Point Source Mechanical Vibration for Shear Wave Elastography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shear wave elastography imaging devices rely on complex and expensive acoustic radiation force systems, making them unsuitable for deployment with handheld ultrasound imaging probes, and there is a need for a practical external mechanical vibration source to induce shear waves effectively.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical vibration source with a contact surface shaped as a point source to mitigate high frequency components, combined with a driver and controller to create shear waves, facilitating miniaturization and integration into handheld imaging devices, using a voice coil actuator and Hall effect sensor for precise energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acoustic radiation force systems are used to generate shear waves, then shear wave generation capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex acoustic radiation force systems with a simple mechanical vibration source that directly contacts the tissue. This mechanical approach uses basic vibration principles rather than sophisticated acoustic field control, dramatically simplifying the system while maintaining shear wave generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simple, inexpensive mechanical vibration source that can be easily manufactured and potentially replaced. This contrasts with expensive, complex acoustic systems that require sophisticated components and maintenance. The simple mechanical source achieves the essential function without requiring high-cost subsystems.
2Reliability
If acoustic radiation force systems are used to generate shear waves, then shear wave generation capability is achieved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple mechanical vibration source that is inexpensive to manufacture compared to acoustic radiation force systems. The mechanical components can be produced using standard manufacturing techniques, avoiding the need for expensive acoustic transducers, signal processing hardware, and specialized materials required by acoustic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
By substituting acoustic radiation force with direct mechanical vibration, the patent eliminates the need for complex acoustic generation systems. This mechanical approach uses straightforward vibration mechanisms that are far cheaper to manufacture than acoustic field control systems, making the overall device more cost-effective.
3Reliability
If conventional shear wave generation methods are used, then shear waves can be generated, but the system is not suitable for handheld deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy, complex acoustic radiation force systems with a lightweight mechanical vibration source. This mechanical approach requires minimal mass to generate effective vibrations, enabling integration into handheld probes. The simplicity of the mechanical system dramatically reduces the weight and size requirements compared to acoustic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of simple, inexpensive mechanical components enables miniaturization and handheld deployment. The mechanical vibration source can be compactly constructed using basic elements that add minimal weight, unlike the bulky acoustic systems required for conventional shear wave generation. This facilitates portable, handheld elastography devices.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective generation of shear waves for tissue elasticity imaging, allowing for the development of portable and practical shear wave elastography systems suitable for handheld ultrasound probes.
Implementation Method 1
The driver may include a voice coil actuator to linearly drive the point source toward the surface of the medium
Implementation Method 2
The driver may include a Hall effect sensor configured to detect a position of the point source
Implementation Method 3
A mechanical vibration source with a contact surface shaped as a point source to mitigate high frequency components, combined with a driver and controller to create shear waves
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical vibration source for a shear wave elastography system has a contact surface shaped to provide a point source of mechanical energy when striking a target surface of a medium. This point source usefully mitigates high frequency components and other artifacts in an induced shear wave. Other techniques may be used in combination with this mechanical energy source to improve shear wave elastography and facilitate miniaturization for deployment, e.g., within a handheld imaging device.