Ultrasonic Scanhead Pivot Encoder Voice Coil Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic scanheads are large in size due to the placement of an encoder and transducer at opposite ends, and suffer from stagnation, force ripple, and cogging force issues during operation, with the transducer being non-replaceable.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic scanhead design featuring a pivot that passes through an encoder, utilizing a voice coil motor for smooth operation, and a detachable transducer with screw thread fixation, allowing for compact size and easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the encoder and transducer are located at opposite ends of the pivot, then the conventional design is simple to implement, but the size of the ultrasonic scanhead becomes relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the encoder and transducer locations by positioning both at the same end of the pivot, with the encoder at the first end and the transducer at the second end, but arranged such that they occupy overlapping spatial regions. This merging of spatial arrangements reduces the overall scanhead size while maintaining functional independence through proper mounting structures and signal routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by extending the pivot along a second axis perpendicular to both the first axis (rotation axis) and third axis (mover displacement direction). This dimensional arrangement allows the encoder and transducer to be positioned at opposite ends of the pivot while their associated components are arranged in different spatial dimensions, reducing the scanhead's overall footprint.
2Ease of operation
If a torque motor is used to drive the pivot to rotate back and forth, then the scanning function is achieved, but stagnation behavior, force ripple, and cogging force arise during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the torque motor with a voice coil motor, substituting a mechanical rotary actuation system with an electromagnetic linear actuation system. The voice coil motor generates a magnetic field that interacts with a permanent magnet on the mover to produce linear motion, eliminating the mechanical commutation and gear mechanisms that cause cogging force and force ripple in torque motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice coil motor operates on electromagnetic principles similar to pneumatic and hydraulic systems in that it uses a field (magnetic field) to produce motion without mechanical contact. The interaction between the coil-generated magnetic field and the permanent magnet creates a force that moves the pivot smoothly without the mechanical imperfections of traditional motors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transducer is fixed permanently in the conventional design, then the structure is stable, but the transducer cannot be replaced when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static, permanent transducer mounting to a dynamic, adjustable mounting system. The transducer is positioned at the second end of the pivot where it can be detached and reattached along the second axis, allowing the system to adapt between different transducer configurations based on operational requirements while maintaining structural stability through proper mounting features.
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 design results in a smaller scanhead size, smooth operation without force ripple or cogging force, and facilitates convenient transducer replacement, reducing costs and simplifying maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The voice coil motor includes a stator and a mover. The first end of the pivot is connected to the mover. The mover is capable of moving linearly along a third axis and moving relatively to the stator.
Implementation Method 2
A transducer of an ultrasonic scanhead is capable of transforming electrical signals into ultrasonic impulse signals and transmitting the ultrasonic impulse signals.
Implementation Method 3
The transducer further transforms the received ultrasonic impulse signals into electrical signals and transmits the electrical signals into a computer for further calculation.
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic scanhead including an encoder, a pivot, a voice coil motor, and a transducer is provided. The encoder includes a fixed element and a rotary element. The rotary element is disposed at the fixed element and capable of rotating about a first axis. The pivot is through the encoder and capable of rotating with the rotary element. The pivot extends along a second axis and has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The voice coil motor includes a stator and a mover. The first end of the pivot is connected to the mover. The mover is capable of moving linearly along a third axis. The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are substantially perpendicular to each other. The transducer is disposed at the second end of the pivot and capable of emitting an ultrasonic wave.