Fetal Heart Transducer Beam Testing for PZT Bond Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fetal heart rate transducers face issues with bonding characteristics of piezo-electric crystals (PZT) discs to plastic resin, leading to signal degradation, cracking of standoffs, and inaccurate readings due to loose connections and lack of quantitative testing for adhesive bond integrity and ultrasound field strength.
Innovation Solution
A method using an ultrasound beam quality test apparatus with a computer system, multiplexer, signal comparison and analyzer, and hydrophone PZT discs to assess the bonding and operational characteristics of PZT discs, ensuring accurate fetal heart rate detection by stabilizing the transducer and detecting cable faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If PZT discs are bonded to plastic resin enclosure, then transducer can be manufactured, but bonding characteristics degrade over time causing PZT discs to separate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing quantitative testing of adhesive bond integrity and ultrasound field strength before the transducer is deployed. This includes measuring the bonding characteristics of PZT discs to the plastic resin enclosure and identifying potential bonding failures early, allowing corrective actions to be taken before actual separation occurs during operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If self-tapping screws are threaded into plastic standoffs, then PCB can be secured, but standoffs crack over time causing component loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by quantitatively testing the structural integrity of standoffs and the tightness of screw connections before the transducer is put into service. This allows identification of weakened standoffs or loose connections that could lead to component loosening during operation, enabling preventive maintenance or replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transducer components are allowed to move during patient movement, then transducer adapts to patient, but PZT discs detect motion causing inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by testing the mechanical stability of transducer components and the integrity of bonding between PZT discs and the enclosure before deployment. This ensures that components are securely fixed and will not move during patient movement, preventing false motion detection while maintaining adaptability through proper initial positioning.
4Device complexity
If no quantitative testing is performed, then manufacturing process is simpler, but adhesive bond integrity and ultrasound field strength cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical testing systems with an integrated quantitative testing apparatus that uses electronic sensors and computer-controlled measurement systems. This includes using hydrophones to measure ultrasound field strength and electronic sensors to quantify adhesive bond integrity, providing precise measurements without requiring complex mechanical test equipment.
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 enhances the mechanical stability and accuracy of fetal heart rate detection, reduces equipment downtime, and provides reliable data by improving PZT disc bonding, detecting cable faults, and ensuring consistent ultrasound beam quality.
Implementation Method 1
A fetal heart rate transducer that is operationally coupled to a fetal heart rate monitor (fetal monitor/Cardiotocograph or CTG Machine)... the PZT discs have a high acoustic impedance... each of the transducer PZT disc to generate a transducer PZT disc waveform
Implementation Method 2
An index plate comprises more than one hydrophone PZT disc... receiving at the signal comparison and analyzer, from the selected one of the hydrophone PZT discs, a received transducer PZT disc waveform
Implementation Method 3
The phantom is placed between the fetal heart rate transducer and the index plate... determining the ultrasound beam quality of the fetal heart rate transducer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an ultrasound beam quality test apparatus and methods of use. In this regard, fetal heart rate (FHR) transducer is placed for test and interconnected with fetal monitors. Phantoms of different heights can be placed on the FHR transducer. A computer system includes a beam control circuit. A plurality of hydrophone piezo-electric crystal (PZT) discs are placed on top of the phantom and interconnected with the beam control circuit. The computer system analyzes the ultrasound beam quality, of the FHR transducer, as it passes through the phantom. The beam control circuit can also control the oscillating motion of a metal plate to simulate a fetal heart beat by way of a linear actuator. The FHR transducer registered heartbeat, by way of the fetal monitor, is then compared to the simulated fetal heart beat to determine if the FHR transducer is working correctly.