Modular Ultrasound Transducer Array for Deep Tissue Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound technologies face challenges in delivering focused ultrasound to deeply situated anatomical targets, such as the intervertebral disc, due to complex bone and tissue structures, which distort ultrasound propagation and make it difficult to generate tightly focused beams.
Innovation Solution
A modular pressure wave system comprising a plurality of modules with pressure wave transducer elements, allowing for configuration into various shapes to form a transmitter array. This system uses time reversal techniques and imaging to identify an acoustic window and optimize the transducer array configuration for effective ultrasound delivery and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ultrasound transducer arrays are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to deliver focused ultrasound to deep anatomical targets through complex bone and tissue structures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is divided into multiple independent modules that can be individually positioned and configured. Each module contains multiple transducer elements that can be independently controlled, allowing the array to be adapted to complex anatomical pathways while maintaining focused ultrasound delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer array configuration is made dynamic and reconfigurable, allowing the modules to be positioned at different locations and orientations according to the specific anatomical target. This enables the system to adapt to various bone and tissue structures while maintaining reliable ultrasound delivery
2Manufacturing precision
If the transducer array is configured to match the acoustic window shape, then ultrasound propagation distortion is minimized, but the device configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary imaging to identify the acoustic window and target location before configuring the transducer array. This advance planning allows the array to be optimally shaped and positioned to match the acoustic window, minimizing propagation distortion while maintaining manageable configuration through systematic planning
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer array can be configured in three-dimensional space with modules positioned at various depths and angles. This multi-dimensional flexibility allows the array to match complex acoustic window geometries by extending into multiple spatial dimensions rather than being constrained to simple planar configurations
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed transducer array configuration is used, then the device operation is simple, but the adaptability to different anatomical targets and acoustic windows is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular transducer array design provides universal applicability across different anatomical targets and acoustic window configurations. The same set of modules can be arranged to treat various conditions (IVD, brain, lung, bone targets) by changing only the spatial configuration, making the system universally adaptable while maintaining relatively simple operation through standardized module interfaces
4Length of stationary object
If ultrasound is delivered through bone and air structures, then deep anatomical targets can be reached, but the ultrasound propagation is significantly distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array can be configured with curved or spherical geometries that match the natural curvature of acoustic windows in bone and tissue. This curved configuration helps maintain beam focusing accuracy when penetrating through complex anatomical structures by compensating for the curved propagation paths through geometric alignment
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 system enables precise delivery of ultrasound to deep, complex anatomical targets with minimal distortion, allowing for effective treatment and imaging, such as partial disc replacement and pain relief, while minimizing tissue damage and complications.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure wave system comprising a plurality of modules, each module comprising a plurality of pressure wave transducer elements
Implementation Method 2
This system uses time reversal techniques and imaging to identify an acoustic window and optimize the transducer array configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure wave system comprises a plurality of modules (200). Each module (200) comprises a plurality of pressure wave transducer elements, and connection means (216, 218, 220) operable to connect the modules together in each of a plurality of different configurations. The modules can form a transmitter array having a plurality of different shapes each associated with one of the configurations.