Epoxy Acoustic Matching Layer Composite for Uniform High Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic matching layers in acoustic wave probes suffer from variations in acoustic wave characteristics, difficulty in achieving high acoustic impedance and velocity, and limitations in thinness due to the use of metal particles in resins, which affect the efficiency of ultrasonic wave propagation into living bodies.
Innovation Solution
A composition for an acoustic matching layer material using an epoxy resin, metal particles, and ceramic particles, mixed with a planetary centrifugal mixer, to achieve uniform dispersion and high acoustic impedance, velocity, and thinness, with specific components and ratios to minimize acoustic wave characteristic variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If metal particles are used in resin to increase acoustic impedance, then acoustic impedance increases, but acoustic wave characteristic variations increase and uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the particle size distribution of metal particles and adjusting the resin composition ratios. By optimizing these parameters, the patent achieves high acoustic impedance while maintaining uniform acoustic wave characteristics throughout the matching layer material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining metal particles with specific resin components in controlled ratios. This composite structure allows the material to achieve both high acoustic impedance from the metal particles and uniform acoustic wave propagation from the optimized resin matrix.
2Quantity of substance
If metal particles are used to achieve high acoustic impedance, then acoustic impedance increases, but the thickness of the matching layer cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the particle size distribution of metal particles and adjusting resin composition to achieve high acoustic impedance with minimal material thickness. This allows the matching layer to be made thinner while maintaining its acoustic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a gradient in acoustic impedance within the matching layer thickness direction. The acoustic impedance is designed to vary locally from the piezoelectric element side to the acoustic lens side, allowing optimal acoustic wave transmission with reduced overall thickness.
3Productivity
If the number of laminated acoustic matching sheets is increased to create acoustic impedance gradient, then acoustic wave propagation efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by creating a continuous acoustic impedance gradient within a single matching layer material rather than using multiple discrete laminated sheets. This is achieved by controlling the particle size distribution and resin composition parameters, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining acoustic wave propagation efficiency.
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 solution results in an acoustic matching sheet with minimal acoustic wave characteristic variations, high acoustic velocity, and high impedance, enhancing ultrasonic wave propagation efficiency into living bodies.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary centrifugal mixer, to achieve uniform dispersion
Implementation Method 2
the acoustic wave probe is required to match the acoustic impedance with the test object... the acoustic impedance of the acoustic matching layer takes a value between the acoustic impedance of the living body or the acoustic lens and the acoustic impedance of the piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 3
an ultrasound probe includes a piezoelectric element that transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 4
an acoustic lens that comes into contact with a living body... an ultrasonic wave oscillated from the piezoelectric element is incident on a living body after being transmitted through the acoustic matching layer, further being transmitted through the acoustic lens
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic matching layer material contains an epoxy resin component, a metal particle, and a ceramic particle, in which the acoustic matching layer material has an acoustic velocity of less than 3500 m/sec, and has an acoustic impedance of 18 Mrayl or more.