Flexible Acoustic Coupling Interface for Curved Ultrasound Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound transducers manufactured on flat rigid substrates are not suitable for scanning curved objects, leading to difficulties in image reproduction and data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A flexible acoustic coupling interface in the form of a sheet with bending flexibility and embedded acoustic waveguiding structures, allowing continuous contact with curved objects and bidirectional coupling of ultrasound signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a flat rigid substrate is used for ultrasound transducers, then manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but adaptability to curved objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible substrate (such as a flexible circuit board or thin flexible polymer layer) instead of a rigid substrate. This flexible substrate can conform to curved surfaces while supporting the ultrasound transducer elements, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability to curved objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the substrate flexible and capable of dynamic deformation to match curved surfaces. The flexible substrate can be bent, stretched, or deformed during operation to adapt to different curved geometries, allowing the transducer to maintain both structural integrity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible substrate is used for ultrasound transducers, then adaptability to curved objects is improved, but manufacturing precision and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible substrate that can be manufactured with precise transducer element patterns before being bent or deformed into curved configurations. The flexibility allows the substrate to conform to curved surfaces without compromising the precision of the transducer element arrangement, as the elements are fixed in place during manufacturing and then the entire assembly is deformed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may divide the flexible substrate into multiple segments or layers that can be independently manufactured with high precision and then assembled or deformed into the final curved configuration. This segmentation allows precise manufacturing of individual components followed by flexible assembly to achieve the desired curved shape.
3Reliability
If traditional coupling gels are used, then acoustic coupling is improved, but device complexity and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling layer or interface structure that acts as an intermediary between the flexible substrate and the examined object. This coupling layer provides acoustic coupling functionality while being integrated into the device structure, eliminating the need for separate gel applications and reducing contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may employ a disposable coupling interface or single-use flexible substrate that is pre-coated or pre-configured with coupling properties. This disposable component ensures reliable acoustic coupling for each use while eliminating cross-contamination risks and simplifying the overall device structure by making the coupling interface a self-contained, replaceable element.
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 improved ultrasonic examination of curved objects by maintaining continuous acoustic contact and facilitating the transfer of curvature, allowing for effective data acquisition and image formation without the need for traditional gels.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of acoustic waveguiding structures arranged in said bulk material, wherein the plurality of acoustic waveguiding structures is for providing bidirectional coupling of ultrasound signals emitted by the ultrasound transducing device
Implementation Method 2
The MUT may be driven by the piezo-electric effect (pMUT). By applying an AC electric field at the resonance frequency across a piezoelectric material, a stress difference between the piezo-electric material and the membrane is generated, and this will induce a vibration and the emission of an acoustical wave
Implementation Method 3
The dimensions of this cavity in combination with the stiffness of the membrane will determine the resonance frequency of a particular MUT... induce a vibration and the emission of an acoustical wave
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an acoustic coupling interface (1) for use between a flexible ultrasound transducing device (2) and a curved object (3) to be examined. The interface (1) is in the form of a sheet (4) having a bending flexibility that permits the sheet (4) to form a continuous contact with said curved object (3) during operation of the flexible ultrasound transducing device (2). Further, the sheet (4) comprises a bulk material (5) and a plurality of acoustic waveguiding structures (6) arranged in said bulk material (5), wherein the plurality of acoustic waveguiding structures (6) is for providing bidirectional coupling of ultrasound signals (7) emitted by the ultrasound transducing device (2).