Self-Aligned Transducer Array Connections for Wearable Ultrasound

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ultrasound devices for applications like bladder monitoring are cumbersome, power-intensive, and difficult to produce, with existing transducer arrays requiring complex and costly soldering processes that can lead to short-circuits and performance issues, making them unsuitable for portable or wearable devices.

Innovation Solution

A robust and simple transducer array design featuring a flexible cable with self-aligned electrical contacts and a casing that includes all necessary electronics, allowing for wireless operation and reduced energy consumption, enabling efficient beam steering and deep penetration ultrasound with minimal components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex soldering processes are used to connect transducer elements, then electrical connections are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical soldering process with a self-aligned electrical contact system using conductive adhesive. Instead of requiring precise mechanical alignment and heat-based soldering, the invention uses a flexible cable with conductive adhesive that automatically aligns with the transducer elements, eliminating the complex soldering machinery and processes while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional transducer array designs are used, then ultrasound functionality is achieved, but device size and power consumption are too high for wearable applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveultrasound functionalityVSAvoiddevice weight and size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transducer array, electronics, and power source into a single integrated wearable device. Instead of separate components requiring complex cabling, the invention combines all elements into one compact unit that can be worn on the body, significantly reducing overall device size and weight while maintaining full ultrasound functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional device that combines ultrasound transmission, reception, signal processing, and power management in a single wearable unit. The device can perform multiple functions (bladder monitoring, imaging, measurement) without requiring additional external equipment, reducing the overall system size and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If dedicated hand-held devices with cabling are used, then ultrasound monitoring is achieved, but ease of operation and patient comfort are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring accuracyVSAvoiddevice portability and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible cable with conductive adhesive that can conform to the body's contours and move with the patient. This flexible design eliminates rigid cabling, improving patient comfort and ease of operation while maintaining reliable electrical connections for accurate ultrasound monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution enables a compact, wearable, and wireless ultrasound device that can monitor bladder filling and alert users or caregivers, providing continuous monitoring without the need for external power sources or complex cabling, while reducing production complexity and energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

each individual transducer element comprises a piezoelectric material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the transducer array can be used in both imaging and non-imaging mode, in both transmit and receive mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConverse piezoelectric effect: Converse Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12156766B2Robust, simple, and efficiently manufacturable transducer array

Publication Date: 2024.12.03 NOVIOSCAN

AI summary

A transducer array for ultrasound applications includes a plurality of transducer elements that are provided with self-aligned connections to a flexible cable. The array is easy to manufacture and suited for wearable, wireless, and other small ultrasound devices. A simple and efficient method of producing a robust transducer array involves at least partially separating the transducer elements after their connection to their respective conductors.