Ultrasonic Probe Vibrator Array with Parallel Piezoelectric Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic probes face challenges in achieving wideband frequency characteristics and high sensitivity for harmonic imaging, leading to potential shearing stress and cracking due to the use of non-piezoelectric materials in composite piezoelectric layers.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic probe design featuring a vibrator array with piezoelectric materials arranged in parallel between electrodes, each having different frequency constants, and including acoustic matching layers and a backing material to enhance sensitivity across a wider frequency band without compromising piezoelectric material operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If non-piezoelectric material part is used in composite piezoelectric material, then sensitivity to high frequencies becomes higher, but shearing stress may be generated between the non-piezoelectric material part and the piezoelectric layer causing cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter by using piezoelectric materials with different frequency constants (N33) in parallel arrangement. This allows the vibrator to respond to a broader frequency range while maintaining structural integrity, as all components are made of piezoelectric materials that expand and contract uniformly when electric field is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple piezoelectric materials with different frequency constants arranged in parallel between electrodes. This composite approach achieves wideband frequency characteristics while avoiding the use of non-piezoelectric materials that cause shearing stress and cracking.
2Measurement precision
If wider bandwidth is achieved for harmonic imaging, then imaging quality improves, but frequency characteristics of vibrator must be broadened which complicates the design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves wideband frequency characteristics by selecting piezoelectric materials with different frequency constants (N33 values) rather than changing the basic vibrator structure. This parameter-based approach broadens the frequency response while keeping the vibrator structure relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple piezoelectric materials with different frequency characteristics in a parallel arrangement within the same vibrator. This merging of materials with complementary frequency responses achieves wideband operation without requiring multiple separate vibrators or complex structural modifications.
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 design achieves a wideband and high-sensitive ultrasonic probe adaptable to harmonic imaging, improving frequency bandwidth and reducing the risk of shearing stress, thereby enhancing imaging quality and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
When a voltage is applied to the electrodes of the vibrator, the piezoelectric material expands and contracts to generate ultrasonic waves.
Implementation Method 2
the vibrator receives the propagating ultrasonic waves, and expands and contracts to generate an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
A wideband and high sensitive ultrasonic probe adaptable to harmonic imaging by improving the sensitivity of vibrators in a wider frequency band without hindering the operation of piezoelectric materials. The ultrasonic probe includes: a vibrator array including plural vibrators for transmitting and/or receiving ultrasonic waves, each of the plural vibrators including plural piezoelectric materials arranged in parallel between a first electrode and a second electrode and having different frequency constants from one another; at least one acoustic matching layer provided on a first surface of the vibrator array; and a backing material provided on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the vibrator array.