Ultrasound Transducer Direction Control via Magnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound devices for imaging within the human body, particularly in blood vessels, face challenges in providing accurate and efficient three-dimensional imaging due to bulky mechanical mechanisms, limited maneuverability, and image distortion issues, which hinder real-time visualization and reliable imaging of device placement and tissue conditions.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound device with a transducer that offers two controllable degrees of freedom, utilizing a pivot mechanism with a magnetic layer and a coil to create torque, allowing for precise rotation and pivoting within the body, enabling efficient three-dimensional imaging without the need for bulky mechanical actuators or multiple coaxial cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical mechanisms are used to provide two-axis movement of the transducer, then three-dimensional imaging capability is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and unsuitable for small body areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical actuation mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. A magnet is attached to the transducer, and external magnets positioned on the catheter can be activated to rotate or pivot the transducer to desired orientations without requiring complex mechanical actuators at the transducer location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external magnets as intermediaries between the control system and the transducer. These magnets are positioned on the catheter and can be selectively activated to provide the desired transducer orientation, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct mechanical coupling.
2Ease of operation
If torque cables are used to provide rotation to the transducer, then movement is achieved, but elastic energy storage and release causes non-uniform rotation rate and image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces torque cable mechanisms with a magnetic actuation system. External magnets can be activated in a controlled sequence to rotate the transducer, eliminating the elastic energy storage and release problems inherent in torque cables that cause non-uniform rotation and image distortion.
3Ease of operation
If motors are used to provide movement to the transducer, then precise control is achieved, but additional space is required and control wires block the viewing window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motors and control wires with a magnetic field-based control system. External magnets positioned on the catheter can be activated to provide precise transducer control without requiring motors or control wires that would occupy space and block the acoustic viewing window.
4Loss of information
If one-dimensional arrays with mechanical actuators are used, then three-dimensional information is acquired, but expensive and bulky coaxial cables are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with magnetic field-based control. This simplifies the overall device architecture by eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators and their associated control systems, while still achieving three-dimensional information acquisition through the one-dimensional array.
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 enables accurate, efficient, and real-time three-dimensional ultrasound imaging along a substantial body area length, improving image quality and reducing the risk of image distortion, while minimizing device size and complexity, thus facilitating better navigation and positioning of medical devices within small body areas.
Implementation Method 1
The coil includes a plurality of electrically conductive windings such that application of electric current to the coil creates a torque on the pivot member about the pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic layer and the transducer. A coil is positioned concentric to and along the rotation axis between the motor and the pivot mechanism. The coil includes a plurality of electrically conductive windings such that application of electric current to the coil creates a torque on the pivot member about the pivot axis
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, such as a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a chamber within which is a transducer mounted to a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and a coil for providing a pivot force to the transducer. A magnet is attached to the transducer and is receptive of a torque applied by a magnetic field produced by energizing of the coil.