Ultrasonic Probe With Dual-Frequency Elements For Distance-Adaptive Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic diagnostic devices face resolution issues due to the inability to adjust driving signals based on the distance between the ultrasonic probe and the object, leading to reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic device incorporates a substrate with both high-frequency and low-frequency ultrasonic elements, arranged in specific patterns, allowing for adjustable signal driving based on distance, utilizing different waveforms (square or sine waves) to optimize ultrasonic intensity and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single ultrasonic probe is used with fixed frequency elements, then the device structure is simple, but the resolution deteriorates when the distance to the object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic probe is segmented into multiple independent ultrasonic elements with different resonance frequencies (first frequency and second frequency). Each element can be selectively driven based on the distance to the object, allowing high-frequency elements for close distances (better resolution) and low-frequency elements for far distances. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling resolution optimization without requiring multiple separate probes.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic device dynamically selects which ultrasonic elements to drive based on the detected distance to the object. The control unit adjusts the driving signal in real-time, switching between different frequency elements according to distance conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal resolution across varying distances while using a single integrated probe structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic probes are used to maintain resolution at different distances, then the resolution is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ultrasonic elements with different resonance frequencies are merged into a single ultrasonic probe assembly. The first ultrasonic elements (high frequency) and second ultrasonic elements (low frequency) are integrated on the same substrate with corresponding electrode connections. This merging allows the system to achieve the resolution benefits of multiple probes while using a single integrated device, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single ultrasonic probe is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both high-frequency and low-frequency ultrasonic elements that can be selectively activated. The probe universally handles both close-distance and far-distance imaging tasks by switching between different frequency elements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized probes while maintaining resolution performance across all distance ranges.
3Measurement precision
If high-frequency ultrasonic elements are used, then the resolution is improved, but the ultrasonic intensity decreases at farther distances
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the frequency parameter of the ultrasonic elements based on the distance to the object. When the object is far away, low-frequency elements are activated which have better penetration and maintain ultrasonic intensity over distance. When the object is close, high-frequency elements are activated to maximize resolution. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching frequency selection to distance conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ultrasonic probe have elements with locally optimized properties for different frequency ranges. The first ultrasonic elements are designed with resonance characteristics for high frequency (better resolution for close objects), while the second ultrasonic elements are designed for low frequency (better intensity for far objects). This local quality differentiation allows optimal performance for each distance scenario without compromising the other.
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 enables improved resolution by adjusting signal driving to suit the distance, with high-frequency elements providing better resolution at close distances and low-frequency elements performing better at farther distances, effectively addressing the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo element part provided on the vibrating membrane
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of first ultrasonic elements having a resonance characteristic of a first frequency disposed on the substrate, and a plurality of second ultrasonic elements having a resonance characteristic of a second frequency
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic device includes a substrate, first ultrasonic elements having a resonance characteristic of a first frequency, and second ultrasonic elements having a resonance characteristic of a second frequency lower than the first frequency. The first ultrasonic elements are arranged along a first direction to make a first to an n-th high-frequency ultrasonic element lines. The second ultrasonic elements are arranged along the first direction to make a first to an n-th low-frequency ultrasonic element lines. The first to the n-th high-frequency ultrasonic element lines and the first to the n-th low-frequency ultrasonic element lines are arranged along a second direction. The first and second ultrasonic elements have an opening, a vibrating membrane, and a piezo element part. A length in the second direction of the opening of the first ultrasonic element is shorter than a length in the second direction of the opening of the second ultrasonic element.