Rotatable Transducer Array for Wide Field of View Ultrasound Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound probes have limited field of view (FOV) and scan angle, restricting the acquisition of high-quality 3D ultrasound images, especially in wider scan areas.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasound probe incorporates a rotatable transducer array with a supporting member and a wire member for power transmission, allowing the transducer to rotate at a predetermined angle, thereby increasing the FOV to 150 degrees or more and the rotational angle to 180 degrees or more, enhancing the 3D imaging capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional fixed transducer is used, then the device structure is simple, but the field of view and scan angle are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer is made rotatable around a rotation axis instead of being fixed, allowing it to dynamically change its scanning direction and coverage area. This dynamic configuration enables the ultrasound probe to scan a wider field of view (150 degrees or more) by rotating the transducer array to different angles, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and limited field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotational dimension to the transducer configuration. By adding the ability to rotate around a rotation axis, the system transitions from a single-plane scanning capability to multi-angle scanning capability, effectively expanding the field of view in a new dimensional space without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the transducer rotates to increase scan angle, then the field of view improves, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is designed with segmented functional components: a rotation guide for guiding rotational movement, rollers for reducing friction during rotation, and a wire member for power transmission. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling the transducer to achieve a scan angle of 180 degrees or more while keeping the overall structural complexity manageable through functional decomposition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable transducer array is implemented, then the 3D imaging capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions the transducer array at different scanning angles, enables 3D volume data acquisition, and maintains mechanical stability through the rotation guide and bearing structures. By designing the rotation mechanism to fulfill multiple roles, the patent enhances 3D imaging capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
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 significantly improves the field of view and scan angle, enabling the acquisition of 3D volume data for a wider scan area, leading to better imaging performance and increased diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasound probe includes a piezoelectric layer to convert electrical signals into acoustic signals or acoustic signals into electrical signals according to vibration of a piezoelectric material
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasound probe may further include a wire member transferring power for rotating the transducer to the transducer
Data Source
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AI summary
An ultrasound probe having a rotatable transducer array for providing an improved field of view (FOV) and an improved scan angle includes a transducer comprising a transducer array and rotating at a predetermined angle. A supporting member supports the transducer and includes a rotation guide which is in contact with the transducer while the transducer rotates.