Asymmetrical MUT Array Layout for Wider Ultrasound Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micromachined ultrasound transducers (MUTs) have limited bandwidth, restricting their operational modes and image quality due to uniform spacing, which hinders advanced acoustic performance in imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of MUTs in a two-dimensional array with staggered configuration, where the second row is shifted horizontally and vertically relative to the first row, increases bandwidth by introducing asymmetric vibrational modes, allowing for more sophisticated operational modes and improved image generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If MUTs are uniformly spaced in a conventional array, then the array structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the bandwidth is limited and acoustic performance is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging MUTs in staggered rows where odd and even rows are horizontally offset from each other. This asymmetric configuration breaks the uniform spacing pattern, introducing multiple vibrational modes that expand the operational bandwidth while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
2Ease of manufacture
If MUTs are uniformly spaced in a conventional array, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the operational modes are limited and image quality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric staggered arrangement of MUTs in odd and even rows enhances image quality by enabling more sophisticated operational modes through increased bandwidth, while the overall array structure remains compatible with standard manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a horizontal offset dimension between odd and even rows, transforming the conventional one-dimensional uniform spacing into a two-dimensional staggered pattern. This dimensional change enables additional vibrational modes that improve image quality without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If MUTs are arranged in a staggered configuration, then bandwidth is increased and acoustic performance is enhanced, but the array structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the array into distinct odd and even rows with different horizontal positions. This segmentation allows each row to contribute differently to the overall acoustic field, enabling bandwidth expansion while maintaining a modular structure that is not excessively complex.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding a horizontal offset dimension to the staggered rows, the patent achieves bandwidth expansion without requiring complex three-dimensional arrangements. The two-dimensional staggered pattern provides the necessary complexity to enhance acoustic performance while remaining manageable.
4Measurement precision
If MUTs are arranged in a staggered configuration, then image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio are improved, but the structural design becomes more sophisticated
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric staggered arrangement improves image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio by enabling multiple vibrational modes and reducing mutual impedance. The structural design complexity is kept moderate through the systematic offset pattern between odd and even rows.
Solution Approach 2:
Segmenting the array into offset odd and even rows creates diverse acoustic paths that enhance image resolution and reduce noise. This segmented approach achieves improved measurement precision without requiring overly sophisticated structural designs.
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 acoustic performance by increasing bandwidth, reducing mutual impedance, and improving image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, enabling more advanced imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
micromachined ultrasound transducers (MUTs), using capacitive transducers (cMUTs) or piezoelectric transducers (pMUTs)
Implementation Method 2
receive pressure waves and develop electrical charge in response to the received pressure waves
Data Source
AI summary
An array of micromachined ultrasonic transducers (MUTs). The array has first and second rows, the MUTs in the first row being equally spaced by a horizontal pitch in a horizontal direction, the MUTs in the second row being equally spaced by the horizontal pitch in the horizontal direction. The MUTs in the second row are shifted along the horizontal direction by a first horizontal distance relative to the MUTs in the first row and shifted along a vertical direction by a first vertical distance relative to the MUTs in the first row. The first horizontal distance is greater than zero and less than the horizontal pitch. The first vertical distance ranges from one tenth of a horizontal width of a MUT to a half of a vertical height of a MUT.