Ultrasonic Probe End-Face Electrode Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound probes with piezocomposite materials face challenges in downsizing due to protruding wiring connections, which increase the size of the probe and hinder insertion into bodily channels.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasound probe employs a 2-2 type piezocomposite material with signal and grounding electrodes formed on end faces, and wiring connections are made orthogonal to the array direction, allowing for a smaller diameter and improved adhesive strength, reducing the height of the probe in the ultrasound transmission direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate cable assembly is used to connect the handle and pistol grip, then electrical connection is achieved, but the risk of cable damage and disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cable assembly directly into the pistol grip housing, merging the cable management function with the grip structure. This eliminates separate cable assemblies and connection points, reducing the number of components that can fail while maintaining electrical connectivity between handle and pistol grip.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable guide structure as an intermediary element within the pistol grip that channels and protects the cable. This mediator prevents direct exposure of the cable to external damage while maintaining flexible electrical connection, reducing both damage risk and disconnection probability.
2Productivity
If ultrasonic vibration is applied to remove adhesives, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but harmful factors such as noise and airborne particles increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ultrasonic vibration locally at the probe tip where adhesive removal is needed, rather than generating system-wide vibrations. This localized application maintains high cleaning efficiency at the work area while minimizing the propagation of harmful vibrations, noise, and particle generation to the surrounding environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid delivery system as an intermediary between the ultrasonic source and the adhesive contamination. The fluid medium absorbs and carries away disrupted adhesive particles, preventing them from becoming airborne while maintaining the effective ultrasonic cleaning action at the probe surface.
3Volume of moving object
If the probe body is made compact for minimally invasive surgery, then patient benefit is improved, but internal component arrangement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the cable assembly is integrated within the pistol grip housing, and internal components are arranged in concentric or layered configurations. This nesting strategy allows multiple functional elements to coexist within the compact probe body volume while maintaining accessibility and serviceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial optimization by arranging components along multiple axes and layers within the compact probe body. The cable guide structure, for example, routes cables through vertical and horizontal pathways, effectively using available volume in multiple dimensions to accommodate necessary components without increasing overall probe size.
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 enables a more compact ultrasound probe design with enhanced reliability and reduced risk of electrode peeling, while maintaining effective ultrasound transmission and reception capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic vibration unit that generates ultrasonic vibrations
Data Source
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AI summary
An ultrasound probe of the present invention includes a 2-2 type piezocomposite material made up of piezoelectric layers and resin layers alternately arrayed with the piezoelectric layers being arranged at both ends in an array direction, a signal electrode disposed on one principal surface of the 2-2 type piezocomposite material that extends on one end face in the array direction of the 2-2 type piezocomposite material, a grounding electrode disposed on the other principal surface of the 2-2 type piezocomposite material that extends on the other end face in the array direction of the 2-2 type piezocomposite material, signal wiring connected to a region of the signal electrode that extends on the one end face in the array direction of the 2-2 type piezocomposite material and grounding wiring connected to a region of the grounding electrode that extends on the other end face in the array direction of the 2-2 type piezocomposite material.