Ultrasonic Probe Fixing Frame for Acoustic Matching Layer Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic devices face challenges in accurately forming an acoustic matching layer with a specific thickness, especially when using resin, which affects the efficient transmission and reception of ultrasound.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic device incorporates a fixing frame with protruding portions that allow the acoustic matching layer to penetrate, enabling precise adjustment of its thickness by contacting the frame and acoustic lens, thus securing the ultrasonic element array substrate and acoustic lens with a resin-based adhesive, ensuring efficient ultrasound transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the acoustic matching layer is formed using resin, then the ultrasound transmission and reception efficiency is improved, but the thickness control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A resin layer is introduced as an intermediary between the acoustic lens and the ultrasonic transducer. This resin layer serves dual purposes: it acts as an acoustic matching layer to improve ultrasound transmission efficiency while its thickness is precisely controlled through the mechanical structure of the acoustic lens mounting, resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and thickness precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical thickness control mechanisms with a simpler approach where the acoustic lens itself serves as a mechanical stop that defines the thickness of the resin acoustic matching layer. The inner peripheral surface of the acoustic lens contacts the outer peripheral surface of the ultrasonic transducer, automatically determining the resin layer thickness without requiring separate mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the acoustic matching layer thickness is increased, then the ultrasound transmission efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the acoustic matching layer with the acoustic lens mounting structure. The resin layer is positioned between the acoustic lens and ultrasonic transducer, and its thickness is controlled by the contact between the acoustic lens inner peripheral surface and the ultrasonic transducer outer peripheral surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate thickness control mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining transmission efficiency.
3Device complexity
If the acoustic matching layer is made thinner, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ultrasound transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resin layer serves as an acoustic intermediary with optimized thickness controlled by the acoustic lens geometry. This ensures sufficient acoustic matching for efficient ultrasound transmission while keeping the overall structure simple and integrated into the existing lens mounting design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the resin layer thickness parameter through the design of the acoustic lens inner peripheral surface geometry. By carefully selecting the contact interface between the acoustic lens and ultrasonic transducer, the resin layer achieves an optimal thickness that balances transmission efficiency with structural simplicity.
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 allows for accurate setting of the acoustic matching layer thickness, enhancing the efficiency of ultrasound transmission and reception while improving impact resistance and maintaining high accuracy, even under conditions like dropping.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic matching layer provided between the acoustic lens and the ultrasonic transducers
Implementation Method 2
the acoustic matching layer is formed to have a specific thickness, in order to prevent the ultrasound from being reflected by an interface through which the ultrasound passes
Implementation Method 3
an acoustic lens that focuses the ultrasound
Implementation Method 4
an acoustic lens provided on a first face side of the substrate via an acoustic matching layer
Implementation Method 5
ultrasonic elements that transmit and receive ultrasound
Implementation Method 6
ultrasonic elements that transmit and receive ultrasound
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic device includes a substrate having an ultrasonic element arranged on a first face of the substrate, an acoustic lens provided on a first face side of the substrate via an acoustic matching layer, and a frame having a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion. The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion being disposed between the substrate and the acoustic lens. The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion protrude toward each other in a direction generally along the first face of the substrate. The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are separated by a perforated portion therebetween through which the acoustic matching layer penetrates. The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are connected to the substrate and in contact with the acoustic lens.