Ultrasonic Sensor Array for Guide Wire Cross Talk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic sensor arrays for guide wires face challenges such as signal reception delay, mechanical cross talk, electrical cross talk, and signal reflection, which degrade image definition during procedures like coronary artery interventions, especially in chronic total occlusions.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic sensor array design features a shared second electrode plate and strategically cut first electrode plates to prevent position gaps and mechanical cross talk, along with a constant-voltage wiring system to minimize electrical cross talk, and an end terminal resistance circuit to mitigate signal reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate ultrasonic sensor elements are used to form an array, then the sensor array can compensate for small opening width and improve resolution, but position gaps are generated between sensor elements causing signal reception delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode structures of multiple ultrasonic sensor elements into a single integrated substrate. The first electrode plates are separated for each sensor element, while the second electrode plate is shared across all elements, eliminating position gaps and ensuring simultaneous signal reception across the array.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate ultrasonic sensor elements are used, then high-frequency sensing is enabled, but mechanical cross talk occurs between adjacent sensors degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates mechanical cross talk by introducing acoustic absorbing material between adjacent ultrasonic sensor elements. This material absorbs mechanical vibrations and prevents them from propagating to neighboring sensors, thereby eliminating harmful mechanical cross talk while preserving sensor functionality.
3Length of moving object
If multiple signal lines are arranged close together in the guide wire, then the device fits within small diameter constraints, but electrical cross talk occurs between signal lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating layer as an intermediary between adjacent signal lines. This insulating layer electrically isolates the signal lines while allowing them to be arranged close together within the guide wire diameter constraints, preventing electrical cross talk through the insulating barrier.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If ultrasonic sensor elements are positioned at the distal end of the guide wire, then imaging capability is achieved, but signal reflection occurs at the distal end affecting signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful signal reflection at the distal end into a beneficial effect by introducing a matching load circuit. This circuit presents an impedance match that absorbs the reflected signal energy, converting the harmful reflection into useful signal absorption and improving overall signal quality for imaging.
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 enhances image definition by reducing signal delays, mechanical cross talk, and electrical interference, allowing for high-definition imaging within the blood vessel, even in challenging occlusions.
Implementation Method 1
each of the ultrasonic sensors has a piezoelectric element, and a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate placed so as to sandwich the piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
monitoring information of hardness of the lesion site or blood flow from the echo information thus obtained
Data Source
AI summary
A medical ultrasonic sensor array includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors having a plurality of first electrode plates, a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and a second electrode plate. Each of the ultrasonic sensors has a first electrode plate and a piezoelectric element sandwiched between the second electrode plate and the first electrode plate. Each first electrode plate of each ultrasonic sensor is separated from each other first electrode plate of each other ultrasonic sensor. The second electrode plate is a single body electrode plate shared by the plurality of the ultrasonic sensors. The second electrode plate includes a plurality of cavities, each cavity being formed in a surface of the second electrode plate at which the piezoelectric elements connect to the second electrode plate at a position between connection regions connecting a respective pair of the piezoelectric elements to the second electrode plate.