Double-Wall Acoustic Window for Robust Ultrasound Probe Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic probes face challenges in achieving high signal strength and accuracy due to acoustic window materials that reflect or attenuate ultrasonic waves, deform under pressure, and are prone to contamination, requiring materials with specific acoustic, mechanical, and chemical properties.
Innovation Solution
The acoustic window is designed with a convex surface and divergent wall portions, using thermoplastic polymers like polymethylpentene blended with elastomers, and a double wall structure to ensure uniform wave propagation, robustness, and chemical resistance, with a smooth transition to the probe case to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the acoustic window is increased to increase the robustness, then the robustness is improved, but the signal strength is reduced due to increased attenuation and reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic window is divided into two separate components: a thin acoustic window portion (0.1-0.5mm) for maintaining signal strength and a thicker protective case portion (1-3mm) for providing robustness. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic window uses a composite structure combining a thin acoustic window portion made of acoustic-compatible material with a protective case portion made of stronger material. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both good acoustic properties and mechanical robustness simultaneously.
2Strength
If a strong material is selected for the acoustic window to increase the robustness, then the robustness is improved, but the signal strength decreases due to poor acoustic compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic window is divided into two separate components: a thin acoustic window portion (0.1-0.5mm) for maintaining signal strength and a thicker protective case portion (1-3mm) for providing robustness. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic window uses a composite structure combining a thin acoustic window portion made of acoustic-compatible material with a protective case portion made of stronger material. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both good acoustic properties and mechanical robustness simultaneously.
3Reliability
If the acoustic window is pressed firmly against the abdomen to improve contact, then the contact quality is improved, but the deformation increases causing refraction and reducing image accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic window uses a thin portion (0.1-0.5mm) that acts as a flexible shell, allowing it to conform to the curved surface of the abdomen while maintaining its structural integrity. This flexibility enables firm contact without excessive deformation that would cause refraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic window is designed with a curved surface that matches the convex shape of the abdomen. This curved geometry allows the acoustic window to conform to the body surface, improving contact quality while minimizing deformation and refraction during pressing.
4Loss of energy
If the acoustic window is made thin to reduce attenuation and maintain signal strength, then the signal strength is improved, but the robustness and resistance to contamination decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic window is divided into two separate components: a thin acoustic window portion (0.1-0.5mm) for maintaining signal strength and a thicker protective case portion (1-3mm) for providing robustness. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic window uses a composite structure combining a thin acoustic window portion made of acoustic-compatible material with a protective case portion made of stronger material. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both good acoustic properties and mechanical robustness 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 maintains high signal strength, reduces deformation, and enhances durability and hygiene by minimizing contamination, while allowing for efficient manufacturing with reduced defects.
Implementation Method 1
The velocity of propagation through the acoustic window must be uniform and within a prescribed range
Implementation Method 2
the material of the acoustic window has poor acoustic compatibility with living tissue (water) and the acoustic window has the property of reflecting a large amount of ultrasonic waves from the surface
Implementation Method 3
an acoustic lens that focuses ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic transducer
Implementation Method 4
The deformation of the acoustic window changes the distance between the transducer and the target organ
Implementation Method 5
thermoplastic polymers like polymethylpentene blended with elastomers
Implementation Method 6
the shape of the acoustic window may be designed to be thin in the elevation direction and have a smoothly curved surface to reduce pain to the target
Implementation Method 7
the material of the acoustic window has poor acoustic compatibility with living tissue (water)
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic window including a convex surface that extends in an azimuth direction and contacts an examination target, and a first wall portion and a second wall portion that extend divergently from each other. At least a portion of the first wall portion is provided along an inner surface of the probe case, and the second wall portion has an outer surface that is contiguous with the convex surface.