Annular Micro-Machined Transducer Array for Multi-Depth Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound therapy devices, both home and hospital, lack the ability to effectively focus high-frequency or low-frequency ultrasound beams at specific depths inside the skin, with hospital devices being expensive and requiring hospital visits, and home devices limited to single-channel beams.
Innovation Solution
A multi-focusing device using a large-area multi-channel micro-machined ultrasonic transducer array arranged in an annular form, with upper and lower electrode connection lines designed to minimize signal voltage drop, allowing for customized focusing based on individual skin characteristics through reflected signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single channel ultrasound beam is used in home therapy devices, then the device is simple and affordable, but the focusing capability at specific skin depths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer is divided into multiple independent channels, each capable of transmitting ultrasound beams at different frequencies (1 MHz, 3 MHz, 10 MHz). This segmentation allows the device to achieve multi-depth focusing capability while maintaining a compact home-device form factor, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and focusing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple ultrasound frequencies and multi-channel transmission capabilities into a single home therapy device, enabling it to perform multiple functions (treating different skin depths) that were previously only available in complex hospital equipment. This universal approach allows one device to replace multiple specialized devices.
2Measurement precision
If hospital therapy devices use multiple channels of ultrasound beams with customized focusing, then the focusing capability is improved, but the device becomes expensive and requires hospital visits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cost-effective micro-machined ultrasonic transducers (MMUTs) that can be manufactured at low cost using semiconductor fabrication processes. These transducers provide hospital-grade multi-channel, multi-frequency focusing capability in a consumer-affordable package, eliminating the need for expensive hospital equipment while maintaining therapeutic precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces complex mechanical focusing mechanisms with electronic beamforming control of MMUT arrays. By using electronic phase and amplitude control across multiple channels, the system achieves customized focusing at different skin depths without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, reducing device complexity while maintaining precision.
3Reliability
If high frequency or low frequency ultrasound is used, then the therapy effect is improved, but the ability to focus at specific depths is lost without multi-channel capability
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically switches between different ultrasound frequencies (1 MHz, 3 MHz, 10 MHz) and adjusts beamforming parameters across multiple channels based on the required treatment depth. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both therapy effect and depth targeting for different skin conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliable therapy delivery and depth versatility.
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 personalized ultrasound therapy at home by focusing beams at specific skin depths, minimizing signal loss, and providing efficient, customized treatment without hospital visits.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-machined ultrasonic transducer (MUT) array arranged in an annular form and formed of a plurality of vibration elements that apply a low or high frequency
Implementation Method 2
vibration elements that apply a low or high frequency corresponding to an application depth inside the skin
Implementation Method 3
receiving a pulse echo reflected from a specific location inside the skin through a reception element
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a multi-focusing device for each ultrasonic depth including a micro-machined ultrasonic transducer array and a method of operating the same. The multi-focusing device includes a micro-machined ultrasonic transducer (MUT) array arranged in an annular form and formed of a plurality of vibration elements that apply a low or high frequency corresponding to an application depth inside the skin, wherein the MUT array includes an upper electrode parallel connection line configured for each channel of the vibration element, and a lower electrode connection line arranged in a longitudinal direction.