silicon and rubber other than an O-ring, and may be any structure capable of sealing.

[0048] It is preferable that the first O-ring 211 and the second O-ring 212 have different diameters. The first O-ring 211 and the second O-ring 212 are inserted into a ring-shaped groove 110e formed on the rear surface of the head part 110 and are tightly sealed against the front surface 10a of the ultrasound emission frame 10.

[0049] The second sealing member 220 includes a third O-ring 221 that is fitted onto the shaft portion 121 of the body portion 120, and an O-ring pressure member 222 that is fitted onto the shaft portion 121 from the rear of the third O-ring 221 and presses the third O-ring 221 tightly against the rear surface 10b of the ultrasound emitting frame 10.

[0050] The O-ring pressurizing member 222 is formed in a ring shape, and has an inclined surface 222a formed on its front surface so that a part of the third O-ring 221 can be placed thereon.

[0051] The second sealing member 220 may further include a washer 223 provided between the O-ring pressurizing member 222 and the fastening member 150. The washer 223 is not an essential component of the second sealing member 220 and may further be included. The washer 223 may serve to seal the third O-ring 221 and the O-ring pressurizing member 222 and hold the transducer holder 100.

[0052] The second sealing member 220 may be made of various materials such as silicon, rubber, etc., other than an O-ring or a washer, and may be any structure capable of sealing.

[0053] Meanwhile, in the above embodiment, the first electrode wire 21 and the second electrode wire 22 are connected to the transducer 20, but this is not limited thereto. The transducer holder 100 may be coated with a conductive material to form electrodes, the front and side of the transducer may be in contact with the electrodes and grounded, and a power supply unit such as an electrode wire may be connected to the rear surface of the transducer.

[0054] In the high intensity focused ultrasound generator configured as described above, a plurality of transducers 20 are mounted on the ultrasound emitting frame 10 using the transducer holder 100, and the transducers 20 and the transducer holder 100 are bonded and sealed with the flexible glue, thereby preventing leakage from the front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame 10 to the inside even if glue is not applied to the entire front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame 10.

[0055] In addition, at least a portion of the side of the transducer holder 200 is cut open to form an opening 110d, thereby maximizing the vibration wave energy radiated forward from the transducer 20 placed on the transducer holder 200, thereby improving the output.

[0056] In addition, since glue is not applied to the entire front surface of the ultrasound emitting frame 10, the entire front surface of the transducer 20 is exposed, thereby preventing loss of ultrasonic energy radiated forward from the transducer 20. When the front surface of the transducer 20 is covered with a glue layer as in the conventional case, there is a problem that ultrasonic energy is absorbed by the glue layer, but in the present invention, since the entire front surface of the transducer 20 is exposed, this problem can be prevented.

[0057] In addition, since the transducer 20 is attached to the inside of the transducer holder 100 with the flexible glue, the position of the transducer 20 is fixed and prevented from separating, but the transducer 20 can vibrate, thereby reducing loss of vibration wave energy of the transducer 20.

[0058] In addition, since the multiple transducers 20 are individually mounted through the transducer holder 100, and the transducer holder 100 is detachably connected to the ultrasound radiation frame 10, there is an advantage that the transducers 20 can be individually repaired and replaced.

[0059] In addition, since the plurality of transducers 20 are individually mounted through the transducer holder 100, it is possible to configure the capacitance of at least some of the plurality of transducers 20 differently. For example, it is possible to increase the capacitance of the transducers arranged at the center of the ultrasound emission frame 10, and it is also possible to control the voltages applied to the plurality of transducers 20 differently.

[0060] In addition, the transducer holder 100 and the ultrasound emitting frame 10 are sealed with a sealing member such as an O-ring, which not only prevents leakage from the front to the rear of the ultrasound emitting frame 10, but also has the advantage of making it easy to attach and detach the transducer holder from the ultrasound emitting frame.

[0061] Meanwhile, in the above embodiment, the transducers 20 are connected to the coupling holes 12 of the ultrasound emission frame 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the transducers 20 may be provided in at least some of the coupling holes 12 according to the capacity of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator. When the transducers 20 are provided in at least some of the coupling holes 12, the transducer holder 100 may be coupled to the entire coupling holes 12, and a holder cover (not shown) for covering the open front surface may be detachably coupled to a part of the transducer holder 100 to which the transducers 20 are not coupled. The holder cover (not shown) may be formed in the same shape as the transducer 20 and may be coupled by glue. Therefore, the number of the transducers 20 to be mounted may be adjustable, and the energy capacity of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator may be adjustable.

[0062] Meanwhile, FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a transducer holder according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 7, the difference from the above embodiment is that the support protrusion 110b of the transducer holder is provided on the bottom surface of the mounting groove 110a. The remaining configurations and functions are similar, so the following description will focus on the differences.

[0064] The support protrusions 110b are shown as three protruding from the bottom surface of the mounting groove 110a, spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number and position of the support protrusions 110b may be changed in various ways. That is, one support protrusion 110b may be provided at the center of the bottom surface of the mounting groove 110a.

[0065] Also, the support protrusion 110b may be formed integrally with the head portion 110, or may be formed by applying a non-conductive material, such as glue, to the bottom surface of the mounting groove 110a. [Industrial Applicability]

[0066] According to the present invention, it is possible to manufacture a high intensity focused ultrasound generator capable of maximizing the vibration wave energy of the transducer.

Claims

1. an ultrasonic wave emitting frame having a concave front surface and a plurality of coupling holes; a plurality of transducer holders each inserted into the plurality of coupling holes at the front of the ultrasound radiation frame and detachably coupled to the ultrasound radiation frame through the plurality of coupling holes; a plurality of transducers mounted on the plurality of transducer holders such that their front surfaces are exposed; A structure for maximizing the vibration wave output of a transducer holder of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator, in which at least a portion of a side of the transducer holder is cut to form an opening in order to maximize the vibration wave energy generated and radiated from the transducer.

2. 2. The structure of claim 1, wherein a flexible glue layer filled with flexible glue is formed between the transducer and the transducer holder.

3. The transducer holder comprises:

2. The structure for maximizing vibration wave output of a transducer holder of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator as described in claim 1, comprising: a head portion that is placed on the front surface of the ultrasound radiation frame, has a mounting groove formed therein into which the transducer is inserted and the opening formed therein; and a body portion that extends rearward from the head portion, passes through the coupling hole, and is formed to be coupled to the rear of the ultrasound radiation frame by a fastening member.

4. 4. The vibration wave output maximization structure of the transducer holder of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator as described in claim 3, wherein at least one support protrusion is protruded from the side of the mounting groove to support the underside of the transducer and form a space between the transducer and the bottom surface of the mounting groove.

5. 4. The vibration wave output maximization structure of the transducer holder of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator as described in claim 3, wherein at least one support protrusion is protruded from the bottom surface of the mounting groove to support the lower surface of the transducer and form a space between the transducer and the bottom surface of the mounting groove.

6. The vibration wave output maximization structure of the transducer holder of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator of claim 4, wherein a flexible glue layer is formed between the lower surface of the transducer and the upper surface of the support protrusion, the flexible glue layer being filled with flexible glue to reduce loss of vibration wave energy of the transducer.

7. The vibration wave output maximization structure of the transducer holder of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator of claim 5, wherein a flexible glue layer is formed between the lower surface of the transducer and the upper surface of the support protrusion, the flexible glue layer being filled with flexible glue to reduce loss of vibration wave energy of the transducer.

8. The body portion is 4. The structure of claim 3, further comprising a power supply hole formed long in the longitudinal direction so that a power supply part coupled to the transducer can pass through the power supply hole.

9. The vibration wave output maximizing structure of the transducer holder of the high intensity focused ultrasound generator according to claim 7, wherein a waterproof glue layer filled with waterproof glue is formed between the power supply unit and the power supply hole.

10. The body portion is a shaft portion extending rearward from the head portion and being pushed into the coupling hole; 3. The structure for maximizing the vibration wave output of a transducer holder of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator as described in claim 2, further comprising: a screw portion extending rearward from the shaft portion, passing through the coupling hole, and then coupling with the fastening member at the rear of the ultrasound radiation frame.

11. an ultrasonic wave emitting frame having a concave front surface and a plurality of coupling holes; a plurality of transducer holders each inserted into the plurality of coupling holes at the front of the ultrasound radiation frame and detachably coupled to the ultrasound radiation frame through the plurality of coupling holes; a plurality of transducers mounted on the plurality of transducer holders such that their front surfaces are exposed; The transducer holder comprises: a head portion that is placed on a front surface of the ultrasound radiation frame and has a mounting groove into which the transducer is inserted; a body portion extending rearward from the head portion, passing through the coupling hole, and being coupled to a rear portion of the ultrasonic radiation frame by a fastening member; At least a portion of a side surface of the head portion is cut to form an opening in order to maximize vibration wave energy generated from the transducer; a support protrusion is formed on a bottom surface of the mounting groove so as to support a lower surface of the transducer and form a space between the transducer and the bottom surface; A structure for maximizing vibration wave output of a transducer holder of a high intensity focused ultrasound generator, in which a flexible glue layer filled with flexible glue is formed between the transducer and the support protrusion.

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