Ultrasonic Oscillator Array Wiring Layout for Compact Endoscopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic endoscopes face challenges in reducing the size of the ultrasonic observation part, leading to increased complexity in wiring and higher manufacturing costs, with existing solutions experiencing difficulties in maintaining stable manufacture and high success rates due to complicated wiring structures and risk of cable disconnection.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic oscillator unit with a circular-arc arrangement of rod-shaped ultrasonic oscillators, a backing material layer, and a flexible printed wired board configured in a comb shape with a staircase structure to efficiently connect electrodes and cables, reducing the complexity of wiring and minimizing the risk of disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the ultrasonic observation part is made small-sized, then the operability is improved and burden on patient is reduced, but the wiring complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wiring structure into multiple independent layers: a first flexible printed circuit board for electrical connection, a second flexible printed circuit board for signal transmission, and a cable bundle for external connection. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, reducing overall wiring complexity while maintaining compact size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar wiring to three-dimensional stacked wiring by placing multiple flexible printed circuit boards in different spatial layers. This vertical arrangement in the thickness direction enables efficient use of limited space while organizing complex wiring connections systematically
2Volume of moving object
If numerous cables are wired in high density within the small ultrasonic observation part, then the size is reduced, but the workability deteriorates and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable bundle into multiple individual cables, each assigned to specific functions. This allows for systematic routing and connection, improving workability despite high density requirements in the compact ultrasonic observation part
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible printed circuit boards serve as intermediary components between the ultrasonic oscillators and the external cable bundle. These intermediaries provide structured connection points and routing paths, making the wiring process more manageable and reducing manufacturing difficulty
3Ease of operation
If a flexible printed wired board is folded multiple times to connect ultrasonic oscillators and cables, then the wiring is achieved, but the reliability decreases due to risk of cable disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies protective measures in advance by enclosing the flexible printed circuit boards and cable connections within a housing. This protective structure prevents mechanical stress, disconnection, and damage before they can occur during operation, thereby maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the first and second flexible printed circuit boards are positioned within the housing, and the cable bundle is routed through designated paths within the same housing. This nested arrangement protects all wiring components from external damage and prevents disconnection
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 configuration improves workability and manufacturing success rates by simplifying the wiring process and reducing the risk of cable disconnection, enabling the creation of a smaller-sized ultrasonic endoscope with enhanced operability.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric elements arranged in a circular arc shape
Implementation Method 2
acoustic matching layer positioned between the piezoelectric elements and the front surface
Implementation Method 3
rear surface damping layer positioned behind the piezoelectric elements
Implementation Method 4
ultrasonic transmission/reception unit that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A ultrasonic oscillator unit including an ultrasonic oscillator array in which a plurality of oscillators are arranged in a circular-arc shape; an electrode part that is provided on at least one end surface of the plurality of oscillators perpendicular to a longitudinal direction thereof and that is electrically connected with the oscillators; a backing material layer that is disposed on a rear surface of the ultrasonic oscillator array; and a cable wiring part including a flexible printed wired board. The flexible printed wired board includes a cable connecting part that extends to a lower side of the backing material layer, is separated into a plurality of belt-like pieces, and has, in a comb shape, a plurality of strip-like electrode parts in which at least one electrode pad is linearly disposed in the longitudinal direction of each of the belt-like pieces.