Ultrasonic Echogenic Layer Structure With Rough Reflective Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic devices face challenges in achieving satisfactory echogenic characteristics due to high echogenic material concentration, which complicates the structure and alters polymer properties, and methods like using glass microspheres require insulative base layers, affecting mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer structure is employed with a base layer, an echogenic layer, and an outer layer, where the echogenic material is confined to a specific layer with a rough interface, and the outer layer and adhesive are kept thin to maintain echogenicity without masking the interface, using adhesives with low hardness to ensure compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high concentration of echogenic material is used to achieve satisfactory echogenic characteristic, then echogenicity is improved, but structure complexity increases and polymer properties change
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional layers: a base polymer layer, an intermediate echogenic layer containing concentrated echogenic material, and an outer layer. This segmentation allows the echogenic material to be concentrated in a specific layer rather than dispersed throughout the entire structure, improving echogenicity while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The echogenic material is localized to the intermediate layer with specific local properties (high concentration for echogenicity), while the base layer and outer layer maintain their original polymer properties. This local quality approach allows different regions to have different functions without compromising the overall device performance.
2Reliability
If glass microspheres are used to form echogenic layer, then echogenicity is improved, but base layer must be insulative which affects mechanical properties
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate echogenic layer is introduced as a mediator between the base layer and the outer layer. This intermediate layer contains the echogenic material (such as glass microspheres) and adheres to the base layer through adhesive forces, eliminating the requirement for the base layer to be insulative while maintaining echogenicity.
3Strength
If outer layer and adhesive are made thick to ensure coverage, then structural integrity is improved, but echogenic interface is masked reducing echogenicity
Solution Approach 1:
The thickness parameters of the outer layer and adhesive layer are optimized to be thin (outer layer less than 20 µm, adhesive less than 10 µm). This parameter change allows the echogenic interface to remain visible and functional while still providing sufficient coverage and structural integrity.
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 provides a simple structure with favorable echogenic characteristics by minimizing echogenic material use, enhancing echogenicity through diffuse reflection, and maintaining the original polymer properties.
Implementation Method 1
a rough interface is provided (uneven interface) at a position where the echogenic material of the echogenic layer contacts at least the upper adhesive of the upper adhesive and the lower adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic echogenic device (100) includes a base layer (1), an echogenic layer (2) covering the base layer (1) and adhered to the base layer (1) at least by a separate lower adhesive (4), an outer layer (3) covering the echogenic layer (2) and adhered to the echogenic layer (2) at least by a separate upper adhesive (5), wherein the ultrasonic echogenic device (100) is configured such that a rough interface is provided at a position where the echogenic material of the echogenic layer (2) contacts at least the upper surface of the upper adhesive (4), and the outer surface of the outer layer (3) at least partially follows an undulation of the rough interface. An ultrasonic echogenic device (100) with a simple structure and easily formed is obtained.