Ultrasonic Measurement Apparatus Multi-Directional Strain Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic measurement apparatuses are limited in accurately measuring displacement and strain in directions other than the direction of compression, failing to provide sufficient information when samples are strained or displaced in multiple directions.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic measurement apparatus utilizing two or more ultrasonic probes with overlapping ultrasonic wave transmitting areas and acoustic axes that cross each other, allowing for the calculation of displacement-related information in multiple directions by processing data from increase and decrease periods, enabling accurate measurement of strain and elastic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single ultrasonic probe is used to measure displacement in the compression direction, then measurement accuracy in that direction is improved, but the ability to measure displacement and strain in other directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional measurement (single probe along compression axis) to multi-dimensional measurement by arranging multiple ultrasonic probes in spatial dimensions with overlapping transmission areas. This enables simultaneous measurement of displacement and strain in multiple directions (compression direction and lateral directions) using a single probe system, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy in one direction and measurement capability in other directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ultrasonic probe system multi-functional by enabling it to measure not only displacement in the compression direction but also displacement and strain in lateral directions. The probe arrangement and signal processing methods allow the same system to perform multiple measurement functions, improving both measurement accuracy and directional versatility simultaneously.
2Loss of information
If ultrasonic probes are arranged with overlapping transmitting areas and crossing acoustic axes, then multi-dimensional displacement information is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spatial arrangement of multiple probes in different dimensions with overlapping transmission areas to capture multi-dimensional displacement information. This dimensional arrangement enables complete information acquisition about displacement and strain in multiple directions while maintaining a relatively simple probe configuration that can be implemented with standard ultrasonic components.
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
Enables the acquisition of multi-dimensional displacement and strain information with high accuracy, improving the assessment of elastic properties and strain characteristics, particularly in medical diagnostics and material testing.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting unit for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to an object to be measured (sample), a receiving unit for receiving a reflection wave
Implementation Method 2
a receiving unit for receiving a reflection wave
Implementation Method 3
a compression device that applies a force to a sample in a periodic manner
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A processing unit calculates first displacement related information concerning a first direction of an object to be measured by using data in either one of an increase period and a decrease period of a force applied to the objected to be measured, among first received data received by a first ultrasonic probe. In addition, the processing unit calculates second displacement related information concerning a second direction of the object to be measured by using data in the same period as that used to calculate the first displacement related information, among second received data received by a second ultrasonic probe.