Dual Array Ultrasound Probe for Wide Frequency Range Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound imaging systems require multiple probes for different imaging applications, leading to inefficiencies and challenges in emergency care settings where quick and efficient scanning of various anatomical features is critical, particularly due to the need to switch between probes, which can be time-consuming and compromise sterility.
Innovation Solution
A dual array ultrasound probe with a first array for high frequency imaging and a second array for low frequency imaging, both situated on the same probe, allowing for mutually exclusive activation of transducer elements to accommodate different imaging modes without the need to switch probes, thereby enabling wide frequency range imaging with a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different ultrasound probes are used for different imaging applications, then imaging versatility and resolution are improved, but device complexity and time to switch probes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transducer arrays with different frequency ranges (e.g., high-frequency linear array and low-frequency phased array) into a single ultrasound probe body. This merging allows the probe to perform multiple imaging functions (superficial imaging, deep tissue imaging, cardiac imaging) without requiring physical probe changes, thereby improving imaging versatility while reducing the complexity of managing multiple separate probes.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound probe is designed with multi-functional capabilities by incorporating transducer arrays that can operate across different frequency ranges and imaging modes. The probe can switch between high-frequency mode for superficial structures and low-frequency mode for deep tissue imaging, making it a universal tool that replaces multiple specialized probes while maintaining adaptability to various imaging applications.
2Measurement precision
If multiple different ultrasound probes are used for different imaging applications, then imaging resolution is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging high-frequency and low-frequency transducer arrays into a single probe, the system eliminates the time required to physically switch between probes during examinations. The high-frequency array provides superior resolution for superficial structures while the low-frequency array enables deep tissue imaging, both accessible without probe changes, thereby eliminating probe switching time while maintaining imaging resolution across different depth ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is pre-configured with multiple transducer arrays covering different frequency ranges before the examination begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that all necessary imaging capabilities are immediately available, eliminating the need for time-consuming probe substitutions during the actual examination process.
3Reliability
If multiple different ultrasound probes are used for different imaging applications, then imaging penetration and resolution are improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates multiple transducer arrays with different frequency characteristics to provide both deep tissue penetration (low-frequency array) and high-resolution superficial imaging (high-frequency array) within a single device. The system automatically or manually switches between arrays based on the imaging application, simplifying operation by eliminating the need for operators to manage multiple separate probes while maintaining reliable penetration and resolution across different tissue depths.
4Productivity
If a single ultrasound probe is used for multiple imaging applications, then probe switching time is reduced, but transducer element configuration flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into multiple independent transducer arrays (e.g., linear array, phased array, curved array), each optimized for specific imaging applications. This segmentation allows each array to maintain its specialized configuration while being housed within a single probe body, enabling the system to achieve high imaging efficiency by selecting the appropriate array for each application without compromising configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe merges multiple specialized transducer arrays into a single integrated device, allowing rapid switching between imaging modes through electronic control rather than physical probe changes. This combining approach maintains the configuration flexibility of specialized arrays while improving productivity by eliminating probe switching time, as the system can electronically activate the appropriate array based on imaging requirements.
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
Enables efficient and sterile imaging of multiple anatomical features without probe switching, reducing time and improving practicality in emergency care settings by providing a versatile solution for various imaging needs with a single probe.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasound probes (also called ultrasound transducers or scanners) generally contain a number of transducer elements that can be selectively pulsed to generated ultrasound signals
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound probe comprising a body comprising an imaging end and a non-imaging end, a first array comprising a first plurality of transducer elements disposed on the imaging end for forming a first beam type from a first transmit surface, a second array comprising a second plurality of transducer elements disposed on the imaging end, for forming a second beam type from a second transmit surface, wherein each the first array and the second array are longitudinally adjacent to each other and the first transmit surface and second transmit surface are separate, a circuit connected to the first plurality of transducer elements and the second plurality of transducer elements, wherein the circuit is capable of activating a number of elements equal to a total of the first plurality of transducer elements and the second plurality of transducer elements and wherein such activation is mutually exclusive.