Micron-Scale Electromagnetic Ultrasonic Transducer for High-Frequency Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic ultrasonic transducers used in ultrasonic examinations have low frequency and difficulty with focusing, making them unsuitable for ultrasonic therapy applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of an electromagnetic ultrasonic transducer with a photolithographic elastic coil and a concave soft magnet support, allowing for the generation of high-frequency ultrasonic waves by optimizing the size and shape of the elastic board and magnetizing components, enabling flexible control of ultrasonic transducer array elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the size of elastic coil or elastic magnet conducting diaphragm is reduced to micrometer level, then the generated ultrasonic frequency increases to megahertz level, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical coil fabrication methods with photolithography technology to create the elastic coil structure. This substitution enables precise control of coil dimensions at micrometer level, achieving the required manufacturing precision for high-frequency ultrasonic generation without the limitations of conventional mechanical manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically optimizes multiple parameters including elastic board thickness (1-100 microns), coil thickness (1-300 microns), and dimensional ratios to achieve the desired ultrasonic frequency. By changing these physical parameters within specific ranges, the system transitions from low-frequency audio range to high-frequency megahertz range while maintaining manufacturability
2Measurement precision
If the elastic board size is reduced to micrometer level, then the resonance frequency increases, but the device complexity increases due to precise dimensional control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses photolithography instead of traditional mechanical machining to define the elastic board and coil dimensions. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process by using pattern recognition and light-based deposition rather than complex mechanical operations, reducing device complexity while achieving precise dimensional control for high resonance frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the ultrasonic transducer into distinct functional segments: elastic board, elastic coil, magnetizer, and support structure. Each segment has specifically optimized dimensions (elastic board: 10-1000 microns, coil: 1-300 microns) that can be independently controlled and manufactured, making the overall complex system manageable through modular design
3Ease of operation
If traditional electromagnetic ultrasonic transducers are used for inspections, then non-contact detection is achieved, but focusing capability is poor and frequency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable magnetizer that can be dynamically positioned on the elastic board using electromagnetic actuation. This dynamic positioning capability enables the transducer to focus ultrasonic waves at different depths and locations, transforming the static inspection tool into a dynamic system with enhanced focusing capability while maintaining non-contact operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the traditional planar transducer design by incorporating a magnetizer that moves perpendicular to the elastic board surface. This three-dimensional configuration enables focusing in the depth direction while maintaining the non-contact surface interaction, thereby improving focusing capability without sacrificing ease of operation
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 enables the production of ultrasonic transducers capable of generating high-frequency sound waves, overcoming the limitations of low-frequency transducers and facilitating their use in ultrasonic therapy by increasing frequency and improving resonance and vibration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetizer on the elastic board and a magnet field generator for making the magnetizer vibrate. Wherein, the magnetizer is an elastic coil
Implementation Method 2
an electrified coil is affected by Lorentz Force in a magnetic field. When alternating current goes through the coil, the bulk and direction of force on the vibrating coil will vary accordingly
Implementation Method 3
The smaller the size of elastic board, the higher its resonance frequency, therefore, when the size of elastic board is also of the order of microns, the frequency of ultrasonic transducer can be more than megahertz level
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
An electromagnetic ultrasonic transducer and an array thereof are provided. This electromagnetic ultrasonic transducer includes a support (8), an elastic board (6) disposed on the support (8), a magnetizer (7) on the elastic board (6), and a magnet field generator (1) for vibrating the magnetizer (7), wherein, the thickness of the magnetizer (7) is of the order of microns. The thickness of the elastic board (6) is also of the order of microns. This electromagnetic ultrasonic transducer is able to produce acoustic waves of high frequency, which are useful for ultrasonic therapy.