Ultrasonic Transducer Array for Complex Sound Field Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic holography systems are limited in producing complex sound fields due to their reliance on the configuration of the transducer array, which restricts their ability to accurately image the shape and configuration of physical items.
Innovation Solution
The system configures an ultrasonic transducer array with multiple transceiver elements that emit and receive ultrasonic waveforms differentiated by amplitude, frequency, and phase, allowing for the creation of non-homogeneous sound fields independent of the transducer configuration, and processes these waveforms to generate detailed three-dimensional images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing phased-array transducers use planar or simple curved configurations, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to produce complex sound fields and accurately image physical item shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is divided into multiple independently controllable transducer elements, each capable of being individually actuated with different phase shifts. This segmentation allows the system to synthesize complex sound fields by coordinating the individual elements, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the phase of ultrasonic waves from each transducer element based on the geometric characteristics of the physical item being imaged. This dynamic phase control enables the sound field to adapt to complex shapes and configurations, overcoming the limitation of fixed planar or simple curved arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic generators produce only phase shifts between waves from separate emitters, then the system is simple to operate, but the capacity to produce complex wave front forms is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic generator is enhanced to independently control multiple parameters (phase, amplitude, frequency) for each transducer element rather than merely providing phase shifts. This parameter control capability enables the generation of complex wave front forms while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control systems.
3Measurement precision
If traditional ultrasonic systems use fixed transducer configurations, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the imaging accuracy of physical item shape and configuration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the physical item's geometric characteristics before imaging. Based on this preliminary information, the phase and amplitude of ultrasonic waves from each transducer element are pre-calculated and adjusted to optimize imaging accuracy for that specific item configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where received ultrasonic signals are analyzed to determine the actual geometric features of the physical item. This feedback information is then used to adjust the transducer element configurations for improved imaging accuracy in subsequent measurements.
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 the generation of high-definition, three-dimensional ultrasonic images that accurately reflect the shape and configuration of physical items, improving imaging capabilities beyond the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic generator causes an emitter element (transducer) to produce a directed sound field that propagates into a physical item to be tested
Implementation Method 2
reflections of defects within the physical item, for example, are directed at least in part, back to a receiver
Implementation Method 3
at least two of the plurality of ultrasonic waveforms are differentiated from each other through variation of at least one of amplitude, frequency, and phase
Implementation Method 4
The sound field generates electrical impulses within the receiver
Implementation Method 5
Each transceiver element is a piezoelectric transceiver element
Implementation Method 6
The electrical impulses are converted into data, which is processed to create a visual image
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
An ultrasonic holography imaging system (100) and method are provided. The ultrasonic holography imaging system (100) includes an ultrasonic transducer array (102) coupled to an analog processing section (107). The analog processing section (107) is coupled to a digital processing section (106). The digital processing section (106) generates digital signals to be converted by the analog processing section (107) into analog signals that are transmitted to individual transceiver elements within the ultrasonic transducer array (102) to cause separate ones of the individual transceiver elements to emit ultrasonic waveforms that are differentiated from each other by one or more parameters, including amplitude, frequency, and phase or modulation thereof.