Ultrasonic Probe Phase Shift Temperature Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in safely monitoring the temperature of the object contact portion during ultrasonic wave transmission, as existing techniques require additional sensors that complicate manufacturing and do not provide direct temporal and spatial temperature monitoring, failing to address abnormal heat generation effectively.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus employs a phase shift transmission/reception control method that estimates the temperature of the acoustic matching layer and contact surface by detecting phase shifts in ultrasonic waves, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of ultrasonic wave transmission without the need for external sensors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and ensuring object safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor such as a thermistor is disposed in the ultrasonic probe to detect the temperature of the object contact portion, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to the need for separate signal line extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic probe uses its own transducers to generate ultrasonic waves that serve dual purposes: both for diagnostic imaging and for temperature monitoring. The system measures temperature by detecting phase shifts in the ultrasonic waves reflected from the contact portion, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors and their signal lines. This self-service approach allows the probe to monitor its own operating temperature using existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducers in the ultrasonic probe are made multi-functional by using them for both diagnostic imaging and temperature monitoring. The same transducer array that generates imaging ultrasonic waves also serves as the source for temperature measurement waves. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated temperature sensing components and reduces device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a temperature sensor is disposed in the backing material to monitor temperature, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because the monitored temperature is not the actual object contact portion temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical temperature sensor system with an acoustic measurement system. Instead of using a thermistor that requires physical contact and separate wiring, the system uses ultrasonic wave phase shift measurements to infer temperature. This substitution allows for direct measurement of the contact portion temperature without physical sensor insertion, maintaining both ease of manufacture and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic waves act as an intermediary to measure temperature indirectly through phase shift detection. Rather than placing a physical sensor in the contact portion, the system uses the phase information of reflected ultrasonic waves as a mediator to obtain temperature data. This approach avoids the need for physical sensor placement while achieving accurate contact portion temperature measurement.
3Reliability
If additional sensors are added to the ultrasonic probe for temperature monitoring, then temperature control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic probe performs self-diagnosis for temperature monitoring using its own transducers and signal processing capabilities. The system extracts temperature information from the phase shifts of ultrasonic waves reflected from the contact portion, eliminating the need for external temperature sensors and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors temperature changes by detecting phase shift parameter changes in the ultrasonic waves. Instead of adding sensors, the approach changes the measurement parameter from direct thermal contact to acoustic phase measurement. This parameter change enables temperature monitoring using existing probe components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 approach enables accurate temperature monitoring and control of the contact surface, preventing overheating and reducing manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for additional sensors, thus enhancing the safety and performance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of transducers vibrates to generate ultrasonic waves based on a transmission signal from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of acoustic matching layers which alleviate the acoustic impedance mismatching between the transducers and an object from the transducers to the object contact surface side
Implementation Method 3
detecting a phase shift of an output signal corresponding to the synchronization with respect to a reference signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe (11) has a laminated structure of a non-segmented acoustic matching layer, transducer layer with arrayed transducers, and backing layer. A transmission/reception unit (20) transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from an object via the transducers. A control unit (39) controls the transmission/reception unit (20) to synchronize ultrasonic-wave generation by a specific transducer of the transducers with ultrasonic-wave reception by a different transducer. A phase shift detection unit (27) detects a phase shift between an output signal from the transmission/reception unit (20) and a reference signal, the output signal corresponding to synchronization between the ultrasonic-wave generation and the ultrasonic-wave reception. A temperature estimation unit (29) estimates the temperature of the acoustic matching layer based on the dependence of the phase shift on the temperature of the acoustic matching layer.