Ultrasonic Probe Conductor Layer Hardness for Image Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic probes face limitations in achieving high-resolution ultrasonic diagnostic images, despite the use of conductor layers between piezoelectric elements and acoustic matching layers, as there is still a demand for further enhancing image quality.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic probe design incorporates a piezoelectric element, multiple acoustic matching layers, and a conductor layer with a Vickers hardness of 50 or more and 600 or less, positioned between the piezoelectric element and acoustic matching layers, or between multiple matching layers, to minimize acoustic impedance differences and reduce ultrasonic wave reflection, thereby improving image resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conductor layer is disposed between the piezoelectric element and the acoustic matching layer, then the range of material selection for the acoustic matching layer is broadened and image resolution is improved, but the acoustic impedance matching is still insufficient to achieve further enhancement in image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic matching layer is divided into multiple layers with different acoustic impedances. The first acoustic matching layer has an acoustic impedance between that of the piezoelectric element and the second acoustic matching layer, creating a gradient structure that progressively matches impedance. This segmentation allows for optimized acoustic transmission without adding excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structure where the conductor layer is integrated with multiple acoustic matching layers made of different materials. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of electrical conductivity and acoustic impedance matching, improving image resolution while managing the overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple acoustic matching layers are used to improve acoustic impedance matching, then image quality is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic matching function is segmented into multiple layers with progressively varying acoustic impedances. This segmentation enables optimized acoustic transmission by reducing reflection at each interface, thereby enhancing image quality while maintaining a systematic manufacturing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic impedance parameter is changed progressively across multiple layers. By controlling the acoustic impedance of each layer to be between the adjacent layers, the patent achieves optimized acoustic matching. This parameter-based design allows for standardized manufacturing processes while achieving superior image quality.
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 configuration enhances the quality and sensitivity of ultrasonic diagnostic images by reducing wave reflection and broadening the frequency band, leading to improved image resolution and durability of the probe.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric element receives an electric signal (transmission signal) from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, converts the received transmission signal into an ultrasonic signal to transmit the ultrasonic signal, receives an ultrasonic wave reflected in a living body to convert the ultrasonic wave into an electric signal (reception signal)
Implementation Method 2
The acoustic matching layer matches an acoustic impedance between the piezoelectric element and a subject (living body), and can make resolution of an ultrasonic diagnostic image to be obtained higher
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic probe includes: a piezoelectric element that transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave; one or a plurality of acoustic matching layers disposed on a subject side of the piezoelectric element; and a conductor layer that applies a voltage to the piezoelectric element, wherein the conductor layer is disposed between the piezoelectric element and the acoustic matching layer, or between the plurality of acoustic matching layers, a magnitude of an acoustic impedance of the conductor layer is between a magnitude of an acoustic impedance of a layer disposed on one surface side of the conductor layer and a magnitude of an acoustic impedance of a layer disposed on the other surface side of the conductor layer, and the conductor layer has a Vickers hardness (Hv) of 50 or more and 600 or less.