Ultrasonic Endoscope Backing Layer for Thermal Stress Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic endoscopes face durability issues due to stress and thermal loads, which can lead to breakage and deterioration of components.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a backing material layer composed of polyurea resin, epoxy resin with a polyurethane structure, or epoxy resin with a polyetheramine structure between the ultrasonic oscillators and a metal tubular member, along with a heat radiation filler to reduce stress and thermal load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a metal tubular member is used for structural support, then mechanical strength is improved, but thermal load and stress on components increase leading to durability issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a backing material layer as an intermediary between the metal tubular member and the ultrasonic oscillator. This layer mediates the thermal and mechanical stress, preventing direct transmission of heat and stress to the ultrasonic oscillator while maintaining the structural support function of the metal tubular member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining the metal tubular member with a polymer-based backing material layer. This composite structure leverages the high strength of metal and the thermal insulation and stress absorption properties of the polymer material, resolving the contradiction between mechanical strength and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If ultrasonic oscillators are provided along the outer peripheral surface of the metal tubular member, then ultrasonic imaging capability is improved, but thermal load and stress concentration increase leading to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveultrasonic imaging capabilityVSAvoidresistance to breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The backing material layer serves as a protective intermediary between the ultrasonic oscillators and the metal tubular member. It absorbs and distributes thermal load and mechanical stress, preventing concentration of these forces at the oscillator-metal interface and thereby preventing breakage while maintaining imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning the backing material layer in advance between the ultrasonic oscillators and the metal tubular member. This layer预先 absorbs and mitigates thermal and mechanical stresses before they can cause damage to the ultrasonic oscillators, ensuring their longevity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If no backing material layer is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but stress and thermal load cause deterioration and breakage of components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidcomponent durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material approach by adding a polymer-based backing material layer to the metal tubular member structure. This relatively simple addition creates a composite system that provides thermal insulation and stress absorption, significantly improving component durability without substantially increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enhances the durability and reduces stress and thermal load on the ultrasonic endoscope components, preventing breakage and improving overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

a backing material layer that is provided between the ultrasonic oscillator and the tubular member... configured to include at least one kind of a polyurea resin, an epoxy resin having a polyurethane structure, or an epoxy resin having a polyetheramine structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the backing material layer... configured to include at least one kind of a polyurea resin, an epoxy resin having a polyurethane structure, or an epoxy resin having a polyetheramine structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS20250268567A1Ultrasonic endoscope

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

An ultrasonic endoscope includes: a tubular member containing a metal; an ultrasonic oscillator that is provided along an outer peripheral surface of the tubular member, and a backing material layer that is provided between the ultrasonic oscillator and the tubular member, and the backing material layer containing at least one kind of a polyurea resin, an epoxy resin having a polyurethane structure, or an epoxy resin having a polyetheramine structure.