Multiple Electrode Plane Wave Generator for Ultrasonic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reflex ultrasonic imaging systems with plane wave generators require high power delivery due to their low impedance electrical load, leading to larger and more expensive driving circuits, which limits their portability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multiple electrode plane wave generator design using two sheets of piezoelectric material with a shared electrode and two sets of electrodes, where each electrode set forms a set of wave generators, allowing for individual activation of wave generators to reduce power requirements and increase efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single plane wave generator with low impedance electrical load is used, then ultrasonic imaging can be achieved, but high power delivery is required leading to larger and more expensive driving circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single plane wave generator into multiple smaller wave generators arranged in an array. Each small wave generator has higher electrical impedance and can be individually addressed, allowing the system to achieve plane wave imaging through coordinated activation of multiple elements rather than requiring a single high-power generator
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically activates different subsets of the small wave generator array depending on the imaging requirements. By selectively activating only the necessary elements to create the desired plane wave front, the system reduces peak power demands on individual drivers and the overall power supply requirements
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 reduces peak power requirements, enables smaller and less expensive driving circuits, and allows for more reliable and portable ultrasonic imaging systems by using multiple small plane wave generators that can be activated independently, resulting in improved image quality and reduced component stress.
Implementation Method 1
A first sheet of piezoelectric material and a second sheet of piezoelectric material are provided. A shared electrode is between the first sheet and the second sheet.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention may be embodied as an ultrasonic plane wave generator having a first sheet of piezoelectric material and a second sheet of piezoelectric material. A shared electrode may be between the first sheet and the second sheet. A first electrode set may have a plurality of electrodes, and these electrodes may be positioned with respect to the first sheet to form a set of wave generators. A wave generator in this first wave generator set may include the shared electrode, the first sheet, and one of the electrodes in the first electrode set. A second electrode set may have a plurality of electrodes, and these electrodes may be positioned with respect to the second sheet to form another set of wave generators. A wave generator in this second wave generator set may include the shared electrode, the second sheet, and one of the electrodes in the second electrode set.