Miniature Transducer with Angled Backing for Probe Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for endometrial cancer are invasive, costly, and time-consuming, often resulting in inconclusive results, and there is a need for more efficient, accurate, and cost-effective imaging and biopsy solutions.
Innovation Solution
The development of miniaturized transducers with a 45-degree angle backing that redirects and dampens ultrasound waves, allowing for improved signal-to-noise ratios and enabling the creation of compact imaging devices capable of combined photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging, which can be used in endoscopes for real-time data processing and 3D mapping of human tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional transducer designs are used, then adequate signal-to-noise ratio is achieved, but the transducer size becomes too large for miniaturized probes
Solution Approach 1:
The backing structure is extended in the longitudinal dimension of the probe rather than radially outward, allowing the transducer to fit within the constrained diameter of miniaturized probes while maintaining adequate backing depth for signal-to-noise ratio performance
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer is nested within the probe channel, with the backing extending along the longitudinal axis to maximize space utilization within the constrained probe geometry, enabling both miniaturization and adequate transducer performance
2Measurement precision
If multiple diagnostic tests are performed sequentially, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines photoacoustic imaging and ultrasound imaging capabilities into a single integrated probe, allowing both imaging modalities to be performed simultaneously during one procedure rather than requiring separate diagnostic visits
Solution Approach 2:
The single probe design provides multiple diagnostic functions including photoacoustic imaging, ultrasound imaging, and biopsy capability, replacing the need for multiple separate diagnostic procedures and visits
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 solution provides more efficient, accurate, and cost-effective imaging and biopsy capabilities, reducing invasiveness and improving diagnostic accuracy through real-time 3D imaging and biopsy collection, while maintaining a compact device size.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
redirect and dampen ultrasound waves using a forty-five-degree angle backing that extends perpendicular from a normal of a piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 3
redirect and dampen ultrasound waves using a forty-five-degree angle backing
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprises a miniature transducer having an altered backing geometry that can be placed within different casing sizes of an imaging probe device. The backing geometry extends along a longitudinal axis of the imaging probe and provides an angle (e.g., 45-degree angle) configured to reflect ultrasound and/or light waves/signals in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the imaging probe. This design is configured to enable ultrasound and/or light waves/signals to be redirected and dampened within the transducer to preserve a suitable signal to noise ratio while minimizing the required depth of the backing.