Handheld Acoustic Probe Tester for Element Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern acoustic imaging systems lack effective methods to diagnose and identify failed elements or channels in transducer arrays, which can lead to subtle performance degradation, especially in Doppler mode, due to the averaging effect of multiple elements forming an acoustic beam.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held testing device with a local power supply, acoustic transducer, and circuitry that transmits and receives acoustic signals to individually test each element in an acoustic probe, using a signaling element like a light-emitting diode to indicate operational status, allowing for easy identification of faulty elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple transducer elements are used to form an acoustic beam, then imaging capability is improved, but detection of failed elements becomes difficult due to the averaging effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the testing function into individual element-level operations. The testing device isolates and tests each transducer element separately using a testing mask with apertures that align with individual elements, allowing detection of failed elements without the masking effect of other elements in the array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a testing device as an intermediary between the transducer array and the diagnostic process. This intermediary device includes a testing transducer and mask system that mediates the interaction between test signals and individual array elements, enabling precise identification of failed elements through visual or audible indicators.
2Device complexity
If internal self-diagnostic capabilities are built into the imaging system, then system integration is improved, but diagnostic effectiveness for transmit and receive elements remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the diagnostic function from the main imaging system into a separate, dedicated testing device. This extraction allows the diagnostic device to specialize in element-level testing with features like individual element isolation and visual/audible indicators that are not present in general-purpose imaging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing device enables self-diagnosis of the transducer array by providing automated testing capabilities with visual or audible indicators that immediately identify failed elements without requiring complex external diagnostic equipment or expert analysis.
3Measurement precision
If a comprehensive testing method is developed to evaluate each element individually, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable or low-cost testing mask that can be easily replaced or reconfigured. The mask with its simple aperture pattern serves as a single-use or limited-use component that enables precise element-level testing without requiring expensive, complex, or permanent modifications to the imaging system.
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
The device provides a convenient, inexpensive, and effective means to evaluate acoustic probes and systems, enabling early detection of faults and maintaining system performance by identifying failed elements before significant degradation occurs.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic transducer... configured to identify production of a voltage pulse by the acoustic transducer in response to receipt of a received acoustic signal by the acoustic transducer
Implementation Method 2
using a signaling element like a light-emitting diode to indicate operational status
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held testing device tests operation of acoustic elements of an acoustic device. The hand-held testing device has a housing, a power supply local to the housing, an acoustic transducer, and circuitry. The circuitry is disposed within the housing and is provided in electrical communication with the power supply and with the acoustic transducer. The circuitry is configured to identify production of a voltage pulse by the acoustic transducer in response to receipt of a received acoustic signal by the acoustic transducer from one of the acoustic elements and to operate the transducer to transmit a transmitted acoustic signal to the acoustic element.