Reciprocating Ultrasound Transducer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound systems for internal imaging face challenges such as non-uniform rotational distortion (NURD), bulky components, and obstructed viewing areas due to torque cables and rotary transformers, which hinder efficient imaging in small body areas like blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
A compact ultrasound device with a stationary motor and coaxial drive shaft, where the transducer rotates within a catheter, using a microminiature motor and coaxial conduction paths to maintain uniform rotation and avoid obstructions, allowing for clear imaging without NURD artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a torque cable is used to rotate the ultrasound element, then the transducer can be positioned one meter from the driving end, but the cable stores and releases elastic energy causing non-uniform rotation rate and NURD distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the torque cable mechanical system with a microminiature motor directly coupled to the transducer assembly. This substitution eliminates the elastic energy storage and release problems inherent in torque cables, providing uniform rotation without NURD distortion while maintaining the ability to position the transducer at the required distance from the driving end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the rotation system into a stationary microminiature motor component and a rotating transducer assembly. The motor remains stationary while driving the transducer to rotate, separating the driving function from the rotating function and enabling precise control of rotation uniformity without the constraints of a flexible cable.
2Ease of operation
If a microminiature motor is positioned near a stationary transducer assembly with a rotating reflector, then rotation is achieved, but additional space is required and control wires or structural components cross the viewing window causing blocked images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor and transducer into a single integrated rotating assembly where the microminiature motor is positioned within the transducer housing. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate control wires and structural components that would cross the viewing window, removing image blockages while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for catheter integration.
3Ease of operation
If a microminiature motor is positioned near a rotating transducer assembly, then direct rotation is achieved, but costly and bulky rotary transformers are required to connect electrical wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotary transformer electrical connection system with a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) that remains stationary while the transducer rotates. The FPC is positioned outside the viewing window and connected to the rotating transducer through a slip ring or rotary joint, eliminating the need for bulky rotary transformers while maintaining simple electrical connections.
4Ease of operation
If slip rings are used for electrical connection, then rotation is enabled, but they take up space and add electrical noise to ultrasound signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the slip ring component from the system by using a stationary FPC positioned outside the viewing window that connects to the rotating transducer through a magnetic coupling or inductive connection. This extraction eliminates the electrical contact and associated noise problems while maintaining the ability to provide electrical power and signals to the rotating transducer.
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
The solution enables cost-effective, high-quality ultrasound imaging in small body areas with reduced artifacts and obstruction-free views, facilitating simultaneous imaging during procedures like stent deployment or biopsies.
Implementation Method 1
a stationary motor operatively coupled with a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft is positioned radially inward of the motor
Implementation Method 2
A transducer configured for transmitting and/or receiving ultrasound signals is operatively coupled with the drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A device for endoluminal therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasound procedures includes a motor which rotates a drive shaft and ultrasound transducer. In one example, conductors attach to the transducer and extend through a hollow drive shaft. In another example, a bias member conducts electric signals and stores energy. The device includes an operational state in which the motor rotates the drive shaft alternatingly between a first direction and an opposite second direction.