Tuning Fork Ultrasonic Probe with Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic ultrasonic diagnostic instruments face challenges in achieving high-performance imaging with mechanical scanners, which are limited by mechanical wear, acoustic noise, and the high cost and technical complexity of phased-array probes, especially at higher frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A feedback-controlled mechanical sector scanning probe with a tuning fork-type oscillator is developed, utilizing a flexible beam oscillating at 15 Hz, equipped with a counter-oscillator and a current feedback amplifier to improve motion control and reduce artifacts, allowing for clearer and more accurate imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical scanner is used in ophthalmic ultrasonic diagnostic instruments, then the device maintains cost-effectiveness and technical simplicity, but it suffers from mechanical wear, acoustic noise, and limited performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical scanning systems with a phased-array probe that uses electronic beam steering. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts, thereby removing mechanical wear and reducing acoustic noise while maintaining the ability to perform ultrasonic imaging of the eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control that dynamically adjusts the oscillation characteristics of the tuning fork-type oscillator. By continuously monitoring and adjusting the oscillation frequency and amplitude based on real-time performance, the system optimizes image quality while minimizing mechanical stress and wear on the scanning components.
2Measurement precision
If a phased-array probe is used to achieve high-performance imaging, then image quality improves, but the cost and technical complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ultrasonic beam formation into multiple independent elements within the phased-array probe. Each element can be controlled independently to steer and focus the beam electronically, achieving high-resolution imaging without requiring complex mechanical moving parts. This segmentation allows for optimized performance at manageable complexity levels.
3Device complexity
If the transducer is scanned mechanically at intervals, then the system maintains simplicity, but the image fidelity and refresh rate are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interval scanning with electronic beam steering using a phased-array configuration. Multiple ultrasonic beams can be transmitted and received simultaneously or in rapid succession by electronically adjusting the phase and amplitude of each array element, dramatically increasing the image refresh rate while maintaining system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous oscillation of the tuning fork-type oscillator with feedback control, allowing for uninterrupted ultrasonic beam transmission and reception. This continuous operation enables high-rate sequential scanning of multiple lines to build complete images, significantly improving refresh rates compared to intermittent mechanical scanning.
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 feedback-controlled mechanical sector scanning probe enhances image fidelity and reduces artifacts, providing superior diagnostic performance compared to traditional open-loop systems while maintaining cost-effectiveness and technical simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
A short acoustic pulse is generated mechanically by a piezoelectric crystal, which acts as a transducer to convert electric energy into ultrasound
Implementation Method 2
The echoes returned to the probe are converted back into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
a control circuit for controlling the lateral movement of the oscillator
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical scanning device is composed of an oscillating beam onto which a transducer is mounted, part of which is flexible such that the beam will oscillate at a frequency between 8 and 15 Hz when mechanically energized. To sustain oscillations, energy is supplied by means of two electromagnetic coils acting on two permanent magnets mounted on either side of the beam. In order to improve the linear performance of the probe, feedback control was employed. A position sensor along with supporting electronics was designed to provide control signal for the feedback system.