HIFU Generator Insulating Frame Transducer Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-intensity focused ultrasound generators face issues with energy absorption by waterproof layers, requiring increased input voltage and necessitating frequent replacement of the ultrasound radiation frame when transducers fail.
Innovation Solution
The use of an insulating material for the ultrasonic radiation frame and a conductive transducer holder with electrical coupling to the transducers, allowing for individual mounting and replacement of transducers, and reducing energy absorption by eliminating the need for a waterproof layer on the transducer surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire front of the ultrasound radiation frame is coated with glue to form a waterproof layer, then transducers are fixed and water leakage is prevented, but ultrasound energy is absorbed by the waterproof layer requiring increased input voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the waterproof layer (glue coating) from the front surface of the ultrasound radiation frame, extracting the harmful element that absorbs ultrasound energy. Transducers are instead mounted using a mounting structure that provides mechanical fixation without requiring a continuous glue coating on the radiating surface, thereby eliminating energy absorption while maintaining transducer fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the functions of waterproofing and transducer mounting. Instead of using a single waterproof layer for both purposes, the design separates these functions: the mounting structure handles transducer fixation while the front surface remains exposed for optimal ultrasound radiation without energy-absorbing coatings.
2Reliability
If the entire front of the ultrasound radiation frame is coated with glue to form a waterproof layer, then transducers are fixed, but the ultrasound radiation frame must be replaced when any transducer breaks down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transducer assembly from the ultrasound radiation frame by introducing a removable mounting structure. Transducers are mounted on this separate structure, which can be detached and replaced independently from the main frame. This allows individual transducer replacement without replacing the entire radiation frame, significantly improving ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed to be detachable and reconfigurable, allowing dynamic assembly and disassembly of transducers. This enables maintenance personnel to remove and replace individual transducers or the entire mounting structure as needed, transforming the static, permanent installation into a dynamic, serviceable system.
3Power
If tens or hundreds of transducers are mounted on the front of the ultrasound radiation frame, then high-intensity focused ultrasound can be generated, but the structure becomes complex and requires extensive waterproofing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of transducer mounting, electrical connection, and positioning into a single integrated mounting structure. This consolidated approach reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps compared to traditional methods that require separate mounting and wiring operations for each transducer, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high-power ultrasound generation capability.
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
This configuration enhances durability, reduces energy absorption, allows for easier maintenance and replacement of transducers, and improves overall insulation and efficiency of the high-intensity focused ultrasound generator.
Implementation Method 1
a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) generator is a device that focuses ultrasound generated from a transducer
Implementation Method 2
focuses ultrasound generated from a transducer to generate high-intensity ultrasound energy, irradiates it to the patient's affected area, and increases the temperature of the affected area
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of transducers are individually mounted to an ultrasonic radiation frame by transducer holders, and at least a portion of the transducer holders is composed of electrodes made of a conductive material. The front surfaces of the transducers contact the transducer holders and are electrically connected thereto, and the rear surfaces of the transducers are electrically connected to the transducer holders through electrode wires such that there is no need to solder the electrode wires to the front surfaces of the transducers, and thus water leakage due to a soldered structure can be prevented, and manufacturing can be more convenient. In addition, the transducers are configured to sit on support projections of the transducer holders such that the electrode wires coupled to the lower surfaces of the transducers are prevented from contacting the transducer holders.