Ultrasonic Coupling Fault Detection for Tissue Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic devices for treating pathologies face challenges in detecting defects in acoustic coupling and transducer malfunctions, which can lead to treatment ineffectiveness due to factors like gas bubbles, bone calcification, or electrical connection issues.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic device with a remote control unit that estimates acoustic coupling quality by emitting control signals at specific frequencies, measuring reflected signals, and detecting gas bubbles or transducer malfunctions, using PEEK housing for improved detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ultrasonic device is used for treatment, then treatment effectiveness is achieved, but undetected acoustic coupling defects or transducer malfunctions can lead to treatment ineffectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of acoustic coupling quality and transducer functionality before initiating treatment. The control unit emits test signals at specific frequencies and analyzes reflected signals to detect gas bubbles, bone calcification, or transducer malfunctions in advance, ensuring treatment reliability without compromising treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the reflected signals from the ultrasonic device and comparing them against expected characteristics. The control unit adjusts treatment parameters or alerts the operator based on the detected coupling quality, creating a closed-loop system that maintains treatment effectiveness while detecting potential issues
2Measurement precision
If the control unit emits control signals and measures reflected signals to detect coupling quality, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the ultrasonic device operation, emits test signals at various frequencies, measures reflected signals, analyzes coupling quality, and manages treatment parameters. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies the frequency parameter of control signals to detect different types of coupling defects. By emitting signals at multiple frequencies and analyzing the reflected signals' characteristics, the system achieves high measurement precision for detecting gas bubbles, bone calcification, and transducer malfunctions through parameter variation rather than complex hardware
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the system detects gas bubbles or reflective materials between transducer and tissue, then treatment safety is improved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs gas bubble detection as a preliminary step before treatment initiation. By detecting the presence of gas bubbles or reflective materials in advance and addressing them before treatment, the system ensures treatment safety without significantly increasing overall treatment time, as the detection occurs during the setup phase
Solution Approach 2:
The system can perform periodic detection of coupling quality during treatment cycles. By emitting test signals at regular intervals and monitoring for gas bubbles or coupling defects, the system maintains treatment safety throughout the procedure while minimizing detection time through efficient periodic sampling rather than continuous monitoring
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
Enhances treatment effectiveness by accurately identifying and addressing acoustic coupling issues and transducer faults, ensuring reliable ultrasonic treatment delivery.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transducer (12) for generating ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
the measurement by the control unit of at least one reflected signal, each reflected signal corresponding to a respective control signal
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating a pathology, comprising: - a device (1) for generating ultrasound, - a remote control unit (2) for delivering electricity to the device (1), and - means (31, 32) for electrically connecting the device (1) and the control unit (2), characterised in that the control unit (2) is programmed to evaluate a quality of the acoustic coupling between the ultrasonic device (1) and a tissue to be treated.