Ultrasonic Probe Angle Detection via Acoustic Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic imaging systems face inaccuracies in determining the angular orientation of movable elements during minimally invasive procedures, particularly due to gravitational forces, temperature changes, and stress on catheters, which can affect the relationship between imaging angle and rotational speed, and often require complex components and energy sources.
Innovation Solution
An imaging probe with multiple ultrasonic transducers connected to a common electrical channel, where an angle-sensing transducer determines the direction of the ultrasonic imaging beam by reflecting it off an acoustically reflective substrate, allowing for precise detection of changes in the imaging beam's direction without the need for additional complex components or energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex angle detection mechanisms (capacitive, resistive, electromagnetic, inductive, strain gauge) are used to determine angular orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electromechanical angle detection mechanisms with an ultrasonic-based detection system. An ultrasonic transducer emits acoustic waves that reflect off a movable element (such as a mirror or beam director), and the time-of-flight or phase shift of the reflected waves provides angular orientation information, eliminating the need for capacitive, resistive, electromagnetic, or strain gauge-based mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ultrasonic wave as an intermediary to detect angular orientation. The ultrasonic transducer and the movable element act as intermediaries between the imaging system and the angle detection function, allowing indirect measurement of angular position through acoustic wave reflection without direct mechanical contact or complex sensing components
2Measurement precision
If additional energy sources and complex components are added to improve angle detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic detection system consumes less energy compared to electromagnetic or capacitive sensing systems. The ultrasonic transducer uses acoustic energy at low power levels to detect angular orientation, replacing high-energy electromagnetic fields or continuous power-consuming electronic sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic transducer operates in pulsed mode, emitting periodic ultrasonic waves rather than continuous energy. This periodic action allows the system to detect angular orientation with intermittent energy input, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining measurement precision
3Reliability
If gravitational forces, temperature changes, and stress on catheter are present, then reliability of angular orientation detection deteriorates due to changes in the relationship between imaging angle and rotational speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotational speed-based angle detection with ultrasonic time-of-flight or phase-shift measurement. This substitution eliminates the direct relationship between rotational speed and imaging angle that is susceptible to gravitational and temperature effects, as the ultrasonic measurement directly tracks the position of the movable element regardless of how it achieved that position
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic detection system provides continuous feedback on the actual angular position of the movable element. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for any drift or changes caused by gravitational forces, temperature variations, or catheter stress by continuously measuring and adjusting based on the reflected ultrasonic wave characteristics
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
This solution provides accurate and efficient angular orientation detection, minimizing inaccuracies and complexity, enabling precise control of the imaging beam direction within minimally invasive imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the angle sensing ultrasonic transducer is configured to direct an angle sensing ultrasonic beam towards an acoustically reflective substrate and provide an angle detection signal by detecting a reflected ultrasonic beam reflected from the acoustically reflective substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for electrically addressing multiple ultrasonic transducers that are connected to a common electrical channel and housed within an imaging probe. An imaging probe may comprise an imaging ultrasonic transducer and a moveable element for controlling the direction of an emitted imaging beam, and an angle sensing ultrasonic transducer, where the angle sensing ultrasonic transducer is configured for determining the direction of an ultrasonic imaging beam. The angle-sensing transducer may be configured to direct an angle sensing ultrasonic beam towards an acoustically reflective substrate and provide a signal by detecting a reflected ultrasonic beam reflected from the acoustically reflective substrate, where the acoustically reflective substrate is positioned relative to the movable element such that motion of the movable element produces a change in the signal.