Pulse Amplifier Energy Array for Ultrasound Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) power supplies are limited by their large size and high cost, making it difficult to achieve high-power, long-pulse durations necessary for techniques like boiling histotripsy, which exceeds the specifications of commercially available amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
An amplification apparatus and method using an energy array with multiple capacitors connected in parallel, allowing for high-power and long-pulse duration outputs, featuring a first and second energy module with different capacitances and resonant frequencies, configured to store and transfer energy for driving ultrasound transducers efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large, expensive systems are used to achieve high-power and long-pulse duration outputs, then the required power and pulse length specifications are met, but the system size and cost become prohibitive for clinical use
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into multiple capacitor modules with different capacitance values and resonant frequencies. These modules are connected in parallel to collectively provide the required high power and long pulse duration without requiring a single large, bulky capacitor system. The segmentation allows each module to contribute differently to the overall energy delivery, enabling compact high-power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters (capacitance and resonant frequency) of the energy storage modules to optimize performance. By selecting capacitors with specific capacitance ratios and resonant frequency ratios (2-20 times), the system achieves high-power output with extended pulse durations while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for clinical applications.
2Duration of action of moving object
If large, expensive systems are used to achieve high-power and long-pulse duration outputs, then the required power and pulse length specifications are met, but the system cost becomes prohibitive for clinical use
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into multiple capacitor modules with different capacitance values and resonant frequencies. These modules are connected in parallel to collectively provide the required high power and long pulse duration without requiring a single large, bulky capacitor system. The segmentation allows each module to contribute differently to the overall energy delivery, enabling compact high-power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters (capacitance and resonant frequency) of the energy storage modules to optimize performance. By selecting capacitors with specific capacitance ratios and resonant frequency ratios (2-20 times), the system achieves high-power output with extended pulse durations while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for clinical applications.
3Power
If a single large capacitor is used for energy storage, then high power can be delivered, but the pulse duration cannot be extended beyond the limitations of the capacitor's response time
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple capacitor modules with different electrical characteristics are merged in parallel configuration. The first capacitor module provides high power delivery capability, while the second capacitor module with higher resonant frequency extends the pulse duration. This merging of modules with complementary characteristics enables the system to simultaneously achieve high power and long pulse duration that would be impossible with a single capacitor.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage system uses a composite structure of multiple capacitor modules with different capacitance and resonant frequency characteristics. This composite approach combines the advantages of capacitors with different response times and power delivery capabilities, creating a unified energy storage system that can deliver high power over extended pulse durations.
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 the generation of high-power pulses with extended durations, overcoming the limitations of commercial amplifiers, facilitating applications such as boiling histotripsy and cavitation-based histotripsy while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
an energy array coupled to the amplifier and to a charge power source, the energy array including: a first energy module having a first capacitance and a first resonant frequency; and a second energy module having a second capacitance and a second resonant frequency
Implementation Method 2
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducers are used to apply ultrasound energy to tissue
Implementation Method 3
generates localized effects such as heating, boiling, or cavitation of tissue leading to ablation
Implementation Method 4
generates localized effects such as heating, boiling, or cavitation of tissue leading to ablation
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include improved radiofrequency (RF) pulse amplifier systems that incorporate an energy array comprising multiple capacitors connected in parallel. The energy array extends the maximum length of pulses and the maximum achievable peak power output of the amplifier when compared to similar systems. Embodiments also include systems comprising the amplifier configured to drive a load, wherein the load may include one or more ultrasound (e.g., piezoelectric) transducers Related methods of using the amplifier are also provided.