Ultrasonic Transducer Electrode Patterns in Backing Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnosis device transducers face issues with acoustic loss and distortion due to the use of Flexible Printed Circuit Boards (FPCBs), which also complicate the manufacturing process and reduce productivity.
Innovation Solution
The transducer design incorporates electrode patterns made of conductive material directly formed inside the backing block, eliminating the need for FPCBs and simplifying the manufacturing process by connecting piezoelectric elements and a controller without acoustic loss or distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If FPCB is used to connect terminals to piezoelectric elements, then electrical connection is achieved, but acoustic loss and distortion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the FPCB from the acoustic path by forming electrode patterns directly inside the backing block. This extraction eliminates the source of acoustic loss and distortion while maintaining the electrical connection function between terminals and piezoelectric elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical connection function with the structural backing block by forming conductive electrode patterns directly within it. This integration eliminates the need for separate FPCB components, reducing acoustic interference while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Reliability
If FPCB is provided on acoustic path to connect terminals, then electrical connection is established, but acoustic impedance matching is broken
Solution Approach 1:
The FPCB is extracted from the acoustic path and its connection function is transferred to electrode patterns formed directly in the backing block. This eliminates the impedance mismatching caused by FPCB while simplifying the overall configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The backing block is given multi-functionality by forming conductive electrode patterns directly within it, serving both as a structural support and as an electrical connector. This eliminates the need for separate FPCB components and restores proper acoustic impedance matching.
3Ease of manufacture
If FPCB is vertically inserted into backing block to connect terminals, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode patterns are merged with the backing block structure, forming them directly during the backing block manufacturing process. This eliminates the complex separate insertion process for FPCB and significantly improves manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode patterns are formed preliminarily within the backing block during its manufacturing, rather than being inserted later. This preliminary formation simplifies the overall manufacturing process and increases productivity by eliminating complex insertion steps.
4Reliability
If FPCB is provided inside backing block to connect terminals, then electrical connection is established, but acoustic reflection and sound absorption are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The FPCB is extracted from the internal backing block structure and replaced with electrode patterns formed directly in the backing block material. This eliminates the acoustic interference and reflection/absorption issues while maintaining the electrical connection function.
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 solution prevents acoustic loss and distortion, simplifies the manufacturing process, and improves acoustic efficiency by eliminating the mass effect of FPCBs, making the transducer easier to produce and apply to various probe types.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric elements 14 are arranged on a front face of a backing block 12
Implementation Method 2
a transducer may transfer an ultrasonic signal to the target object and may sense an ultrasonic signal reflected from the target object
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a transducer (100) of an ultrasonic diagnosis device. Electrode patterns (132) are formed inside a backing block (130), as one body, and thus, a conventional FPCB may be omitted.