Ultrasonic Probe Profilometry for Non-Flat Surface Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound probes face challenges in effectively examining objects with non-flat or rough surfaces, as they require complex adjustments in delay laws to focus ultrasound beams accurately, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound probe equipped with a profilometry device that uses a digital image pickup and analysis module to determine the surface profile by analyzing optical blur, allowing for precise control of the ultrasound beam emission based on the surface profile, enabling focused ultrasound beam delivery even on irregular surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex delay law adjustments are used to focus ultrasound beams on non-flat surfaces, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electronic delay law adjustment systems with an optical profilometry system. The profilometer captures surface topography images and generates correction data, substituting the need for complex real-time delay law calculations and adjustments while maintaining ultrasound beam focusing precision on non-flat surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The profilometer performs preliminary surface scanning and profile determination before the ultrasound examination. This advance measurement of surface topography allows pre-calculation of compensation parameters, eliminating the need for complex real-time delay law adjustments during the actual ultrasound imaging process.
2Measurement precision
If manual delay law correction is performed for surface profile variations, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing surface profile data using the integrated profilometer and autonomously calculating the necessary delay law corrections. The operator simply initiates the examination process while the system handles all profile measurement and compensation calculations automatically, eliminating manual intervention requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The profilometer provides continuous feedback about surface topography variations, and the system automatically adjusts delay laws based on this feedback. This closed-loop approach ensures accurate compensation for surface profile variations without requiring manual measurement or adjustment by the operator.
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 solution allows for simple and effective non-destructive examination of objects with non-flat surfaces, providing precise and reliable ultrasound imaging with improved resolution, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing safety in sensitive environments like nuclear reactors.
Implementation Method 1
an image processing module capable of determining the profile of the active area by analyzing the optical blur of the or at least one image
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of emitting elements suitable for emitting ultrasound to emit a focused ultrasound beam in the object
Data Source
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AI summary
The probe comprises a plurality of emitting elements (12) adapted to emit ultrasound to project a focused ultrasonic beam (F) into the object through an active zone (6) of a surface (8) of the object (4), and a profilometry device (20) to determine the profile of said surface of the object and control the emission of the ultrasonic beam according to the determined profile. The profilometry device (20) includes an image acquisition device (22) for acquiring at least one digital image of the active zone and an image processing module (24) adapted to determine the profile of the active zone (6) by analyzing the optical blur of the image(s).