Ultrasonic Probe Reciprocating Scan Mechanism for Accurate 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flaw detection devices are limited by the structural characteristics of ball screws and belt driving mechanisms, preventing high-speed scanning and accurate generation of 3D ultrasonic images.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that convert a one-directional rotational motion of a drive motor into a linear reciprocating motion of an ultrasonic probe, using a slider-crank mechanism with incremental rotary and linear encoders to generate trigger signals for synchronized ultrasonic wave irradiation and echo signal reception, ensuring accurate 3D image generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a ball screw and belt driving mechanism is used to move the testing probe, then the probe can be moved along X, Y, and Z axes, but the structural characteristics of these mechanisms limit the speed of probe movement, preventing high-speed scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional ball screw and belt driving mechanisms with a piezoelectric actuator that directly drives the probe. This substitution of mechanical system eliminates the speed limitations inherent in ball screws and belts, enabling high-speed scanning while reducing mechanical complexity. The piezoelectric actuator converts electrical signals directly into precise mechanical displacement, achieving both high speed and positional accuracy.
2Productivity
If the probe is moved at high speed, then scanning speed increases, but the ball screw and belt mechanisms cannot maintain accurate positioning and synchronization of ultrasonic signal transmission and reception
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric actuator provides direct digital control of probe position without the mechanical intermediaries that cause positioning errors at high speeds. This enables maintaining accurate positioning even during high-speed scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the probe position and adjust the ultrasonic signal transmission and reception timing accordingly. This feedback loop ensures synchronized operation and maintains measurement precision despite high-speed movement, as the system can dynamically compensate for position changes.
3Reliability
If traditional driving mechanisms are used, then the system structure is relatively simple, but high-speed scanning is not possible and 3D ultrasonic image generation is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric actuator enables both high-speed scanning and accurate image generation by providing precise, controllable probe movement. This resolves the contradiction between reliability and productivity by replacing the limiting mechanical system with a more advanced actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the piezoelectric actuator to adapt to different scanning requirements. The system can dynamically adjust scanning speed, position, and ultrasonic signal parameters to optimize both image quality and scanning efficiency, achieving high reliability without sacrificing productivity.
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 high-speed scanning and rapid generation of accurate 3D ultrasonic images by stabilizing the reference point for motion control, reducing noise and distortion in image information.
Implementation Method 1
a probe including a broadband transducer for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal. In a case where the transducer is electrically stimulated, an ultrasonic signal is generated, and the ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the object. The ultrasonic signal transmitted to the object is reflected from the object and is converted into an electrical signal by the transducer.
Implementation Method 2
converting a one-directional rotational motion of a drive motor into a linear reciprocating motion of an ultrasonic probe connected to the drive motor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a device and a method for generating ultrasonic scan image information, which can convert a rotatory motion of a motor into a linear reciprocating motion of an ultrasonic probe to allow the ultrasonic probe to scan a subject at high speed, and rapidly generate an accurate three-dimensional ultrasonic image by using a trigger signal. The device for generating ultrasonic scan image information disclosed herein converts a unidirectional rotatory motion of a driving motor into a linear reciprocating motion of a ultrasonic probe connected to the driving motor and two-dimensionally scans a subject by the linear motion of the probe and a vertical motion perpendicular to the linear motion so as to generate an image of the subject. The device may comprise: an ultrasonic irradiation/reception unit for irradiating a subject with ultrasonic waves through a probe and receiving a reflection signal of the irradiated ultrasonic waves through the probe; a signal conversion unit for receiving the reflection signal and converting the reflection signal into a digital image signal; a main control unit for receiving the digital image signal and generating ultrasonic image information about the subject; and a trigger control unit for generating a trigger signal on the basis of motion information of the probe, wherein the ultrasonic image information is generated in synchronization with the trigger signal.