Array Ultrasound Therapy System with Echo Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasound therapy systems for postpartum uterine therapy are bulky, complex, and inefficient, lacking configurability and primarily supporting dynamic therapy modes, which complicates achieving static low-intensity ultrasound therapy effectively.

Innovation Solution

An array-type ultrasound therapy system is developed, featuring an ultrasound therapy control unit, a transducer driving array, and a phased array transducer. This system includes a detection transducer to monitor ultrasound echoes and predict hot spot generation, allowing for dynamic adjustment of therapeutic sound intensity and focusing to achieve low-intensity static ultrasound therapy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional ultrasound therapy systems are used for postpartum uterine therapy, then therapy function is provided, but the systems are bulky, have complicated operation, poor configurability and low therapeutic efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconfigurabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the ultrasound transducer into multiple independently controllable elements arranged in an array. Each element can be individually activated or deactivated through electronic control, enabling flexible configuration of therapy patterns without mechanical complexity. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multiple therapy modes through software control rather than hardware reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ultrasound array system is designed to perform multiple therapy functions including static therapy, dynamic scanning therapy, and focused therapy through electronic beamforming control. The same hardware platform supports different therapy protocols by adjusting activation patterns of array elements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing operational complexity through unified control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional dynamic therapy mode is used, then therapy is provided, but medical staff must constantly move the probe which reduces therapeutic efficiency and increases operation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficiencyVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical probe movement with electronic beam steering by selectively activating array elements in different sequences. The electronic control system can dynamically adjust the active element pattern to scan across the uterine area without physical movement, maintaining the benefits of dynamic therapy while eliminating the need for constant manual probe repositioning and improving therapeutic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides both static and dynamic therapy modes through electronic control of array element activation. In dynamic mode, different groups of elements are activated in sequence to create moving therapy zones without physical probe movement. This dynamic element activation allows flexible adaptation to therapy needs while simplifying operation compared to manual probe manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If low-intensity ultrasound is used for static therapy, then therapeutic efficiency is improved, but hot spots may still form requiring complex monitoring and adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficiencyVSAvoidhot spot control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors and controls ultrasound intensity at different spatial locations by selectively activating specific array elements. When hot spots are detected through feedback from detection transducers, the control system locally adjusts the activation pattern or intensity of specific elements to eliminate the hot spot while maintaining therapy at other locations. This localized control maintains therapeutic efficiency while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates detection transducers that continuously monitor the ultrasound field during therapy and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of hot spots and automatic adjustment of the active element pattern or intensity levels, ensuring reliable hot spot control while maintaining high therapeutic efficiency through adaptive low-intensity ultrasound delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system provides a safe, stable, and highly configurable platform for low-intensity static ultrasound therapy, reducing the probability of hot spot generation and enhancing therapeutic efficiency and patient experience.

Implementation Method 1

a remaining one ultrasound transducer is configured to detect ultrasound echoes generated during the ultrasound therapy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasound echo detection: Echo

Implementation Method 2

causing the transducer elements to transmit ultrasound waves to a target region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasound focusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP4088781B1Array-type ultrasound therapy system
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 ZHEJIANG UNIV
  • EP4088781B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4088781B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4088781B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is an array-type ultrasound therapy system, the ultrasound therapy system comprising: an ultrasound therapy control unit, an ultrasound transducer drive array and an ultrasound transducer array. The ultrasound transducer drive array comprises n ultrasonic transducers; a detection signal output end of an ultrasonic transducer for detecting ultrasonic echoes generated in ultrasound therapy is connected to a feedback signal input end of the ultrasonic therapy control unit; a control signal output end of the ultrasound therapy control unit is connected to an input end of the ultrasound transducer drive array, and an output end of the ultrasonic transducer drive array is connected to a drive end of each of the ultrasonic transducers that is used for ultrasound therapy. In the present invention, a therapy area is monitored by means of ultrasonic transducer for detecting ultrasound echoes generated in ultrasound therapy , and when the probability of generating a hot spot is determined to be relatively high, the therapeutic sound intensity and deflection focus of the ultrasound transducer array are adjusted by means of an ultrasound therapy control unit, achieving low-intensity static ultrasound therapy.