Curved Solid Waveguide for Handheld Ultrasound Thermal and Acoustic Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound devices face challenges with bubble formation and imperfections in liquid mediums, thermal management, and inconsistent acoustic output due to manufacturing issues, leading to reduced efficiency and uniformity in acoustic fields.
Innovation Solution
A solid waveguide is introduced, where the transducer is joined to a curved aluminum waveguide with a thermal management system, including phase change materials and active ventilation, and a frequency sweep method is implemented to enhance acoustic uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid medium is used between the lens and contact membrane, then ultrasound energy can be transmitted, but bubbles and imperfections form in the liquid medium affecting acoustic field uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the liquid medium entirely from the acoustic path between the transducer and contact membrane. A solid waveguide material directly couples the transducer to the contact membrane, eliminating the source of bubbles and imperfections while maintaining acoustic energy transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the acoustic coupling medium from liquid to solid. This parameter change eliminates bubble formation and improves acoustic field uniformity while maintaining the necessary acoustic coupling properties through careful selection of waveguide material.
2Reliability
If water is used as the liquid medium, then ultrasound energy transmission is enabled, but water can freeze during storage and transportation causing device damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the phase of the acoustic coupling medium from liquid (water) to solid (waveguide material). This eliminates the freezing issue entirely as the solid waveguide material remains stable across storage and transportation temperature ranges without expanding or rupturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a solid waveguide material that combines acoustic coupling properties with thermal stability and freeze resistance. This composite approach integrates multiple functions: acoustic transmission, structural integrity, and environmental stability in a single solid component.
3Strength
If epoxy or adhesives are used to secure the transducer to the lens, then the transducer is fixed in place, but gaps or thickness variations in the adhesive reduce acoustic output uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the adhesive layer from the acoustic path by using a solid waveguide structure that mechanically and acoustically couples the transducer to the contact membrane. This removes the source of thickness variations and gaps that degrade acoustic uniformity while maintaining secure transducer attachment through the waveguide structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical support function and acoustic coupling function into a single solid waveguide component. This integration eliminates the need for separate adhesive layers and their associated manufacturing variability, improving both attachment strength and acoustic uniformity.
4Power
If conventional ultrasonic transducers are used, then ultrasound energy is generated, but significant thermal energy is produced affecting electronic components and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The solid waveguide acts as a thermal intermediary between the transducer and the contact membrane. It conducts heat away from the transducer in a controlled manner, preventing excessive temperature buildup that would affect electronic components and user comfort during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces liquid-based thermal management with a solid-state thermal conduction system through the waveguide. This solid-state approach provides more reliable and controllable heat dissipation compared to liquid cooling, improving thermal management of the transducer without adding complexity.
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 solid waveguide eliminates bubble issues, improves thermal management, and ensures consistent acoustic output across the device, providing efficient and uniform energy transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer may be a piezo ceramic transducer that vibrates in response to the application of electrical power
Implementation Method 2
The transducer is joined to the solid waveguide so that acoustic energy produced by the transducer is communicated directly into the waveguide
Implementation Method 3
The contact surface may be curved to help in focusing the acoustic energy
Implementation Method 4
A solid waveguide is introduced, where the transducer is joined to a curved aluminum waveguide with a thermal management system, including phase change materials and active ventilation
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic module with a transducer and a solid waveguide. The transducer and waveguide may be curved to focus the acoustic energy along a focal line. The transducer, the top surface of the waveguide and the bottom surface of the waveguide may extend along coaxial curves. The waveguide may include a recess closely receiving the transducer. The waveguide may include an integral skirt that provides a thermal mass. The acoustic module may include a space to accommodate thermal management options. For example, the acoustic module may include a heatsink, an active ventilation system and/or a phase change material. The ultrasound device may include a controller configured to perform a uniformity scan sweep during supply of operating power to the transducer. The uniformity scan sweep can extend through a frequency range that includes the operating point of the acoustic module and does not exceed an acceptable efficiency loss.