Angled Ultrasound Array Elements for 3D Volume Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Acoustic arrays for medical ultrasound face challenges in achieving three-dimensional scanning within limited spaces, such as in catheters or endocavity probes, due to the complexity and cost of manufacturing, as well as the stress on arrays from mechanical steering methods.

Innovation Solution

The use of a one-dimensional array with elements angled at non-perpendicular angles to the azimuth axis, allowing for the formation of apertures that steer along planes at angles greater than 10 degrees, enabling volume scanning by 'walking' the aperture to scan different parallel planes without the need for complex mechanical structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical steering structures are used to achieve three-dimensional scanning, then scanning capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional scanning capabilityVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical steering structures with an electronically controlled phased array system. The phased array uses electronic beamforming to achieve three-dimensional scanning without mechanical moving parts, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining full three-dimensional scanning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear array to a two-dimensional phased array configuration. This dimensional change enables electronic steering in multiple directions simultaneously, providing three-dimensional scanning capability without requiring mechanical rotation or physical repositioning of the transducer elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex array geometries are used for volume imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume imaging capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the transducer material into multiple discrete piezoelectric elements arranged in a phased array configuration. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual elements that can be systematically assembled, rather than attempting to create complex curved or twisted geometries as a single monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves volume imaging capability by electronically controlling the phase and amplitude parameters of signals applied to different array elements, rather than relying on complex physical geometries. This parameter-based control allows standard manufacturing techniques to produce the array, while post-manufacturing electronic calibration achieves the desired three-dimensional imaging performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical steering or complex geometries are used, then three-dimensional scanning is achieved, but stress on the array increases leading to higher failure rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional scanning capabilityVSAvoidarray failure rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical steering components that would subject the array to repeated stress from movement and positioning. By using electronic beamforming with a fixed phased array geometry, the system achieves three-dimensional scanning without mechanical actuation, thereby preventing stress-induced failures and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of mechanically moving the array or its elements to achieve three-dimensional scanning, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the array stationary and using electronic phase control to steer the acoustic beam in three dimensions. This inversion eliminates mechanical stress on the array elements while maintaining full scanning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 approach allows for effective three-dimensional scanning with reduced complexity and cost, minimizing stress on the array and enabling both two and three-dimensional imaging within limited spaces, such as in catheters or probes, while maintaining sensitivity and resolution.

Implementation Method 1

The materials transduce between acoustic and electrical energies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9833219B2Angle oriented array for medical ultrasound

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA INC

AI summary

Volume scanning along different planes is provided using angling of the elements. Rather than orthogonal dicing of the slab, kerfs are formed at non-parallel and non-perpendicular angles to the azimuth axis of the array or longitudinal axis of the slab. Apertures formed from selected groups of the angled elements and/or parts of angled elements may be used to steer along planes that extend at an angle of 5 degrees or more away from the azimuth or longitudinal axis. By walking the aperture, different parallel planes are scanned with a one-dimensional array of elements.