Ultrasonic Probe Pulsating Heat Pipe Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic probes face increased heat generation issues due to the vibration of transducer elements, leading to potential skin tissue damage and performance degradation, especially in 2D array probes with multiple elements, necessitating an efficient heat radiation solution.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a pulsating heat pipe within the ultrasonic probe's backing layer to absorb and transfer heat generated by the transducer array to a heat radiation unit for external emission, utilizing a working fluid that is heated, transported through an insulating unit, and cooled before being radiated by a metal heat radiation unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transducer array with multiple elements is used to generate ultrasonic waves, then the imaging capability and coverage are improved, but the heat generation increases exponentially causing skin tissue damage and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat management function from the traditional backing layer by inserting a pulsating heat pipe into the backing layer. The heat pipe separately handles heat dissipation while the backing layer maintains its acoustic absorption function, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining imaging capability and reducing harmful heat effects on skin tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulsating heat pipe acts as an intermediary between the heat-generating transducer array and the skin tissue. It absorbs excess heat from the transducer elements through its working fluid and transfers it to the heat radiation unit, preventing direct heat transfer to the skin while preserving the transducer's imaging function.
2Reliability
If the transducer array vibrates to generate ultrasonic waves, then the ultrasonic imaging function is achieved, but heat is generated during vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the acoustic absorption function of the backing layer with the heat dissipation function of the pulsating heat pipe within the same structural space. The heat pipe is inserted into the backing layer, allowing both functions to coexist and work simultaneously, maintaining reliable ultrasonic imaging while managing temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulsating heat pipe utilizes phase transitions of its working fluid (liquid to vapor and back) to efficiently transfer heat away from the transducer array. The phase change process occurs within the heat pipe structure embedded in the backing layer, enabling effective temperature control during ultrasonic operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a heat radiation means is added to manage heat, then heat dissipation is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsating heat pipe serves multiple functions: it acts as both a thermal management device and a structural component within the probe assembly. By integrating the heat pipe into the backing layer structure, the design achieves efficient heat dissipation without adding separate, complex heat radiation components, thus maintaining 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
The pulsating heat pipe effectively manages heat dissipation, preventing skin tissue damage and maintaining probe performance by efficiently transferring and radiating heat away from the transducer array, thus ensuring accurate ultrasonic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a pulsating heat pipe that absorbs heat generated in the transducer array
Implementation Method 2
a heating unit that is inserted into the backing layer so that a working fluid is heated by the heat generated in the transducer array
Implementation Method 3
a heat insulating unit through which the heated working fluid is transported
Implementation Method 4
a cooling unit that contacts the heat radiation unit so that the working fluid transported through the heat insulating unit is cooled
Implementation Method 5
a heat radiation unit that receives the heat from the pulsating heat pipe to emit the received heat to the outside
Implementation Method 6
The heat radiation unit may be made of a metal material so as to absorb heat from the pulsating heat pipe
Implementation Method 7
a transducer element that is vibrated to generate ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 8
The transducer may be vibrated by receiving a supply of current, thereby generating ultrasonic waves
Data Source
AI summary
The ultrasonic probe includes a transducer array that generates ultrasonic waves, a backing layer that is provided on a rear surface of the transducer array, a pulsating heat pipe that absorbs heat generated in the transducer array, and a heat radiation unit that receives the heat from the pulsating heat pipe to emit the received heat to the outside.