Acoustic Probe Transducer Testing via Self-Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic probe testing methods require cumbersome infrastructure like water tanks and targets, making them slow and unreliable for assessing transducer element operability.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses an electric signal generator to transmit signals to the transducer elements of an acoustic probe, with the reflected signals analyzed to determine the operability of both the lens and transducer elements, eliminating the need for a water tank or target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional acoustic testing methods using water tanks and targets are employed, then the testing can be performed, but the alignment difficulty increases and testing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the water tank and target infrastructure from the testing system. By removing these cumbersome components, the system achieves faster and more repeatable testing while maintaining reliability through direct electrical signal generation and acoustic radiation pressure measurement on the lens itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary testing apparatus that includes a signal generator, amplifier, and measurement system. This intermediary system enables reliable testing without requiring water tanks and targets, thereby improving testing speed while maintaining accuracy through electrical and acoustic signal analysis
2Reliability
If traditional acoustic testing methods using water tanks and targets are employed, then the testing can be performed, but the alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the water tank and target components that caused alignment difficulties. The new system tests transducer elements directly through electrical signal generation and acoustic radiation pressure measurement, eliminating the complex alignment requirements between probe, water tank, and target
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system involving water tanks and targets with an electrical and acoustic field-based measurement system. By substituting mechanical infrastructure with electrical signal generation and acoustic radiation pressure detection, the system achieves reliable testing without complex alignment procedures
3Reliability
If traditional acoustic testing methods are used, then transducer element performance can be assessed, but the infrastructure required becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the water tank, target, and associated infrastructure from the testing system. The simplified system uses direct electrical signal generation and acoustic radiation pressure measurement to assess transducer element performance, maintaining reliability while dramatically reducing infrastructure complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the acoustic probe to test itself by using its own transducer elements to generate acoustic signals that create radiation pressure on the lens. This self-testing capability eliminates the need for external water tanks and targets, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining performance assessment reliability
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
Enables quick and repeatable testing of acoustic probes without cumbersome infrastructure, improving speed and reducing costs while maintaining accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of transducer elements adapted to convert between acoustic and electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic signal that reflects off the lens of the acoustic probe
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for testing an acoustic probe is provided. The system includes an electric signal generator connected to transmit an electric generator signal into selected transducer elements of the acoustic probe. The selected of transducer elements of the acoustic probe convert the electrical signal into an acoustic signal that reflects off the lens of the acoustic probe and is then converted by the selected transducer elements of the acoustic probe into a reflected electrical signal. An analysis engine is connected to receive the reflected electrical signal and determine the operability of lens and each selected transducer element for acoustic and electrical conversion. A display provides an illustration indicative of the operative ability of the lens and the selected transducer element of the acoustic probe for acoustic and electrical conversion.