Ultrasonic Probe FPCB Layout for Compact Rotating Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of channels in ultrasonic probes necessitates more space for signal connectors, leading to challenges in space utilization and reduced durability due to the difficulty in distributing loads caused by the rotation of the transducer array.
Innovation Solution
The flexible printed circuit board is designed with overlapping and wound connection parts around the rotation shaft, allowing for efficient space utilization and improved load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of channels in the ultrasonic probe is increased, then the imaging capability and data acquisition are improved, but the area of the signal connector increases, leading to poor space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board is folded and overlapped in a nested configuration, with multiple layers containing signal lines embedded within each other. This nesting approach allows numerous signal channels to be contained within a compact area, resolving the contradiction between increasing channel quantity and maintaining compact connector area.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal connector transitions from a planar two-dimensional layout to a three-dimensional folded structure. By utilizing the third dimension (folding the FPCB at angles), the patent achieves high channel density while maintaining a small footprint area, effectively resolving the space utilization problem.
2Reliability
If a rigid signal connector is used to connect the transducer array, then the electrical connection is stable, but the connector cannot withstand the load caused by rotation of the transducer array
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid connector structures with a flexible printed circuit board that can bend and deform. This flexible membrane structure maintains reliable electrical connections through its continuous conductive traces while simultaneously withstanding rotational loads through elastic deformation, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and load resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal connector transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape during rotation. The FPCB dynamically changes its configuration to accommodate rotational movements while maintaining electrical connectivity, resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.
3Area of stationary object
If the signal connector area is reduced to improve space utilization, then the space efficiency is improved, but the load distribution capability during rotation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board employs non-uniform thickness and varying material properties in different regions. The FPCB is designed with localized reinforcement and optimized trace routing to ensure that load distribution capability is maintained even in the folded compact configuration, resolving the contradiction between reduced area and load distribution reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Disclosed is an ultrasonic probe including a transducer array connected to a rotation shaft, a motor provided to rotate the transducer array around the rotation shaft, a printed circuit board provided to output a driving signal for driving the transducer array, and a flexible printed circuit board electrically connected to the printed circuit board to transmit the driving signal to the transducer array, wherein the flexible printed circuit board includes an array terminal electrically connected to the transducer array, a first terminal electrically connected to one portion of the printed circuit board, a first connection part connecting the array terminal and the first terminal, a second terminal electrically connected to the other portion of the printed circuit board, and a second connection part connecting the array terminal and the second terminal, and wherein the first connection part and the second connection part are overlapped with each other and wound around the rotation shaft.