Ultrasonic Transducer Controller Heat Dissipation via Thermal Inserts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic diagnostic instruments face challenges in heat dissipation due to increased heat generation from smaller and higher-performance transducers, which can lead to image distortion and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

The ultrasonic diagnostic instrument incorporates a controller with semiconductor elements and a second acoustic absorption layer with thermally conductive inserts, enhancing heat radiation efficiency and durability by increasing the surface area for heat dissipation and protecting the controller from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If smaller and higher-performance transducers are used, then image quality and diagnostic capability are improved, but heat generation increases causing image distortion and reduced durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from the traditional acoustic absorption layer by introducing a separate radiator component with high thermal conductivity material. This radiator is positioned between the controller and the external environment to specifically handle heat removal without interfering with the acoustic absorption function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a thermal management dimension to the existing acoustic module design by incorporating a radiator with extended surface area structures. This creates an additional heat dissipation pathway that operates independently from the acoustic wave propagation dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If heat dissipation is enhanced through increased radiator surface area, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidpackaging structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the radiator with the existing acoustic absorption layer and controller packaging structure. The radiator is integrated into the housing or mounting structure of the controller, allowing heat dissipation functionality to be combined with structural and acoustic management functions in a unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The radiator structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a heat dissipation component, provides structural support for the controller, and may contribute to the overall acoustic management of the module. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively manages heat dissipation, preventing image distortion and enhancing the durability of the ultrasonic diagnostic instrument, ensuring efficient operation and prolonged device lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a second acoustic absorption layer with thermally conductive inserts, enhancing heat radiation efficiency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a transducer to implement inter-conversion between an electrical signal and an acoustic signal via vibration of a piezoelectric material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

an acoustic absorption layer to prevent the ultrasonic waves from moving rearward of the transducer to prevent image distortion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP2881937B1Ultrasonic diagnostic instrument and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 SAMSUNG MEDISON CO LTD
  • EP2881937B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2881937B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2881937B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

Disclosed are an ultrasonic diagnostic instrument and a manufacturing method thereof. The ultrasonic diagnostic instrument includes a matching layer, at least one transducer provided at a lower surface of the matching layer to generate ultrasonic waves,a first acoustic absorption layer provided at a lower surface of the transducer to transmit an ultrasonic wave generation signal to the transducer, a controller provided at a lower surface of the first acoustic absorption layer to control operation of the transducer, the controller having a recess formed in a lower surface thereof, and a second acoustic absorption layer provided at a lower surface of the controller and having an insert formed at an upper surface thereof, the insert corresponding to the recess of the controller.