Ultrasonic Probe Grooved Middle Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability and cost-effectiveness of ultrasonic probes are compromised due to the brittleness of ceramic piezoelectric vibrators, which restricts grooving and leads to inadequate weighting of sound pressure and receiver sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a middle layer with higher acoustic impedance than the piezoelectric vibrator, featuring grooves that increase in depth and volume towards the end of the layer, allowing for effective weighting without damaging the piezoelectric vibrator, thus enhancing transmission and receiving sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If grooves are shaped in the piezoelectric vibrator to achieve weighting, then sound pressure and receiver sensitivity can be weighted, but the reliability of the piezoelectric vibrator declines due to its brittleness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a middle layer as an intermediary structure between the piezoelectric vibrator and the weighting grooves. The grooves are formed in this middle layer rather than directly in the brittle piezoelectric vibrator, allowing the weighting function to be achieved while protecting the piezoelectric material from mechanical damage. The middle layer serves as a mediator that can be grooved without compromising the integrity of the underlying piezoelectric element.
2Manufacturing precision
If grooves are shaped in the piezoelectric vibrator, then weighting can be achieved, but workability is restricted and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By forming grooves in the middle layer rather than the piezoelectric vibrator, the patent improves workability. The middle layer provides a more suitable substrate for grooving operations, allowing standard manufacturing techniques to be applied without special restrictions. This intermediary approach enables easier manufacturing while maintaining the desired weighting functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If grooves are shaped in the piezoelectric vibrator, then weighting can be achieved, but the piezoelectric vibrator may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The middle layer acts as a protective intermediary that absorbs the mechanical stress of grooving. By confining the groove formation to the middle layer, the piezoelectric vibrator is shielded from direct mechanical damage. The weighting function is achieved through the middle layer's groove structure, which transfers the acoustic impedance modulation effect to the piezoelectric element without requiring direct modification of the fragile material.
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 reduces the risk of damage to the piezoelectric vibrator, improves workability, and achieves low-cost, high-reliability ultrasonic probes with enhanced acoustic field uniformity and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic probe comprises a piezoelectric vibrator that generates ultrasonic waves by oscillating based on the transmitted signals and generates received signals by receiving the reflected waves
Implementation Method 2
This layer is connected to the rear surface of the side opposite to the side receiving and sending ultrasonic waves and comprises a larger acoustic impedance than the piezoelectric vibrator
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of grooves are shaped such that the percentage of the groove capacity to the layer volume is increased in a direction along the center to the end of the rear surface of the piezoelectric vibrator
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic probe including a piezoelectric vibrator and a layer, wherein the piezoelectric vibrator transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The layer is connected to a rear surface of a side opposite a side receiving and sending ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric vibrator and has an acoustic impedance and Young's modulus larger than that of the piezoelectric vibrator, and includes a plurality of grooves arranged such that the rear surface of the piezoelectric vibrator faces the grooves opening, wherein the plurality of grooves are shaped such that groove capacity occupying the layer volume is increased in a direction along a center to an end of the rear surface of the piezoelectric vibrator.