Asymmetrical Micromachined Ultrasound Transducer Array
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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 a staggered configuration where adjacent rows are offset from each other, creating an asymmetric pattern that introduces additional vibrational modes. This asymmetric arrangement increases the bandwidth of the transducer array while maintaining manufacturability through systematic spacing patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a simple linear or uniform grid arrangement to a two-dimensional staggered configuration, adding spatial complexity in the lateral dimension. This dimensional enhancement allows the array to support multiple vibrational modes simultaneously, thereby increasing bandwidth without compromising manufacturing feasibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If MUTs are uniformly spaced in a conventional array, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the operational modes are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The staggered asymmetric arrangement creates multiple vibrational modes including fundamental and higher-order modes, enabling the transducer to operate in diverse operational modes. The asymmetric pattern is systematically implemented to maintain manufacturing simplicity while maximizing operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the spatial arrangement parameters by introducing staggered offsets between adjacent rows, changing the geometric configuration from uniform to asymmetric. This parameter change enables the structure to support multiple vibrational modes, thereby increasing operational versatility without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
3Device complexity
If MUTs are uniformly spaced in a conventional array, then the array design is simple, but image quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric staggered arrangement improves image quality by enabling the array to generate and detect a broader spectrum of acoustic waves through multiple vibrational modes. This enhances the precision of measurements and image reconstruction while keeping the array design relatively simple through systematic spacing patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing a two-dimensional staggered configuration, the patent enhances image quality through improved spatial sampling and acoustic wave propagation characteristics. The additional spatial dimension in the staggered arrangement provides better coverage and resolution, improving measurement precision without excessive complexity.
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
micromachined ultrasound transducers (MUTs), using capacitive transducers (cMUTs) or piezoelectric transducers (pMUTs)
Implementation Method 3
receive pressure waves and develop electrical charge in response to the received pressure waves
Implementation Method 4
micromachined ultrasound transducers (MUTs), using capacitive transducers (cMUTs) or piezoelectric transducers (pMUTs)
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.