Ultrasonic Transducer Coupling Detection via Frequency Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic surgical devices are rendered inoperable when the ultrasonic transducer is not mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic probe, as the transducer cannot generate sufficient mechanical motion at the resonant frequency, necessitating a method to detect and verify the integrity of the mechanical coupling between the two components.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic surgical device includes a power source, an ultrasonic transducer, a sensor, and a controller that performs frequency response analysis to calculate resonant and anti-resonant frequencies, determining mechanical coupling by comparing coupling coefficients, and provides feedback through visual or audible signals to indicate the presence or absence of the probe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the ultrasonic transducer is not mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic probe, then the device structure is simpler and easier to assemble, but the device becomes inoperable as the transducer cannot generate sufficient mechanical motion at the resonant frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of mechanical coupling between the ultrasonic transducer and probe before allowing operation. The controller measures electrical parameters (impedance, resonant frequency) to verify proper coupling has been achieved, preventing operation in an inoperable state while maintaining simple assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors electrical parameters during operation to provide feedback on the mechanical coupling status. By measuring changes in resonant frequency and impedance, the controller can detect coupling status and alert the user or prevent operation when coupling is improper, ensuring operational reliability without complicating the assembly process
2Ease of operation
If the ultrasonic transducer is not mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic probe, then fewer components are required and the device is easier to operate, but the device cannot deliver desired therapeutic effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of mechanical coupling before allowing the device to be used for therapy. The controller measures electrical parameters to confirm proper coupling, ensuring the device can deliver therapeutic effects before operation begins, while maintaining simple operation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback on coupling status through electrical parameter monitoring. The controller detects changes in resonant frequency and impedance that indicate proper mechanical coupling, enabling the system to ensure therapeutic effectiveness while keeping the operation process simple and intuitive
3Measurement precision
If frequency response analysis is performed to detect mechanical coupling, then the accuracy of coupling detection is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct mechanical sensing of coupling with electrical parameter measurement. By measuring changes in electrical impedance and resonant frequency of the transducer, the system accurately detects mechanical coupling status without requiring complex mechanical sensors or actuators in the detection path
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects mechanical coupling by monitoring changes in electrical parameters (impedance, resonant frequency) of the transducer. When the probe is mechanically coupled to the transducer, the electrical characteristics change in predictable ways that the controller can measure and interpret, providing accurate detection through parameter changes rather than complex mechanical measurement systems
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
Ensures the ultrasonic surgical device operates effectively by verifying the mechanical coupling between the ultrasonic probe and transducer, ensuring optimal ultrasonic motion delivery for tissue treatment.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer electrically coupled to the power source and configured to generate ultrasonic motion in response to the generated power
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to sense current of the generated power supplied to the ultrasonic transducer
Implementation Method 3
perform a frequency response analysis based on the sensed current, calculate a first resonant frequency and a first anti-resonant frequency of the transducer
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic surgical device includes a power source configured to generate power, an ultrasonic transducer electrically coupled to the power source and generating ultrasonic motion in response to the generated power, a sensor sensing current of the generated power supplied to the ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic probe mechanically couplable to the ultrasonic transducer, and a controller that receive a sensed current from the sensor, performs a frequency response analysis based on the sensed current, calculates a first resonant frequency and a first anti-resonant frequency of the transducer prior to coupling the ultrasonic probe based on the frequency response analysis, calculates a second resonant and second anti-resonant frequencies of the transducer based on the frequency response analysis prior to determining coupling to the ultrasonic transducer, and determines whether the ultrasonic probe is mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer based on the first and second resonant and anti-resonant frequencies.