Ultrasonic Probe 2D Array Circuit Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ultrasonic diagnostic devices face challenges in minimizing the contact surface area with the subject, which can hinder the efficient transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves due to the arrangement of electronic circuits, leading to increased complexity in wiring and potential difficulties in incident wave entry.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic probe is configured with a 2D array of transducer elements, where each sub-array is arranged to position electronic circuits such as transmission/reception switches, delay circuits, low noise amplifiers, and control circuits efficiently on the back surface, preventing an increase in the contact surface area and simplifying wiring by disabling one transducer element per sub-array, allowing for focused ultrasonic wave incidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electronic circuits are arranged on the back surface of the ultrasonic probe, then wiring complexity is reduced, but the contact surface area with the subject increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions electronic circuits in the elevation direction (depth dimension) rather than only in the lateral direction (surface dimension). By arranging circuits at different depths within the probe body and utilizing the third dimension, the design reduces the lateral footprint and contact surface area while maintaining all necessary electrical connections and signal pathways.
2Measurement precision
If transducer elements are densely arranged in a 2D array, then imaging resolution is improved, but the area occupied by electronic circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The 2D array of transducer elements is divided into multiple sub-arrays, with each sub-array having its own dedicated electronic circuits. This segmentation allows for more efficient space utilization by grouping circuits closer to their corresponding transducer groups, reducing the overall area required for electronic components while maintaining high imaging resolution through the dense 2D arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Electronic circuits are arranged in the elevation direction at different depths within the probe body, utilizing the third dimension to accommodate circuitry without increasing the lateral footprint. This vertical stacking approach allows dense 2D transducer arrays to maintain high resolution while keeping the circuit area compact.
3Ease of operation
If the contact surface area is minimized, then probe invasiveness is reduced, but ultrasonic wave transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe design concentrates electronic circuits in specific localized regions within the probe body rather than distributing them uniformly across the entire surface. This localized arrangement minimizes the contact surface area while ensuring that ultrasonic wave transmission paths remain unobstructed, maintaining transmission efficiency through optimized spatial distribution of functional 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
This configuration ensures efficient ultrasonic wave transmission and reception while preventing an enlarged contact surface, facilitating easier wave entry and reducing wiring complexity, thus enhancing the overall acoustic performance and usability of the ultrasonic diagnostic device.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of transducer elements 20c transmits ultrasonic waves and receives reflected waves
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic matching layer provided to the transducer element
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment includes a group of transducer elements and a plurality of electronic circuits. The group of transducer elements constitutes a main array that is divided into a plurality of sub-arrays, and is two-dimensionally arranged. The electronic circuits are arranged corresponding to the arrangement of the transducer elements constituting the sub-array. At least one of the electronic circuits is a first electronic circuit having a first function. At least one of the electronic circuits is a second electronic circuit having a second function different from the first function.