Segmented Transducer Phasing for Uniform Acoustic Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound imaging and therapy systems face challenges in generating a wide, uniform, and high-intensity beam for ultrasonic propulsion, especially when incorporating an imaging transducer, which complicates the geometry and reduces acoustic power.
Innovation Solution
A segmented therapy transducer with multiple elements excited by various phasing profiles generates a time-averaged intensity profile over a larger, more uniform area, using techniques such as in-phase and out-of-phase excitation, and vortex phasing to produce customizable beam profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a small transducer is used to achieve wide beamwidth and uniform intensity, then beam uniformity and width are improved, but acoustic power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer is divided into multiple independent elements that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to the overall acoustic power while the collective phasing of all elements creates the desired wide and uniform beam profile, resolving the contradiction between power and beam uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different phasing profiles (parameter changes) to the transducer elements to dynamically control the beam characteristics. By adjusting the phase and amplitude parameters of each element, the system achieves wide beamwidth and uniform intensity distribution while maintaining high acoustic power output
2Adaptability or versatility
If an imaging transducer is integrated with UP transducer, then imaging guidance capability is improved, but beam geometry becomes complex and distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer system is segmented into distinct imaging and therapy elements with independent control. This allows the imaging transducer to provide guidance capability while the therapy elements generate clean, controlled ultrasound beams for propulsion, preventing geometric distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional transducer system where separate elements serve different purposes (imaging and therapy) within a single integrated device. This universal design allows both imaging guidance and ultrasonic propulsion functions to operate simultaneously without interfering with each other's performance
3Power
If focused beam is used for ultrasonic propulsion, then acoustic power concentration is improved, but beam uniformity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching between different phasing profiles to achieve both power concentration and beam uniformity. By alternating between focused and defocused patterns, the system delivers concentrated acoustic power when needed while maintaining overall beam uniformity across the treatment area
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 approach enables the creation of a wide, uniform, and high-intensity ultrasound beam that can effectively propel objects within the body, such as kidney stones, while allowing for integrated imaging guidance, enhancing treatment efficiency and precision.
Implementation Method 1
Radiation force may be generated by ultrasound to apply translational momentum to an object or part of an object
Implementation Method 2
The beam may be focused by either a geometrically focused transducer or by proper phasing techniques using a phased array
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are ultrasound systems comprising a plurality of transducers configured to work in concert to produce a customizable beam profile through the additive effects of multiple pulses. As an example, uniform and wide beam profiles can be generated using transducer elements that cannot independently generate such beam profiles. Related methods, systems, and computer-readable media are all disclosed.