CMUT Bias Voltage Discharge System for Ultrasound Transducers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (C-MUTs) in ultrasound diagnostic systems face a decline in electric acoustic conversion efficiency due to charge accumulation, leading to sensitivity deterioration and potential damage from discharge during disconnection.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasound diagnostic system with a discharge section and switching mechanism that disconnects the C-MUT from the observation apparatus, allowing for controlled discharge of accumulated charge, preventing damage and maintaining sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the C-MUT continuously drives ultrasound for a long time, then the ultrasound transmission function is maintained, but charge accumulates in the C-MUT causing deterioration in electric acoustic conversion efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous ultrasound drive timeVSAvoidelectric acoustic conversion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge section is activated before disconnection to remove accumulated charge in advance, preventing sensitivity deterioration and potential damage that would occur during or after disconnection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the C-MUT stores charge for continuous operation, then ultrasound transmission is sustained, but sensitivity deteriorates due to charge accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge storage for sustained operationVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The accumulated charge, which causes sensitivity deterioration, is converted from a harmful factor into a controlled discharge event. The discharge section safely releases the stored charge before disconnection, transforming the potential damage into a controlled process that maintains system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If the connector is made detachable for ease of operation, then connection and disconnection become flexible, but charge discharge during disconnection can cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachable connection flexibilityVSAvoiddischarge damage during disconnection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge section is activated in advance before the connector is fully disconnected, removing harmful charge accumulation before the disconnection process completes, thereby preventing damage while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge section acts as an intermediary mechanism between the C-MUT and the external environment during disconnection, safely mediating the charge release process to prevent direct damage to the connector and surrounding components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a lock mechanism is added to prevent accidental disconnection, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidlock mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge function is merged with the existing connector structure and control system, integrating the charge discharge capability into the connection/disconnection process without requiring a separate, independent discharge mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively prevents charge accumulation, ensuring stable sensitivity and preventing damage during disconnection, enhancing the reliability and operability of the ultrasound diagnostic system.

Implementation Method 1

a discharge section for discharging the charge applied to the capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8708916B2Ultrasound diagnostic appartus with CMUT bias voltage discharge system

Publication Date: 2014.04.29 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An ultrasound diagnostic system includes a connection section for detachably connecting an ultrasound device mounted with a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (C-MUT) and a transmission signal generation section that generates a transmission signal using a connector provided in the ultrasound device and a connector receiver provided in the ultrasound observation apparatus, a discharge section for discharging the charge applied to the C-MUT, a lock mechanism that keeps the connection section in a locked state and a released state and a switching section arranged on a signal line between the C-MUT and the ultrasound observation apparatus, wherein when a predetermined mounting state is set, the C-MUT is electrically connected to the transmission signal generation section via the signal line, and through switching by the switching section after an operation of unlocking the lock mechanism, a state is set in which the charge of the C-MUT of the ultrasound device is discharged.