Ultrasonic Endoscope Backing Layer for Compact, Durable Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic endoscopes are large in size, which poses challenges in terms of maneuverability and practicality for medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic endoscope is designed with a backing material layer having a glass transition temperature of 45 degrees or lower, combined with a specific configuration of ultrasonic oscillators and a filler to reduce size while maintaining durability and attenuation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional backing material layers are used in ultrasonic endoscopes, then the endoscope maintains structural integrity, but the endoscope size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting a backing material with a glass transition temperature of 45°C or lower. This specific parameter change in material properties allows the backing material to remain soft and compliant at body temperatures, enabling size reduction while maintaining structural integrity and ultrasonic wave attenuation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the ultrasonic oscillator with a backing material layer having specific glass transition temperature characteristics. This composite structure optimizes both the mechanical properties for structural integrity and the thermal properties for size reduction, achieving multiple objectives simultaneously.
2Volume of moving object
If the backing material layer has lower glass transition temperature to reduce size, then endoscope diameter decreases, but durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by precisely controlling the glass transition temperature to be 45°C or lower. This parameter specification ensures the material remains soft enough for size reduction while maintaining sufficient durability for medical procedures, balancing both requirements through material property optimization.
3Loss of energy
If conventional backing materials are used, then endoscope maintains standard size, but ultrasonic wave attenuation performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction through parameter changes in the backing material's glass transition temperature. By selecting materials with Tg ≤ 45°C, the material provides enhanced ultrasonic wave attenuation performance while enabling compact endoscope design, achieving both improved energy loss and reduced size simultaneously.
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 design achieves a reduction in endoscope diameter while enhancing durability and ultrasonic wave attenuation, improving maneuverability and reliability during use.
Implementation Method 1
a glass transition temperature of the backing material layer is 45 degrees or lower
Implementation Method 2
enhancing durability and ultrasonic wave attenuation
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic endoscope includes: a distal end part which includes an ultrasound transmission and reception section and an imaging unit, the ultrasound transmission and reception section includes an ultrasonic oscillator and a backing material layer, and a glass transition temperature of the backing material layer is 45 degrees or lower.