Multiple Electrode Plane Wave Generator for Ultrasonic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reflex ultrasonic imaging systems using plane wave generators require high power due to their low impedance load, leading to larger and more expensive driving circuits with higher power requirements, making them less efficient and less suitable for portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A multiple electrode plane wave generator design with a shared electrode between two sheets of piezoelectric material, where each electrode set forms a set of wave generators with non-overlapping or overlapping surface normals, allowing for individual activation of small plane wave generators (SPWGs) to reduce power requirements and increase efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single plane wave generator is used, then the imaging coverage area is large, but the power requirement is high and the driving circuit is large
Solution Approach 1:
The single plane wave generator is divided into multiple small plane wave generators (SPWGs), each with its own electrode set. This segmentation allows the imaging area to be covered by multiple smaller units working together, while each unit consumes less power individually, thus resolving the contradiction between large imaging coverage and high power requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If a single plane wave generator is used, then the imaging coverage area is large, but the driving circuit size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the plane wave generator into multiple SPWGs, each with simpler driving circuit requirements, the overall driving circuit complexity is reduced. Each SPWG can be driven by simpler circuits compared to a single large generator, and they can be activated selectively based on imaging needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically activates only the necessary SPWGs based on the imaging requirements. This dynamic activation pattern allows the system to maintain large effective imaging coverage while keeping the active driving circuit components minimal at any given time, thus reducing overall circuit size and cost.
3Productivity
If a single plane wave generator is used, then the imaging function is achieved, but the component stress and temperature increase
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the generator into multiple SPWGs distributes the operational load across multiple components. Each SPWG operates at lower stress levels and generates less heat individually, improving reliability while maintaining the overall imaging function through coordinated operation of multiple units.
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 design reduces peak power requirements, enables smaller and less expensive driving circuits, and allows for larger area insonification in portable devices, improving reliability and reducing component stress and temperature, resulting in a more efficient and reliable imaging system.
Implementation Method 1
a first sheet of piezoelectric material and a second sheet of piezoelectric material
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.