Ultrasonic Transducer with Movable Platform for Variable Focusing Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic medical devices have fixed transducer locations, limiting the ability to adjust the focusing depth of ultrasonic waves according to the skin portion being treated, necessitating multiple cartridges for different skin areas.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic medical instrument with a detachable cartridge containing a piezoelectric motor-driven ultrasonic wave generating unit that can move horizontally and adjust focusing depths by reciprocating in both axial directions, allowing for variable focusing depths without altering the internal volume of the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed transducer location is used in conventional ultrasonic devices, then the device structure is simple, but the focusing depth cannot be adjusted according to different skin portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability of the transducer position along the axial direction of the cartridge. The transducer is mounted on a movable platform that can be positioned at different locations, allowing the focusing depth of ultrasonic waves to be adjusted according to different treatment areas. This dynamic configuration enables a single cartridge to replace multiple fixed-focus cartridges, improving adaptability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cartridges with different focusing depths are provided, then the adaptability to different skin portions is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cartridge design where a single cartridge can perform multiple functions by adjusting the transducer position along the axial direction. The movable platform mechanism allows the same cartridge to treat different skin portions (face, body, etc.) with varying focusing depths, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cartridges. This multi-functionality reduces the quantity of cartridges needed while maintaining full adaptability across different treatment areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transducer position is made adjustable in the axial direction, then the focusing depth can be varied, but the internal volume arrangement of the cartridge becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cartridge into distinct functional modules: a transducer mounting platform, a movement mechanism, and a driving mechanism. The platform is detachably mounted to the movement mechanism, which in turn connects to the driving mechanism. This segmented modular design allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies the overall internal volume arrangement, as each module can be designed and positioned separately within the cartridge housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the transducer is mounted on the platform, which is positioned within the cartridge housing. The movement mechanism is disposed within the cartridge and connects to both the platform and the driving mechanism. This nested configuration allows compact packaging of multiple functional elements within the limited cartridge volume, minimizing space requirements while maintaining full adjustability of the transducer position.
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
Enables precise adjustment of ultrasonic wave focusing depths in the skin, improving treatment efficacy by allowing the ultrasonic waves to be directed to specific areas without the need for multiple cartridges, while maintaining a simple cartridge structure and avoiding interference with internal components.
Implementation Method 1
the second movement unit includes a piezoelectric motor driven based on an electrical signal by a power source
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic wave generating unit coupled to the second movable body, and that generates high-intensity focused ultrasound having a specific focusing distance
Implementation Method 3
high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) that is obtained by focusing ultrasonic waves at high intensity cause a rapid rise in temperature in a surgical portion by concentrating energy on a noninvasively selected portion
Implementation Method 4
focusing ultrasonic waves at high intensity cause a rapid rise in temperature in a surgical portion by concentrating energy on a noninvasively selected portion while not damaging a surface of the skin
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the inventive concept provide an ultrasonic medical instrument moving horizontally by adjusting a depth wise location of an ultrasonic wave generating unit while not influencing an internal volume of a cartridge and variously setting focusing depths of ultrasonic waves in skin.