RF Applicator Thermoacoustic Material Parameter Determination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In medical settings, determining material parameters is challenging due to the lack of readily available specialized equipment, such as dielectric measurement systems, which are often not present in hospitals.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a radio frequency (RF) applicator to direct RF energy pulses into a region of interest with a reference, detecting multi-polar acoustic signals, processing them to determine electric field strength, and calculating the Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) to determine material parameters like the Grüneisen Parameter, conductivity, or specific heat capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized equipment such as dielectric measurement systems are used to determine material parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and availability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the RF applicator perform multiple functions: it not only delivers RF energy for heating but also detects acoustic signals and measures material parameters. By integrating the acoustic receiver and signal processing capabilities into the existing RF applicator, the system eliminates the need for separate specialized measurement equipment while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the RF energy delivery function and material parameter measurement function into a single integrated system. The RF applicator and acoustic receiver work together as a unified measurement system, merging what were previously separate specialized devices into one versatile platform that can determine material parameters without requiring additional specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If specialized probes and network analyzers are used for material identification, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The RF applicator performs self-diagnosis and self-characterization by detecting acoustic signals generated during its own operation. The system uses the RF energy it delivers to generate thermoacoustic signals, which are then detected and processed to determine material parameters. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate specialized measurement devices and simplifies operation.
3Productivity
If conventional thermoacoustic imaging is used, then imaging capability is achieved, but material parameter determination precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary to bridge RF energy delivery and material parameter measurement. The thermoacoustic signals generated during RF heating serve as a mediator that carries information about material properties, allowing the system to extract precise material parameters while maintaining imaging capability. The acoustic receiver detects these intermediary signals to enable accurate parameter determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional electrical measurement methods with acoustic signal detection. Instead of using electrical probes and network analyzers to measure material parameters, the system uses acoustic receivers to detect thermoacoustic signals generated during RF heating. This substitution of measurement modality enables both imaging and precise parameter determination without requiring specialized electrical measurement equipment.
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 determination of material parameters using commonly available equipment in medical settings, improving the accuracy and efficiency of material identification and characterization without the need for specialized probes or network analyzers.
Implementation Method 1
directing, using a radio frequency (RF) applicator, one or more RF energy pulses into a region of interest
Implementation Method 2
detecting, using an acoustic receiver, at least one multi-polar acoustic signal generated in the region of interest in response to the RF energy pulses
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for determining at least one parameter of interest of a material comprises directing, using a radio frequency (RF) applicator, one or more RF energy pulses into a region of interest, the region of interest comprising a material having a parameter of interest and at least one reference, the material and the reference separated by at least one boundary; detecting, using an acoustic receiver, at least one multi-polar acoustic signal generated in the region of interest in response to the RF energy pulses; processing the at least one multi-polar acoustic signal to determine an electric field strength at the boundary; calculating a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the one or more RF energy pulses; and determining the at least one parameter of interest of the material based at least on the determined electric field strength and the VSWR.