Flexible Ultrasound Patch for Deep Tissue Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable ultrasonic probes face challenges such as bulkiness, operator dependency, limited mobility due to wired connections, and difficulty in tracking moving targets, leading to incomplete and labor-intensive data acquisition and interpretation.
Innovation Solution
A fully integrated autonomous ultrasonic-system-on-patch (USoP) with a miniaturized flexible control circuit and AI-powered channel selection, enabling continuous wireless monitoring of deep tissue signals and automating data acquisition and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wearable ultrasonic probes use rigid circuits for high power and high bandwidth, then ultrasound signal acquisition reliability is improved, but device flexibility and ability to conform to body surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid circuits with flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) that can conform to curved body surfaces while maintaining electrical connectivity for high-power ultrasound signal transmission and reception
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures combining flexible substrates with rigid ultrasound transducer elements, allowing the device to bend and conform to body contours while maintaining the mechanical integrity and electrical performance of the ultrasound components
2Adaptability or versatility
If wearable ultrasonic probes use soft structural designs to conform to skin, then adaptability to body surfaces is improved, but signal stability and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible FPCBs and soft wearable probe designs that can adapt to various body surfaces and curvature radii while incorporating signal processing algorithms to maintain signal stability despite the flexible structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through machine learning algorithms that continuously monitor signal quality and automatically adjust processing parameters to maintain signal stability even when the probe position or body surface changes
3Measurement precision
If wearable ultrasound devices require manual placement and maneuvering, then initial positioning accuracy is improved, but operator dependency and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous probe placement and positioning through machine learning algorithms that automatically track tissue targets and adjust the probe position without requiring manual intervention or specialized operator skills
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning and target identification automatically before actual measurement, using machine learning models to predict optimal probe positions and maintain tracking during movement
4Measurement precision
If subjects remain motionless during ultrasonography, then measurement accuracy is improved, but applicability to dynamic activities and daily life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic ultrasound measurement by implementing real-time signal tracking algorithms that can accurately measure physiological parameters even when the subject is moving or performing daily activities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback-based machine learning algorithms that continuously adapt to motion and tissue displacement, maintaining measurement accuracy throughout dynamic activities without requiring the subject to remain still
5Device complexity
If conventional ultrasound probes are bulky and wired, then control system capability is improved, but mobility and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and integrates the control system functionality directly into the wearable probe itself, eliminating the need for separate bulky control equipment and external wiring while maintaining full ultrasonography capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the ultrasound transducer, flexible printed circuit board, wireless communication module, and machine learning processing into a single integrated wearable probe, consolidating all control system functions in one portable device
6Reliability
If wearable ultrasound probes lack wireless capability, then power and data transmission reliability is improved, but subject mobility and surveillance capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with wireless power and data transmission technologies, enabling subject mobility and freedom of movement while maintaining reliable power supply and data communication through wireless protocols
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 continuous, autonomous surveillance of deep tissue signals for up to 12 hours on mobile subjects, reducing operator dependency and improving data interpretation accuracy, while allowing for real-time tracking of moving targets and efficient data processing.
Implementation Method 1
A conformal piezoelectric transducer array is located on a flexible substrate
Implementation Method 2
receive reflected ultrasonic acoustic waves
Data Source
AI summary
A fully integrated autonomous wearable ultrasonic-system-on-patch (USoP) includes a miniaturized flexible control circuit is designed to interface with an ultrasound transducer array for signal pre-conditioning and wireless data communication. Artificial Intelligence (e.g., machine learning) may be used to track moving tissue targets and assist the data interpretation. In one implementation, the USoP allows continuous tracking of physiological signals from tissues as deep as 164 mm. On mobile subjects, the USoP can continuously monitor physiological signals, including central blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output, for as long as e.g., twelve hours. This result enables continuous autonomous surveillance of deep tissue signals.