Elastic Conformal Transducer Modules Cover Dead Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transducer arrays face challenges in achieving uniform coverage on non-uniform or arbitrarily shaped surfaces, leading to dead zones that result in lost observation data and noise/artifacts, particularly in medical imaging and structural testing.
Innovation Solution
An elastic conformal transducer apparatus comprising multiple transducer modules mounted on elastomeric substrates, with additional modules positioned to cover dead zones, ensuring comprehensive surface coverage and improved accuracy through flexible and stretchable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible connectors are used between transducers in the array, then the array can be aligned to non-uniform surfaces, but dead zones are created leading to loss of observation data and introduction of noise/artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is divided into multiple independent transducer modules mounted on separate elastomeric substrates. Each module can be independently positioned and configured, allowing the system to adapt to non-uniform surfaces while maintaining uniform coverage through strategic placement of additional modules in dead zone areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane transducer array to a multi-layer configuration with transducer modules mounted on different elastomeric substrates. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the system to conform to complex surface geometries while eliminating dead zones through overlapping coverage in multiple dimensions.
2Device complexity
If a single transducer array is used on non-uniform surfaces, then device complexity is reduced, but dead zones are created resulting in lost observation data
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer system is segmented into multiple independent modules that can be mounted on separate elastomeric substrates. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for specific regions, with additional modules placed to cover dead zones, thereby recovering lost observation data without requiring a single complex large-scale array.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple transducer modules from different elastomeric substrates are merged into a unified measurement system. The modules are positioned and aligned such that their coverage areas overlap, combining their data to eliminate dead zones and provide comprehensive surface coverage that would be impossible with a single array.
3Manufacturing precision
If transducers are rigidly fixed on a surface, then positioning precision is improved, but the ability to conform to complex geometries is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible elastomeric substrates to mount the transducer modules, replacing rigid fixation methods. These elastomeric substrates can be stretched and conform to complex surface geometries while maintaining the precise positioning of transducer elements through controlled deformation, thereby achieving both adaptability and positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in the physical parameters of elastomeric substrates (such as elasticity, stretchability, and surface properties) to enable the transducer array to conform to various surface geometries. By selecting elastomers with appropriate mechanical properties, the system maintains transducer positioning accuracy while adapting to complex shapes.
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 apparatus provides enhanced observation accuracy by covering dead zones, improving data integrity and reducing noise in applications like medical imaging and structural testing, while conforming to surfaces with complex geometries.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer apparatus comprises a plurality of transducer modules. Each transducer module comprises an array of transducers mounted on an elastomeric substrate... The apparatus provides flexible and stretchable design that can conform to surfaces with complex geometries
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a transducer apparatus comprises an elastomeric substrate and another elastomeric substrate. A plurality of transducer modules are mounted on the elastomeric substrate. A plurality of additional transducer modules are mounted on the other elastomeric substrate. Each transducer module of the plurality of transducer modules and the plurality of additional transducer modules comprises a transducer array having multiple transducer elements and an electronic circuitry coupled to the transducer array. The plurality of transducer modules and the plurality of additional transducer modules are mounted relative to each other whereby the plurality of additional transducer modules substantially cover any dead zones of the plurality of transducer modules.