Shear Wave Generation Using Segmented Piezoelectric Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound systems face limitations in effectively generating and controlling shear waves, particularly in medical imaging applications, due to the inherent properties of shear waves and the lack of flexibility in existing transducer arrays, which restricts the collection of accurate elasticity data in tissues.
Innovation Solution
A shear wave generator using a piezoelectric transducer array with selectively addressable elements, where each element can be polarized differently to generate shear waves of varying phases and amplitudes, allowing for controlled generation and reception of shear waves, enhancing signal-to-noise ratios and improving imaging modalities like ultrasound elastography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transducer arrays are used to generate shear waves, then the basic imaging function is maintained, but the flexibility and control over shear wave generation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is divided into multiple independently controllable elements or groups of elements. Each element can be selectively activated to generate shear waves with specific characteristics, enabling flexible control over wave propagation direction, phase, and amplitude without requiring complex hardware modifications to the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of transducer element activation, where different elements are turned on and off in specific sequences to generate shear waves with varying phases and amplitudes. This dynamic switching capability allows the same physical array to produce multiple types of shear wave patterns adaptable to different imaging requirements.
2Measurement precision
If shear waves are generated using conventional methods, then basic elasticity data can be collected, but the accuracy and precision of elasticity measurements are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions or groups of transducer elements are assigned specific functions optimized for their role in shear wave generation. By locally optimizing the activation pattern and phase control for each element group, the system achieves superior elasticity measurement precision through tailored wave field construction without requiring complex global control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the generated shear waves and received signals are analyzed to optimize the control parameters for subsequent measurements. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of excitation patterns to maximize measurement accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through automated control algorithms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shear waves with different phases and amplitudes are generated, then imaging flexibility is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is segmented into multiple independently controllable element groups, where each group can be activated with specific phase and amplitude parameters. This segmentation enables the generation of multiple shear waves with different characteristics by simply controlling which segments are active and their respective excitation parameters, avoiding the need for complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different shear wave characteristics by changing the excitation parameters (phase, amplitude, timing) of the transducer elements rather than physically modifying the device. This parameter-based control allows flexible generation of multiple wave types with the same hardware, reducing control complexity compared to hardware-based solutions.
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 more precise and flexible generation and reception of shear waves, improving the accuracy of elasticity measurements and tissue imaging, particularly in medical elastography, by allowing for tailored wave characteristics and enhanced signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
Piezoelectric materials such as certain ceramic, crystalline materials, capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs), other micromachined ultrasound transducers, and micromachined electromechanical (MEM) transducers are suitable for use in a transducer array
Implementation Method 2
Piezoelectric materials such as certain ceramic, crystalline materials, capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs), other micromachined ultrasound transducers, and micromachined electromechanical (MEM) transducers are suitable for use in a transducer array
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect the invention relates to a shear wave generator. The shear wave generator includes a first piezoelectric element having a first polarity in electrical communication with a first electrode; a second piezoelectric element having a second polarity in electrical communication with a second electrode, wherein the second polarity is an inverse of the first polarity; a boundary layer disposed behind both the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element; and an excitation signal generator in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first piezoelectric element vibrates in a first direction and the second piezoelectric element vibrates in a second direction in response to an excitation signal. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric elements are disposed within an ultrasound imaging probe.