Dual-Frequency Ultrasound Transducer Using Single Piezoelectric Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-frequency ultrasound devices are limited by the need for manual movement, which leads to uneven exposure and potential thermal damage, as they rely on separate transducers for low and high frequency emissions, making it difficult to achieve uniform treatment and deep penetration of ultrasound energy into the skin.
Innovation Solution
A dual-frequency ultrasound transducer design using a single piezo-electric element bonded to a substrate, capable of emitting both low and high frequency ultrasound through distinct resonance modes, with a mounting arrangement that enhances low frequency penetration and reduces bulkiness, allowing for a lighter, cheaper, and more efficient manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate transducers are used for low and high frequency emissions, then both frequency ranges can be emitted, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate transducer functions into a single integrated transducer element that can emit both low frequency (20-100 kHz) and high frequency (1-3 MHz) ultrasound. This is achieved by designing a unified piezoelectric structure with specific geometric parameters that enable dual resonant frequencies, eliminating the need for separate transducer components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transducer element is designed to perform multiple functions by emitting both low and high frequency ultrasound waves simultaneously or alternately. The transducer structure incorporates geometric parameters (radius, thickness, material properties) that allow it to resonate at two distinct frequency ranges, making one component serve the purpose of what would traditionally require two separate components.
2Ease of operation
If manual movement of hand-held devices is used, then treatment can be applied, but uneven exposure and thermal damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed ultrasound emission where low frequency pulses (20-100 kHz) and high frequency pulses (1-3 MHz) are alternately or simultaneously applied in a controlled temporal pattern. This periodic action allows for uniform energy distribution and prevents continuous heating that could lead to thermal damage, while maintaining ease of manual application.
3Power
If high frequency ultrasound is used, then therapeutic effects are improved, but penetration depth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous alternating emission of low and high frequency ultrasound waves, where low frequency waves (20-100 kHz) provide deep tissue penetration to reach target areas, and high frequency waves (1-3 MHz) provide therapeutic effects at shallower depths. This continuous dual-frequency action ensures both deep penetration and effective therapeutic treatment throughout the treatment zone.
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 uniform and deeper penetration of ultrasound energy, reducing operator error and fatigue, while maintaining therapeutic benefits across the skin surface, by using a single piezo-electric element to produce both low and high frequency emissions with improved manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo-electric element bonded to a substrate; wherein the transducer has a low frequency mechanical bending resonance mode when the piezo-electric element is excited, in use, by a voltage which includes a low frequency oscillating component
Implementation Method 2
wherein the transducer has a low frequency mechanical bending resonance mode when the piezo-electric element is excited, in use, by a voltage which includes a low frequency oscillating component; and wherein the transducer has a relatively high frequency thickness resonance mode when the piezo-electric element is excited, in use, by a voltage which includes a relatively high frequency oscillating component
Implementation Method 3
a transducer for emitting both low and high frequency ultrasound
Implementation Method 4
cavitation results from the rapidly oscillating pressure field, causing bubble formation and collapse, which mechanically creates channels through the stratum corneum
Implementation Method 5
The second effect is the direct heating of the material through which the sound waves are travelling, due to attenuation of the acoustic energy through reflection, absorption and dispersion
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-frequency ultrasound transducer, comprising a piezo-electric element bonded to a substrate, has two resonant vibration modes: a low frequency mechanical bending resonance mode and a relatively high frequency thickness resonance mode. The low frequency bending resonance mode occurs when the piezo-electric element is excited, in use, by a voltage which includes a low frequency oscillating component. The high frequency thickness resonance mode occurs when the piezo-electric element is excited, in use, by a voltage which includes a relatively high frequency oscillating component. The transducer may include a mounting arrangement, such as a support ring securing the periphery of the substrate to an underlying base layer that enhances the depth of penetration and focus of the ultrasound.