Acoustic Waveguide Plate with Liquid Core for Ultrasonic Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic systems face challenges with attenuation and scattering of ultrasonic energy pulses as they travel through transmissive substances, leading to reduced clarity and efficiency in information transmission.
Innovation Solution
The use of waveguides with a core and cladding, where the core has a lower shear-wave propagation velocity than the cladding, to confine ultrasonic energy and minimize losses, potentially using liquid or colloidal gel cores and solid claddings to reduce scattering and attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ultrasonic energy pulses are transmitted through a transmittive substance (such as mineral oil or air), then the emitter and receiver can be positioned at a distance from the object, but the strength of the ultrasonic energy pulse is weakened and scattered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a waveguide as an intermediary structure between the emitter and the object. The waveguide has a core made of material with lower shear-wave propagation velocity than the cladding, which confines and guides the ultrasonic energy pulses along a controlled path, preventing scattering and energy loss while allowing the emitter and receiver to be positioned at distances from the object.
2Power
If traditional plastic lenses are used to collect and focus ultrasonic energy, then ultrasonic energy can be transmitted, but the lens size becomes large and tight mechanical tolerances are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ultrasonic energy transmission path into multiple segmented waveguides, each with a core and cladding structure. This segmentation allows the system to achieve focused energy transmission without requiring large single lenses or complex lens assemblies, as each waveguide segment independently guides the energy along its path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the waveguide core and cladding, specifically using materials with different shear-wave propagation velocities. The core material has a lower shear-wave propagation velocity than the cladding, which creates the necessary acoustic impedance mismatch to confine and focus the ultrasonic energy without requiring complex mechanical lens structures.
3Loss of information
If ultrasonic energy pulses travel through a transmittive substance, then information can be transmitted from the emitter to the receiver, but scattering reduces the clarity of the information
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary that isolates the ultrasonic energy pulses from the surrounding environment. By confining the energy within the core-cladding structure, the waveguide prevents scattering interactions with external substances, thereby maintaining information clarity while still allowing transmission over distances.
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
This configuration enhances the transmission of ultrasonic energy by minimizing losses and scattering, allowing for clearer and more efficient information transfer, such as in fingerprint imaging systems, while reducing the need for large lenses and complex mechanical tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
Each waveguide may have a core and cladding. The core may have a first end surface, a second end surface, and a longitudinal surface extending between the first and second end surfaces. The longitudinal surface of the core may be substantially surrounded by the cladding to form a cladded core. The cladded core is capable of transmitting ultrasonic energy from the first end surface to the second end surface.
Implementation Method 2
The core may be a material having a first shear-wave propagation velocity ('SWPV'). The cladding may be a material having a second shear-wave propagation velocity, and the first SWPV is different from the second SWPV. The second SWPV may be greater than the first SWPV.
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic (sound or ultrasound) wave transmitter having a plurality of waveguides is described, and a method of making such a transmitter is described. Each waveguide may have a cladded core. The core may be a liquid such as water, alcohol or mineral oil. Alternatively, the core may be a colloidal gel, such as gelatin dissolved in at least one of water, vinyl plastisol or silicone gel. The cladded core is capable of transmitting acoustic wave energy from a first end surface to a second end surface of the cladded core. The waveguides may be substantially fixed relative to each other by a binder. The binder may be formed by fusing the claddings together, potting a material between the waveguides and/or mechanically holding the waveguides.