Ultrasonic Probe FPCB Winding for Compact Rotating Signal Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of channels in ultrasonic probes necessitates more space for signal connectors, leading to space utilization issues and reduced durability due to the difficulty in distributing loads when using flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) as connectors.
Innovation Solution
The FPCB is designed with a structure where the first and second connection parts are folded and overlapped, then wound around the rotation shaft, reducing the occupied space and enhancing load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of channels in the ultrasonic probe is increased, then the imaging capability and data acquisition are improved, but the area of the signal connector increases, leading to space utilization issues
Solution Approach 1:
The FPCB connection parts are folded and nested within each other, with the first connection part folded twice or more and overlapped with the second connection part. This nesting arrangement allows multiple connection paths to occupy the same spatial envelope, significantly reducing the area required for the signal connector while accommodating an increased number of channels
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parts are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration by folding and winding around the rotation shaft, transitioning from a two-dimensional planar layout to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. This enables multiple connection paths to be stacked vertically and radially, reducing the footprint area while maintaining all necessary channel connections
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible printed circuit board is used as the signal connector, then the adaptability and flexibility are improved, but the load distribution capability deteriorates, reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The FPCB is divided into multiple connection parts (first connection part and second connection part) that are folded and overlapped. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple folded sections and overlapping layers, preventing stress concentration at any single point and improving overall durability under rotational loads
Solution Approach 2:
The FPCB structure combines the flexibility of flexible printed circuit board material with the mechanical strength provided by multiple folded and overlapped layers. The composite structure of folded and overlapped FPCB layers maintains flexibility while enhancing load-bearing capacity and durability
3Area of stationary object
If the FPCB is folded and overlapped to reduce space, then the area occupation is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The FPCB is designed with folded and flexible sections that can dynamically adjust during the rotation of the transducer array. The folded connection parts can flex and deform elastically to accommodate the rotational motion, maintaining electrical connectivity while adapting to the dynamic mechanical requirements of the rotating assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an ultrasonic probe including a transducer array connected to a rotation shaft, a motor provided to rotate the transducer array around the rotation shaft, a printed circuit board provided to output a driving signal for driving the transducer array, and a flexible printed circuit board electrically connected to the printed circuit board to transmit the driving signal to the transducer array, wherein the flexible printed circuit board includes an array terminal electrically connected to the transducer array, a first terminal electrically connected to one portion of the printed circuit board, a first connection part connecting the array terminal and the first terminal, a second terminal electrically connected to the other portion of the printed circuit board, and a second connection part connecting the array terminal and the second terminal, and wherein the first connection part and the second connection part are overlapped with each other and wound around the rotation shaft.