Ultrasonic Transducer Membrane Bandwidth via Asymmetric Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane-based ultrasonic transducers have limited bandwidth and performance due to resonance-based efficiency, which affects imaging resolution and other applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of a control element to induce displacement asymmetry in the membrane of ultrasonic piezoelectric transducers, enhancing bandwidth by adjusting membrane motion through passive or active means such as fluid pockets, electrostatic charges, or multiple piezoelectric layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If resonance based ultrasonic sources/receivers are used to boost transmit and/or receive efficiency, then efficiency is improved, but bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing a control element that creates asymmetric displacement of the membrane. The control element is positioned to affect only one side of the membrane, creating intentional geometric and functional asymmetry. This asymmetry enables the membrane to be driven off-resonance while maintaining efficiency, thereby expanding bandwidth without sacrificing power transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the membrane displacement asymmetric through active control. The control element dynamically adjusts the membrane position during operation, allowing the system to adapt its resonance characteristics in real-time. This dynamic control enables bandwidth expansion while preserving the efficiency benefits of resonance-based operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If a control element is added to induce displacement asymmetry, then bandwidth is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane as the core component, which inherently provides the necessary compliance and motion control. The control element interacts with this flexible structure to induce asymmetric displacement, leveraging the membrane's natural properties rather than requiring complex rigid mechanisms. This approach expands bandwidth while minimizing the added complexity by working with而非 against the flexible nature of the transducer
Solution Approach 2:
The control element acts as an intermediary between the drive signal and the membrane. Rather than directly controlling the entire membrane or requiring complex multi-element arrays, the control element provides a simple mediating mechanism that induces the desired asymmetric displacement. This intermediary approach achieves bandwidth expansion with minimal structural 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 solution significantly increases the effective bandwidth of ultrasonic transducers, allowing for improved performance and efficiency across a broader frequency range.
Implementation Method 1
An ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer comprises a first membrane (10) configured to vibrate in a direction (Z) transverse to a plane (XY) of the first membrane (10)... a piezoelectric layer (10p) coupled to an electronic circuit (30) for receiving electrical signals (E1) causing the first vibration (V1)
Implementation Method 2
the control element (C) comprises an electrostatic device configured to generate electrostatic charges on a surface of the first membrane (10), and on another opposing surface adjacent the first membrane (10)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An effective bandwidth in a membrane based ultrasonic transducer is improved by a control element (C). The control element (C) is disposed on a first side (10a) of a first membrane (10) of the transducer to increase or decrease a displacement amplitude of the first membrane (10) towards the first side (10a) and/or the opposite, second side (10b). This induces a displacement asymmetry (Za<>Zb) in a motion of the first membrane (10) during a first vibration (V1) of the first membrane (10) to the first side (10a) compared to the second side (10b). The displacement asymmetry may result in improved bandwidth.