Ultrasound Transducer Rotation via Shape Memory Alloy Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interventional instruments with ultrasound transducers require significant space and complexity for rotation, limiting their compactness and usability in medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electroactive polymer or a one-way shape memory alloy as an actuation element in a rotation unit allows for compact and efficient rotation of the ultrasound transducer within a housing, decoupling the transducer's rotation from the instrument's position, enabling smaller dimensions and stable imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional rotation mechanisms are used for the ultrasound transducer, then the transducer can be rotated to achieve a larger field of view, but the instrument requires significant space and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical rotation mechanisms with shape memory alloy actuators that directly drive the ultrasound transducer rotation. This substitution eliminates complex gears, motors, and linkages while achieving reliable rotational control through the phase transition properties of shape memory alloys, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve a larger field of view
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition parameter change of shape memory alloys (from austenite to martensite phase) to drive rotation. By changing the material state through temperature or stress control, the actuator produces large deformations that directly rotate the transducer, achieving compact rotation without traditional mechanical components and reducing device complexity
2Volume of moving object
If traditional rotation mechanisms are used for the ultrasound transducer, then the transducer can be rotated, but the instrument dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical rotation systems with compact shape memory alloy actuators that can be integrated directly into the catheter structure. This substitution dramatically reduces the space required for rotation mechanisms, enabling the instrument to maintain small dimensions while still achieving transducer rotation for a larger field of view
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the shape memory alloy actuators within the existing catheter structure, nesting the rotation functionality inside the hollow catheter body. This nesting approach allows the rotation mechanism to occupy minimal additional space, maintaining compact instrument dimensions while enabling transducer rotation capability
3Device complexity
If shape memory alloys are used for actuation, then the rotation unit becomes compact, but the actuation mechanism requires precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms to monitor and adjust the shape memory alloy actuation in real-time. By incorporating sensors that detect transducer position and using closed-loop control algorithms, the system compensates for hysteresis and non-linearities in shape memory alloy behavior, achieving precise rotational control despite the complex material characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic heating or cyclic loading patterns to control the shape memory alloy actuation. By applying periodic thermal or mechanical stimuli, the system achieves controlled phase transitions that produce reliable rotational motion, making the actuation process more predictable and easier to control despite the inherent complexity of shape memory alloy behavior
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 a compact and stable ultrasound system with a larger field of view, allowing for precise rotational control and enhanced imaging capabilities without moving the instrument's tip, thus improving the usability and effectiveness in medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the rotation unit comprises an actuation element being an electroactive polymer for actuating the rotation of the ultrasound unit
Implementation Method 2
a one-way shape memory alloy for actuating the rotation of the ultrasound unit, wherein the one-way shape memory alloy is formed as a coil which is configured to provide a rotating force for rotating the ultrasound unit from an initial position to a rotated position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an interventional instrument like a catheter comprising an ultrasound unit (41) and a rotation unit (5) for rotating the ultrasound unit, wherein the rotation unit comprises an actuation element (8) being an electroactive polymer or a one-way shape memory alloy for actuating the rotation of the ultrasound unit. Since the rotation unit comprises, as an actuation element for actuating the rotation of the ultrasound unit, an electroactive polymer or a one-way shape memory alloy, the rotation unit with the actuation element can be very compact and small.